Overcoming... YOURSELF! Dealing with the barriers preventing you from being the best version of yourself...

Find out more about Jan

• How long have you been interested in the field of well-being and when did you start practising?

  Since I can remember, I've been trying to help others (like peers in school when young, and now anyone that comes to me) with emotional issues, life questions etc. I'm nearing the age of 53, so that makes it, 43 years now.

• Tell us what your wellness discipline can bring to people's lives.

  The core need for all human beings, is to have lasting inner peace - with ourselves, others and God. It takes guts to get to such a state. What I offer is authentic, honest journeying together, till the client has reached this state - knowing his/her personhood.
  
  Attaining to this state of being, also includes having a purpose to live for. On this journey, while dealing with issues in the way, the hope is that a client becomes aware of the need to know his/her purpose.
  
  It is then that a process is facilitated so that the client can come to a clear understanding of his/her purpose and role in life, and start living it.

• Could you provide some tips that can help us feel good in body and mind?

  A lasting sense of 'feeling good', can only be accomplished when having made peace. This entails a lot... But one major thing to do to gain peace is to forgive. Start where it hurts the most - your father and mother perhaps, or those that caused massive trauma or discomfort in your life. Perhaps you need to forgive yourself as well...
  
  And then, ask for forgiveness. The 'sin' issue will remain an issue till you are forgiven of it, and saved from it.
  
  Regarding the body - start doing callisthenics if you don't have anything else to do physically. One doesn't need any weights or equipment. And one can do it at home, costing one nothing. It also exercises every muscle in the body. You'll feel better right away!

• How would you describe your method as a practitioner?

  Journeying together on a discovery of your personhood.

• Are there things that your discipline has helped you learn about yourself or others?

  Many things... But to mention a few:
  The human soul is an extremely sensitive and vulnerable being, to start with. It is to be handled with great care.
  
  The mind is perhaps the greatest challenge we all face - and how to change the way we think, the hardest thing for mostly everyone. But to progress in life, one must come free from the mindset of the environment in which one grew up.
  
  The greatest life to live is a life being poured out selflessly for others. Greed and personal desires will always stand in one's way to do that, though. But do it anyway, regardless.
  
  The 'father wound' and 'mother wound' lie deeper than what most people would care to consider. And yet it is here where fundamental issues for 95% of the world's population is found. Or is it 99%?

• Do you have a role model, a person who has truly inspired you?

  I have several.
  
  My wife, with her selfless giving of herself to me and our kids, her understanding and love and counsel...
  
  My parents, for there selfless efforts to reach and serve people.
  
  The late Dr T Gouws, having fathered me spiritually for many years, stand out.
  
  A man from Nigeria, T Oleshegun, with Godly wisdom reaching to many areas of life.
  
  N. Liebenberg, together with the late K. Franck, that taught me the ropes regarding life-coaching and bringing hope!
  
  Another is R Wurmbrand, tortured for his faith in Christ for 14 years, every day. And never did he deny the faith during those long minutes.
  
  Known as Brother Andrew, from the Netherlands, a man whose fearlessness has all these years inspired me a lot...
  
  D Bader, WW2 fighter pilot and squadron leader with amputated legs, with his fearlessness he instilled in his pilot trainees.
  
  My children.With the surprising ways they deal with life.

• How do you relax? Which methods work for you?

  I love spending time with family and friends. Also a good, uplifting movie.
  
  If I get a chance we go for a walk in the bush, mountain climbing and rowing on the dam. The outdoors does it for me.

• Tell us about your most memorable lesson.

  A man from Ghana that told me once after a huge mistake I've made, causing me to live with the consequences for a long time: Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but be sure to make the corrections.