Lynette and Michael are travelling Africa.
They return to South Africa from time to time. All services are available in your country too.
Visit their blog to find out where they are now.

• Why Lions?
• And why in Nature?
• What does it mean to be Lion Hearted?

Lion Heart Experiences:  

• Alliance with Lions (Group Bonding)
• The Lion Heart Unity Program
• Be Who You Are
• Grade 7 Bridging Program
• Reconnecting with Joy
• I Love Being a Lioness
• Animal Assisted Life Coaching
• Animal Assisted Trauma Counselling
• Animal Assisted Couples Counselling and Family Bonding
• Animal Telepathic Communication
• References

Nurturing the bond between man and Nature

Empowering people of all ages to have the courage to express more of their greater potential

Environmental Education

WHY LIONS?

Research shows that animals have a healing effect on humans both psychologically and physiologically.  

The relationship between man and lion is suitably described by Evelyn Ames in “A Garden of Eden”:
“Lions are not animals alone; they are symbols and totems and legend; they have impressed themselves so deeply on the human mind if not in its blood; it is as though the psyche were emblazoned with their crest. When you look into the eyes of a lion and watch the grace of his long stride – all that unused energy flowing under the skin, when you see the noble looking calm of the mouth and nose, the proud authority of the bearded chin – the mysterious reminder of the faces of classic and mythological heroes – you recognise to your marrow that you were born with that image already in you.”

We believe that lions are potently sacred to the heart and morale of the African continent and for that reason wish to encourage an understanding of their very real Nature and why we can benefit as humans by conserving them and their status as Kings and Queens of the wilderness.

Throughout history lions have been associated with kings, pharaohs, chiefs and high priests and are drawn upon as symbols of royalty, supremacy, power and enlightenment, as symbols of truth representing the justice system - Perhaps it is the very values of the lion and the Lion Heart that are now missing from so many justice systems and from life itself! Lions are also depicted as the likeness or guardians of the sun – guardians of “life”.

The only beings who can show and teach us true unconditional love, consistently, are the animals.

It is our wish that by bringing vastly diverse groups of people together in the presence of the lions, that they will be supported and guided back to being who they truly are, to being Lion Hearted, rediscovering their own lion heart courage and speaking their truth in love, kindness and appreciation for themselves, for each other, for humanity as a whole and for Nature.

“I just really like me when I'm in their presence.” Gail Kleinschmidt – Founder of The Lion Heart Project

AND WHY IN NATURE?

Nature does not judge. Therefore, what better space in which to learn and experience acceptance and inclusion – the ability not to judge and to love unconditionally? We also hope to instill a deep love and appreciation for animals and for Nature, ensuring and promoting the conservation of lions and all wild life.

“What is man without the beasts? If all beasts were gone, man would die a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, also happens to man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls earth, befalls the sons of Earth.” Chief Seattle

“To go without wilderness is to shred the very Nature of who we are.” Unknown

“If you observe it, you will conserve it.” Chris Boshoff

“Nature does not demand that we be perfect. It requires that we grow.” Unknown

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE LION HEARTED?

• The art of being yourself!!
• Having lion heart courage – The courage to be who you are and who you want to be
• Being confident and feeling good about who you are
• Being honest with yourself and others
• You walk your talk and are able to speak your truth when it is called for
• You are curious, yet comfortable under your skin
• You take things in your stride and with a large dose of playfulness
• You radiate a positive energy
• You communicate well and directly
• People trust and honour you as a leader in your own right
• You have the ability to nurture yourself and others
• You are compassionate and forgiving – You love with your whole heart

....and these are just a few!

LION HEART EXPERIENCES

ALLIANCE WITH LIONS (Group bonding)

Lynette is a certified Life Coach, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) practitioner, trauma counsellor, Deep Democracy (conflict management) practitioner and professional team building facilitator. She specialises in building teams, accepting diversity and celebrating inclusiveness through play and Experiential Learning and sometimes, when her clients choose to do so, she and her colleagues are supported by the magnificent lions (and other animals!).

