It’s nearly four decades since Benjamin Hoff released his bestseller, The Tao of Pooh. The book focused on Taoist life lessons. Taoism is a philosophy with its origins in China. Taoism teaches listeners how to live in harmony with the universe. What Benjamin did was to show that practitioners are not automatically wise women and men from the Far East. Rather, the real master of Tao was Winnie the Pooh.

The Tao of Pooh offers precious life lessons that truly resonate with our new reality. The central character of the book is Winnie the Pooh. Winnie personifies the Taoist belief of non-action or merely being. Other characters, like Piglet, Owl, Tigger, and Eeyore represent the human
predisposition to overcomplicate things in life. Taoism: The word Tao means ‘path’ or ‘way’, and Taoism has its roots in an ancient book written in about the 3rd century BC −Tao Te Ching (The Way and its Power) by
Laozi; although some believe the book was written by different authors. Still, in simple terms, the philosophical tradition which emanated from the book explains how to live life sensibly. It teaches us that change is one
constant in our lives; and that balance does not last for long. More so, we should follow the path that will offer us the least resistance, such as water does, and merely go with the flow.

In the Tao of Pooh this idea of accepting
the flow of life is captured:
“To know the way,
we go the way,
we do the way.
The way we do,
the things we do,
it’s all there in front of you.
But if you try too hard to see it,
you’ll only become confused.
I am me and you are you.
As you can see;
but when you do,
the things that you can do,
you will find the way.
The way will follow you.”

Some life lessons from the Tao of Pooh

The lessons focus on self-reflection and meditation, which are tools used to become your most true self. The result will be a life fulfilled with happiness, fulfillment, and peace.

Pooh’s way

That effortless way of going about life is what Pooh is known for. He does not try to change or control things − instead, he just lets life happen. This is was Taoists call ‘wu wei’, or letting go, and letting be. Don’t confuse this with laziness, rather “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Relax. Slow down

We most often rush through life because we fear that we are wasting time. A lesson from Pooh is that you can’t waste time – time can only be spent. Therefore stop speeding through life, and slow down. Be simple.

Kids screaming? Hubby nagging? Work deadlines backdated? Calls off-the-hook crazy? Helper on leave? Your home a ticking time-bomb, ready to explode from neglect and lack of attention?

Sounds all too familiar, or maybe its time to seriously consider YOU! Yep I’ve said it: when last have you considered yourself amidst the crazy, chaotic demands of life?

Date nights are absolutely recommended. We prioritise our needs by meditating, adding yoga sessions to our schedule. This is all well and good, there is no denying it. Yet, in reality, we are always TIME CONSTRAINED! Date nights are for the two of you who are desperate to de-stress in a tranquil and relaxing evening setting. Set aside time to unwind, catch a movie, eat those oysters you been craving; OR book yourself and your
partner into our spa for drinks, dinner, and decadent treatments. Readjusting and refreshing your body, mind and soul, is an excellent way of listening to your bodies in the need to zen down. Most parents do suffer from the guilt of having to let go and RELAX. Why is this?

Relationships and marriages are hard work. They need focus, commitment, and attention. Dates nights are the answer to the modern-day time-out session. Date nights are particularly beneficial to couples, contributing
immensely to their well-being as partners. Date night is a significant event in which couples can reach out to each other, allowing for some “time stands still”. This is a helpful way of recuperating and sorting out one’s head. A spa date at Mangwanani is a hugely successful event for any couple. We encourage the idea of ‘time out’. The advantage of this is that a moment of deep and meaningful closeness is shared, together with memories
exchanged between partners. The next time you need to exit the craziness of life, and bond with your partner, book a treatment at Mangwanani. You are bound to create a pattern of many such dates in the future.

Couples do enjoy down-time. Men, while possibly initially rejecting the ideology behind dates nights, can discover, in the spa set-up, that date nights become addictive, and their preferred choice amongst many.
Date nights invoke a sense of closeness or bonding between two people. Capturing these moments results in memories being etched on the mind for years to come. Date nights encourage conversation unaccompanied by children screaming, or constantly interrupting the communication. Our retreat will provide the idyllic setting for your needs and comfort. This is a
guilt-free therapy, highly recommended for partners. Consider finding yourselves again, whether by dancing, dining, catching a movie, OR by booking a Mangwanani treat. The CHOICE IS YOURS!

Give Yourself a Head Massage

A head massage can assist to release tension and increase blood flow, which is good for your hair. And you can give yourself a head massage and reap the benefits.

First, find a relaxing spot and place your phone on silent. You can burn burning oil to enhance your experience.

Sit with your back supported, then run your fingertips in a straight motion through your hair from the front to the back. Apply downward pressure, but not too hard. Then in circular motions run your fingertips from front to back. Reverse this motion starting from your crown to hairline. Repeat these circular movements on the sides of your scalp.

To finish up, use your thumbs and fingertips to gently massage in circles behind your ear, then around the ear, and pay special attention to your ear lobes. You can also do this massage using oil.