UMSEBENZI WETHONGO: TRANSFORMATIVE SPIRITUAL RETREAT

I left the retreat a much different person and a shift took place in me, I am grateful that I could share space with such a group of individuals.

Umsebenzi WeThongo is the first retreat of its kind that I have ever attended and it left me with a very broader and deeper sense of my spiritual self. I always had a very vague perception of what spirituality truly meant, this was one of the reasons I attended this retreat. I wanted to better understand myself and gain wisdom and knowledge about how I fit into the spectrum of what spirituality truly meant.

I had never met or even consulted with Makhosi Noentla, however on the first day when I met her I felt a deep sense of familiarity and comfort, almost as if I had met her before. She made sure everyone felt at home and took care to explain every activity, event and ritual.

The food was very nutritious and special care was taken to ensure that it was healthy. The chef was truly a gracious host and ensured everyone was catered for thoroughly.

Makhosi Noentla had an array of guests – different healers each sharing wisdom in their different capacities. We were encouraged to ask questions, and I had alot of uncertainties answered gracefully.

My favorite part of the retreat was on the final day when we went to the waterfall. It was my first time ever being immersed in water at a river. It felt like a rebirth of sorts.

What stood out for me about the retreat was seeing the deep respect and reverence that Makhosi Noentla had for those that walked before us. She, and the other healers, made me proud to be part of a community that respects, acknowledges and honors their ancestors in such a graceful way.

I left the retreat a much different person and a shift took place in me, I am grateful that I could share space with such a group of individuals. I am forever thankful and I am looking forward to attending more events of such a nature.

[Renecia Malgas]

What I got out of lomsebenzi was beyond anything I could have imagined. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more love and presence and support from a group of so-called strangers.

Arriving at the retreat, I had no expectations or even a clue about what the experience would be like. I knew only that I intended to get the best out of it and to remain open to what it brought forward. What I got out of lomsebenzi was beyond anything I could have imagined. Makhosi created a moment for people to be, to rest, to accept, to introspect, and give into themselves. Although very few of us knew one another, it was the people that centered this trip for me. We all knew why we were there as individuals and for our respective journeys, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt more love and presence and support from a group of so-called strangers.

I learnt to be open to myself and to them and had the room to be bold in my trust of myself and my guides. Although the work we did was challenging at some points, the retreat was also filled with ease, fun, and a restful, comforting energy. I am completely changed by it and so grateful for Makhosi Noentla, her strength and her guides for giving us a home for all of our selves. I am also thankful for all the people who came to the retreat because wow, rrha, they were amazing!

[Uvile Ximba]