During the Alliance With Lions Lion Heart Experience, touching on lion conservation and environmental awareness, we spend a fun and informative day up close with the lions. Through sharing, communication and nurturing, the emphasis will be on building up a unique bond – a lion pride bond - within the group, utilising sharing, play, interactive team building and co-operative activities and games designed to motivate, encourage bonding, trust, care and team work ... building rapport ... and with the lions demonstrating just how they do it! Lessons to take back into the work environment and to keep and use on your journey through life.

Incorporated in to the program is our Group Peace and Appreciation Program. This program is about group bonding and getting to know each other better ... at a deeper level ... thereby creating tolerance and understanding ... bringing a sense of belonging, connectivity, compassion and empathy ... Appreciating each other ... Building a community with a common purpose – a TEAM.

We provide a platform whereby participants can relax and experience work colleagues out of the work environment as people who are simply sharing the same life experience as them ... returning to work motivated and united!

One of our specialities is working with people who are differently abled. The program can be designed to allow people with disability, and pregnant ladies, maximum participation.

Typical Full Day Program

Starting at approximately 08h30, with tea, coffee and muffins on arrival, we set the scene with fun, interactive, ice breaker games to relax, start having fun and get to know each other a little better ... begin bonding ... Start becoming LIONS and LIONESSES and forming a lion pride! (The ice breakers help participants relax, have fun, feel safe in their new environment and get the blood flowing to the brain, ensuring better participation, focus and concentration during the sessions that follow.) The ice breakers will be followed by a brief discussion on the group's expectations and goals for the day.

Lion activities may include:

1. Lion Safari - A game drive in an enclosed vehicle through the lion camps to see the white and golden lions – really close up – Witness and feel their power and discuss what the lions mirror for you and what messages they have to share.
2. Animal communication - The group will have the unique honour of interacting with lion cubs. They will be able to touch ** and bond with the cubs (if the cubs allow it!) – feeling the unconditional love they bring and the bond they encourage.
   ** Please note that this is dependent on the availability, health and mood of the cubs on the day.
   These are very special interactions. We work with orphaned cubs and therefore have strict rules about the interaction with the cubs. Participants are taught to honour and respect the lions as wild animals and thereby learn respect for themselves, for each other and all Nature.
3. Lion Play - The group will learn about and practice “lion play” – Playing like the lions. Practicing “original play” ... experiencing the belonging, safety and caring of true play. Finding the playmate and child within. A way to remember how to play with the children in your life.
4. Rediscovering joy – The joy of life. A gentle session on what it means to be happy, joyful and playful – being in bliss.

Other activities may include:

• Value elicitation exercise – Individual and Group Values
  A powerful session creating an awareness of each ones individual values and values shared by the team
  Also:
  - Working in pairs to elicit each individual's personal values
  - How do your personal values affect your work performance?
  - What happens when your personal values are challenged in the work environment?
  - How are the group dynamics and individual and team performances affected?
  - Moving on to determine core group values
  - What can be done differently?
  - What actions are going to be taken to live your values in the work environment?
  
  
• Self Exploration
  A session of identifying each ones likes, dislikes, loves, passions, fears, what makes them angry, what do they respect ... and many more.
  
  
• Group sharing
  Each person will be asked to bring with them:
  - A small item / object meaningful to them
  - A short verse / quote to share
  What do each of these things say about them?
  
  
• Clearing
  A wonderful tool to use back in the office (or even at home!) to improve communication and to use in conflict management
  
  
• Attitude of gratitude
  Sharing what grateful for ...
  
  
• Appreciation Circle and Appreciation Envelopes
  A time to appreciate each other – saying or writing something good and something positive about your colleagues. What do you value about each other and yourself?
  
