2.5 weeks in South Africa. An interesting journey of discovery comes to an end. And I complete my personal ‘instruction manual’. Who am I? How does my system work? What is good for me? And what do I need to feel connected to myself and the world?
I meet people here who enrich my life. My ‘nectar’ is called connectedness. The need for deep connection that I can’t create in my luxury flat share is fulfilled outside the villa: I use the time to socialise and connect with locals.
Ashleigh, a friend of a friend from Hamburg who I meet for a coffee, tells me about Maude – a fellow leadership coach who lives here in Kommetjie. And bang, I make an appointment for a walk & talk straight away. A powerful person and inspiring personality. Then I meet Adam. During morning yoga. The depth in his eyes fascinates me. I think back with gratitude to our conversations, the walks on the beach and an unforgettable evening in his house. And finally I meet Petek, the sister of a client: so profound, so humorous and so wise. I feel very close to her. It’s as if I’ve known her for 100 years.
On this journey of realisation, I have experienced the contrast – between connectedness and superficiality. When I can’t connect or feel misunderstood, I freeze. In the meantime I know how to free myself from this powerlessness: I stay connected to myself and follow my impulses, which lead me to where my key is played and resonance arises.
It is precisely these experiences that nourish me and are important for me to feel my effectiveness. Because everything starts within. Life works from the inside out. And not the other way round.