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exploring physical and mental landscapes
flashback – one month exploring in The empty quarter desert on the arabian peninsula with a handful of strangers walking 800kms in Oman. to say you had to look in the mirror doesn’t begin to scratch the surface. no home comforts, no family, stripped bare.
one reflection of a night in the desert
My favourite picture. An evening in the desert spilling my soul to a camera, an innate object, that listened with zero judgment or retort. a safe place for exploring my mind.
I don’t recall the exact day this was filmed. But I felt I was falling apart and didn’t know which way to turn. The only thing I could do was put one foot in front of the other. An environment so harsh one might perish if not prepared. Yet the beauty in that great empty expanse was unsurpassable.
The struggle wasn’t the desert. It was the landscape of my mind; past and present conflicts, experiences, injury, relationships. And the purpose of my very existence.
The exploring and questioning of self has given a greater capacity for compassion and empathy for others. And that has offered a huge amount of satisfaction.
Further reading, watching and information
Watch the film – cinematographer Matt Millan, sponsor land rover
the sas major – the catalyst for it all.
the long road to the desert. – all articles here in the lead up to the expedition.
Visit Oman
How to plan and prepare for a month exploring the desert coming soon. Sign up for the latest.