  
• Team Building
  - Group dynamics - Playing together and getting into each other's personal space
  - Building team spirit and bonding
  - Communication – Tightening the bond
  - Developing trust and care
  - Time to laugh and to work together to achieve a common goal
  
  
• Story Telling
  Inspirational stories with a lesson!
  
  
• Where to from here?
  - Revisiting the goals and expectations
  - What is going to be done differently back in the work place?
  - Making a pledge to yourself and your colleagues
  - Co-operation partners – Someone to support you implement the changes

The day ends at approximately 17h00 after a consolidation session of reflection, sharing and creativity, before relaxing as a “pride”, having reclaimed your own lion power. Included is a self-walk through Cub World to see cheetah and jackal and feed the giraffes, Purdy, Gambit and Georgina by hand. The group can stay on for sun downers and bonding and depart at leisure.

(This program example was created for the SA Lion Park near Lanseria, Gauteng, South Africa. A similar program can be designed for other venues.)

Costs

Available on request. Dependent on size of group and location.

Please note: As the group may be interacting with the animals, no alcohol will be served.

We will require a 50% deposit to secure the event. The balance is payable in full prior to the commencement of the program. Bookings are subject to availability of Lifetime Experiences AND the venue.

All participants will be required to sign an indemnity form for all Lion Heart Experiences.

THE LION HEART UNITY PROGRAM - UNIFYING DIVERSE GROUPS


The Lion Heart Unity Program can be run with any group, however, in our quest to unite diverse groups and build healthy communities, the program is ideal and designed to bring together vastly diverse groups. So, on any program we would work with 2 groups from 2 totally diverse backgrounds in a unification process – a “twinning” or “buddy” system.

For example, unification could take place between:

• Different races
• Different ethnic cultures
• Abled and differently abled (disabled) / burns survivors
• Young and old (incorporating folk from old age homes)
• Rich and poor / Advantaged and disadvantaged
• Hetero and homo sexual
• Status/hierarchy different groups

Message from Chief Dan George, Chief of the Coast Salish American Indians:
“If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other.
If you do not talk to them, you will not know them.
And what you do not know, you will fear.
What one fears, one destroys.”

We create a space for the conversations to happen – for the diverse groups to talk together, to get to know and understand each other, in Nature and in the presence of the lions.

The Lion Heart Unity Program can take place at any venue in Nature or with animals and incorporates aspects of our Group Peace and Appreciation Program

BE WHO YOU ARE

For children and adults ... Experience a fun day in the company of lions and other animals ... (Can be designed around any suitable Nature venue)

With the lions, we will work on aspects of:

• Discovering your lion heart courage
• Speaking your truth
• Trusting your intuition – Trusting YOU
• Seeing yourself as a lion

During the course of the day, through games, role play and creativity, we may work with aspects of:

• Increasing your self esteem and self confidence
• What makes you special?
• We are all special and unique
• I am OK!!
• What do I want?
• What do I NOT want?
• Who am I?
• Why am I here?
• Your values
• Feelings
• Setting short and long term goals – being able to focus!
• Creating and following dreams

“My Experience

At first I was scared because I was going to meet new people and have to stay with someone I just met. But later on I started to relax and enjoy myself.

I held a cub, I was so scared, especially when we had to put on the blind fold and sense where it is. I got so lost in it that I didn't or couldn't sense where it was and I got so lost in my own world that when it touched me on my shoe I got such a fright that the tears ran down my cheeks, but I learnt to be brave and I actually picked it up and from there my confidence came back and my fear disappeared.”

Written by Lebo Bogopane, Grade 8 pupil of Prinshof School for the Visually Impaired, after a Lion Heart experience shared with The Lion Heart Project, Eco-Access, Prinshoff School for the Visually Impaired and The Ridge School.

GRADE 7 BRIDGING PROGRAM

A program designed to support Grade 7 learners bridge the gap as they prepare to cross over to Grade 8, from Junior to High School.

Grade 7 learners are given the opportunity to learn more about themselves and to discover that all they need is right inside them. They are given tools to embrace the challenges they are about to face.

