My Awakening to Personal Excellence

I first heard about the Care and Growth philosophy 2 years ago when my husband told me how beneficial the program has been to his company and the awakening that he experienced. In May this year, he and another Director were privileged to attend the Personal Excellence course which was facilitated by Etsko Schuitema. My husband came back from a 4 night, 5 day stay at the beautiful Oaklands lodge in Van Reenen, not only a bit wider (yes, the food was scrumptious) but with a new outlook on life.

True to Schuitema’s benevolent philosophy, as a spouse, I was offered the chance to do the same course, and I only had to pay for my food and accommodation which amounted to half the advertised price. I jumped at this generous opportunity.

So it was an early August morning that found myself on the cathartic drive to Van Reenen –  2 ½ hours west of Durban. My husband said that if by chance I didn’t benefit from the course at least I would have a lovely break away in stunning peaceful surroundings, eating gourmet food and not worrying about lunch boxes, dinner or grocery shopping – bliss! The first two days I was exhausted – my brain was steaming having been challenged like never before. I grappled with the concepts but was determined to get a grip on what was being said.

Etsko – how does one “sum him up”? – a genius with a delightful sense of humour who managed to capture my attention so that before I knew it, it was time to have a slice of lemon crusted cake and coffee. We meditated, journalled and summarized our learnings at night so we could discuss our insights and questions in small groups the next day. I felt like a sponge soaking up rich knowledge and inspiring, heart-warming stories, and squeezing out joy and gratitude.

It was an emotional week – filled with laughter, tears, loss, gratitude, sadness, awe, compassion and having to look at the mirror that I held up to reveal behaviours and limiting beliefs that I really didn’t want to see.

I drove away with a new perspective and a light heart – I was able to throw away resentment that I had held tightly on to for years, to deal with loss of relationships and my home, and to feel intense gratitude for my colourful life thus far. Thank you to Etsko and Pam for this life changing experience.