Like a Moth to a Flame! Mysteries of Attraction and Connection

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“Attraction is beyond our will or ideas sometimes.” — Juliette Binoche

What is the Attraction?

What is the attraction? Is a person is attractive and hence they attract, and then the object of that a attraction is attracted back? Or is it that a person goes innocently along and bumps into someone, and BOOM! Attraction! Or is it a combination of both things?

The First Encounter

When two people first lay eyes on each other, what happens? Do their souls reach out and touch?   Is it the eyes that simultaneously see and mutually like, propelling them towards each other? What about scents and pheromones, that mix in the wind and begin a dance or romance between two? What do they have to do with attraction?

Feeling Like Old Friends

How do two people meet for the first time, and feel they have known each other for a lifetime?  The coincidences that couples realize as they begin to know each others likes and dislikes in sync. Beginning a dance of life as though they were always lifelong partners, yet the relationship is new?

How do hearts, minds, and souls of strangers intermingle as though they are continuing a romance of time past? How do couples sing perfect duets without hesitation or doubt as though they’ve practiced, and have only just met?

The Universal Pull

The world shows many signs of attraction; gravitational pull—a law of the universe we accept as fact. The way a flower leans out and up towards the gentle warming rays of the sun.  How we are pulled towards a colour or sound or image with no real explanation why we are thus drawn.

The way a moth is drawn to a flame, the closer it gets, the more detrimental the effects. Singed wings and sometimes even death. There is a force that pulls us in a certain direction, even when that direction may prove hazardous to us.

Unreciprocated Attraction

How do we reconcile attraction that makes us feel so strongly about a person.  Even one who does not reciprocate our feelings.  Worse still, they once did but dpn’t anymore?  What makes a woman attractive to one or several men, yet to another man, she is not appealing or attractive?

In my own experience, I have had men attracted to me whom I felt nothing for.  I have also been attracted to men, to whom I could have been a lump on a log.

The Fizzling Flame

How is it two people have an attraction for each other, mutual, volatile, and exciting!  Within no time, the flames have waned completely, and the cinders left could not fuel a new fire . What happens then? Maybe this attraction is of the body and not the mind? Lust?  Once that attraction is sated, there is nothing left to hold on to.  In this case, attraction is a means to an end, once the “end” is accomplished, the means (attraction) no longer exists. 

Embracing Attraction

I am probably overthinking this whole thing.   Attraction should be enjoyed or lamented as needed without a whole lot of dissection. I love to be attracted; it makes me feel vibrant and alive!  When it is not reciprocated or the intentions are not the same, it can leave me feeling wretched, like a moth singed by the flames!

I think that we are attractive and attracted beings. We should live life embracing attraction, if it comes our way, till we find a kindred spirit. One who resonates with our souls. Then we hold on and dance until the music stops. If it ends or changes, as attraction inevitably does, we reflect.  We cherish the memories it brought, appreciate the lessons learned, and find gratitude in the opportunity given us.

We sort out our memories and archive them into what to repeat, and what to avoid the next time.   As the Earth rotates on its axis and there is gravitational pull, attraction will always be a part of our lives. It will always return to us, giving us another chance.

The question is: Are we ready and willing for attraction, when it comes back around? Are we ready to embrace it, own it? Always moving towards it like a moth to a flame? Even when it singes our wings. I know I am! Be brave and embrace attraction; it is a part of who we are and what makes life worth living!

The journey begins

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Discovering Lamu: Discovering myself!

The only journey is the one within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

The Arrival of Inspiring Guests

A few years ago, I had the privilege of hosting some incredible guests at Kipungani Explorer in Lamu. They had come to experience the annual Lamu Cultural Festival, bringing with them not just anticipation but also a promise of a brighter future for both Lamu and Kipungani Explorer. Their visit was a testament to the fact that our destination was not only safe but uniquely enchanting—a place waiting to be discovered by all.

Their presence was more than a visit; it was a gift of inspiration that ignited my desire to embark on this journey. My final push came in the form of three men and a young woman. They arrived with the intention to explore, document, and experience, but they also unknowingly imparted a vital lesson. Despite their physical youth, it was their spiritual and experiential vitality that truly resonated.

The Power of Social Media

Upon their arrival, the ritual began—quick snapshots, brief notes, and sharing of moments. As they stepped into Kipungani Explorer, they continued this ritual. Within moments, their experiences were being shared across the globe, reaching as far away as Australia. This simple act of sharing images and updates brought Kipungani Explorer to life for people everywhere, if only for a brief moment. I envisioned someone far from the warmth of Lamu feeling a little warmer just from seeing a beautiful beach.

The reaction was extraordinary. Questions poured in: “Where is this place?” “How can I get there?” “How do I book?” Instantly, Kipungani Explorer, Lamu, and Kenya were being marketed to anyone with internet access, thanks to these mobile advocates. The power of real-time social media was undeniable—sharing, educating, and engaging on a global scale.

A Newfound Passion for Photography

I was captivated and saw firsthand the impact of social media and wanted to be part of it. I had been observing from the sidelines, hesitant to dive in, but this was my opportunity. As a host, my role was to facilitate, not interrogate, so I watched in awe. Each guest had their own agenda and message, and all I needed to do was participate and learn. They were willing teachers in their own right.

Watching them interact with Kipungani Explorer was a revelation. Their cameras, lenses, and perspectives created a harmonious symphony of photography. It was like a well-choreographed dance, despite the fact they had never worked together before. Their passion for their craft was evident, and it made their work seem both purposeful and elegant.

Reconnecting with Lamu

This experience deepened my connection with Lamu and Kipungani Explorer. I found joy in sharing my beloved destination with them, knowing they would appreciate it fully while passing it on for others to enjoy. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a renewed love for Lamu through their eyes.

Gratitude and Growth

As we shared and celebrated, I found myself falling in love with Lamu all over again. By sharing my “little piece of heaven,” as one of my teachers described it, I received so much more in return. Thank you, my new friends. Meeting and spending time with you has truly made me a better person.


Want to see more? Watch my video about this experience on my YouTube channel, Thandi’s Haven