An experiential intervention involving spending time with the lions (the lions provide the backdrop, encouraging learners to open up), experiential learning, fun games and activities, role plays and creativity.

Topics include:

• Educational information on lions
• “Just ask” – Asking for what you need and desire
• Do lions worry about what others think of them?
• Are lions scared to roar when they want to?
• Who am I?
• Speaking your truth
• Trusting your instinct
• Making choices

Duration: 1 or 2 days

Venue: Any suitable venue with lions.

RECONNECTING WITH JOY

This workshop allows one to re-discover and re-ignite joy and embrace life with passion. Many people have forgotten that life is meant to be joyful and fun. Together with the lions, we offer you the opportunity to explore the theme of joy in your life. We will look at the meaning of joy for you, and at experiences which resulted in you becoming disconnected from joy. The lions act as powerful co-facilitators in this process of reclaiming joy. Come and experience their beauty, power and presence, and in the process, discover these qualities within yourself.

Presented by Carol Cooper-Steyn of Divine Flame. (www.divineflame.co.za)

Contact Carol on:
Cell: +27 (0) 83 626 3032
E-Mail: carol@divineflame.co.za

I LOVE BEING A LIONESS

This is an empowerment course for girls and ladies. In this course we take a close look at the lioness and her role in the pride, her love for her cubs, her bond with the other females, and her ability to hunt and be independent. When she is content she is loving. When she is angry she is fierce and lets it out! How she is centred and focused in what she does.

We then relate this to being a girl/woman. It is presented in a simple way as we discuss what our roles used to be and what they are now. How do you feel about being a girl/woman? What makes a girl/woman powerful? We learn about our power, how to take it back, how creative and inventive we are. What is true beauty? What is beautiful about me? The girls/ladies are given tools to enable them to love themselves more and more. What is feminine intuition? How I can be independent, strong, balanced, happy and whole? How I can make my own decisions? How I can stand in my truth? How I can be a Lion Hearted girl/woman?

Presented by Keli Smith of Earthlight Living.
Contact Keli on:
Cell: +27 (0) 82 678 6013

ANIMAL ASSISTED LIFE COACHING

One on one life coaching sessions at any venue with animals. Human Animal Interaction and Animal Assisted Therapy techniques are used. The animals act as a trigger and a mirror - bringing up thoughts, feelings and emotions to be worked with and discussed. Can form part of a life coaching program. We visit the animals when the client feels they are ready, or it be done on an adhoc or once off basis.

ANIMAL ASSISTED TRAUMA COUNSELLING

Animals and Nature provide a gentle, safe, caring and non-judgmental environment in which to be counselled. A space in which to put life back into perspective, to heal and to find joy again.

ANIMAL ASSISTED COUPLES COUNSELLING AND FAMILY BONDING

A day with the lions and each other, at the Lion Park near Lanseria, Gauteng, South Africa, or at any other gentle place in Nature or with animals, getting to know each other better, at a deeper level ... thereby creating tolerance and understanding ... bringing a sense of belonging, connectivity, compassion and empathy ... Strengthening the family bond and having some fun together!

ANIMAL TELEPATHIC COMMUNICATION

Message from Chief Dan George, Chief of the Coast Salish American Indians:
“If you talk to the animals
They will talk with you
And you will know each other
If you do not talk to them
You will not know them.
And what you do not know, you will fear
What one fears, one destroys.”

Courses offered in Animal Telepathic Communication for adults and children ... A practical, fun and easy approach to learn to communicate with animals.

Presented by Jenny Shone of The Animal Healing Centre  ( www.animalhealing.co.za)

Contact Jenny on:
Cell: +27 (0) 82 450 1158
E-Mail: jenny@animalhealing.co.za

REFERENCES

Some reflections of gratitude and appreciation ... Love in action ...

