In truth we are indivisible, as it both defines and moulds us like a wild sculptress.
It is true that many people of Western sensibility lead nature disconnected existences within their beguilingly lit urban sprawls.
Yet, there are still pockets of people who lead a deeply participative life with our planet. These are the true spiritual ecologists, walking lightly over the earth, taking only what they need and that mainly from the ground itself.
A common feature of these earth centered souls is their innate desire to share all that they have.
The magnificent Berber people are no exception as they extend the most cordial of welcomes.
Invited into this traditional home; built with wisdom, respect and an eye for beauty, one is transported deeply into the perfumed and exotic Arabian Nights.
Sight, sound, smell; all the senses are activated as the modern world is left far behind.
Bread is made and with a dextrous skill that defies the eye is quickly shaped and cooked to perfection in the earthen oven. From nowhere, a tagine is conjured up and the feast begins.
Sitting and eating the wonderful food in companionable bliss with my generous hosts, one is reminded of the contingent state of cooperation and sharing that created our Sapient kind.
These are moments beyond language, nationality or religion. They are shared moments of our deep humanity and brotherhood.
It is a sharp reminder to the fractured West of the things that really matter and where contentment and peace truly reside.
Here, in the Berber south, friendship and bonds have been forged amongst the incomparable beauty of the great Sahara desert.
With deep thanks and gratitude to my friend and desert mentor Idir and his wonderful family.
Photos courtesy of the author.
Just be advised that allot of those ovens they make their bread in are made of dung from animals. If you can get over that part then there is nothing better than some warm flat bread