The Lion Heart Experience was truly a remarkable experience for me! First of all, the awareness of the Lions and their behaviour was amazing - you have really put me in touch with once again, admiring, my Creator's Power having created such creatures - including us and myself.  You raised a whole new respect for the amazing animals with me. The team, it was great to spend the day with the team.  The "If you knew me well enough - you would know ...." exercise was powerful.  The roar session was brilliant - I felt so connected to my fellow lionesses and I loved it! I have already started promoting the experience to others - hope they will contact you soon!
Anelle Myburgh, Standard Bank Corporate Human Resources

Thank you for the experience – It was something different to what I would normally expect at these type of events. There was a lot of time to reflect on yourself, which we generally do not like doing and most of all you created an environment which forced us to get to know each other as a team. The little things that we started sharing with each other has created a sense of openness between us and new US is slowly starting develop.
Genene Venter, Standard Bank Human Capital Consulting

Thank you very much for making Friday such a memorable and great experience!!
Narisha Singh, Standard Bank Corporate Human Resources

I really enjoyed my visit. Will bring my family to have the experience.
TX, Gold Reef City Customer Services

Amazing & wonderful experience.
Resh, Gold Reef City Customer Services

I truly had a “lifetime” experience & found my wings!!!
Portia, Gold Reef City Customer Services

Loved feeding the giraffes & the game drive. I now have more respect for animals and much love. Everything here was out of this world, thank you ... Ladies you are great; Lynette, Keli, Gail, Jenny & not forgetting Les. Will take the experiences with me for ever.
Tahlita, Gold Reef City Customer Services

I have enriched my soul, I have grown to something bigger. Lions fascinate me, they connect well with my emotions especially when I look through their eyes, I communicate with lions so well in my heart.
Rose Molapi, Gold Reef City Customer Services

My experience was unbelievable. The moment the lion stood upright in the tour van & stared me in the eye. It was then I believed Lions can communicate with people.
Greg Sookoo, Gold Reef City Customer Services

The entire experience was great. I enjoyed feeding the giraffes. The games we played. I especially enjoyed the trip throughout the lions den. I believe their spirit is magnificent. Thank you ladies for the service. It was great. Love
Thozi, Gold Reef City Customer Services

What an awesome day my son had and he did indeed share his experiences with us as we sat around the fire last night.
Thank you indeed!
Diane Bera, Parent

WORDS OF WISDOM AND GRATITUDE FROM GRADE 6 LEARNERS, RANDPARK PRIMARY

That was the best day of my life and it really touched my heart to be able to interact with all those animals.
Marcel

I learnt that animals are just like humans. They must be cared for like everyone else.
Takalani Marupene

Since we went on the outing to the Lion Park I've cared and respected Nature even more than I already did.
Kate-Lynn Anderssen

All the animals that were there never ask for anything better. They are beautiful and wise. What I like about lions is the way they walk. It's like they're from a model show. When you touch them you just feel more than just touching any other animal. When you touch them it feels like its human just like us, but a bit better, more stronger, more faster. They're just like us, when we feel scared they also feel scared. Some people might think that's just a lie but its not. When I went to the lion park the lions taught us how to feel special.
Trevor

One of the most important things we learnt is that all lions might look the same but they are not the same. They have different personalities and roars (believe it or not). Lions are also very loyal, brave wonderful and proud. If you love Nature and are all those things and love animals and wild life, you have a lion heart like me, and the lions will have a heart like you.
Rachel Hart

First we learnt how to play and be who we are with one another.
Luke Hamilton

First we played like lions. We really lost ourselves. That's the thing about play, it sort of doesn't matter what you do. You can act like a child or a teenager or a responsible adult. You choose.
Lloyd Bussio

We learnt a lot about ourselves and the inner strength within us and that's how lions are.
Shosho

One of the most important things I learnt there from the leaders and the lions in fact, is that everyone is different and unique. We are all born with a different ability to something and everyone is special. Everyone was put on earth for a special reason.
Aimee Tresidder

The Lion Park taught me that I am special just as everyone is and I was made to be like I am.
Courtney Pienaar