Words from Those Who've Walked This Path

I feel incredibly grateful to have met Gary and to have journeyed with him twice.

I was initially a little nervous about the experience, unsure of what might come up or how I might feel but Gary created such a safe, supportive space that I felt completely at ease.

Through both journeys, and especially as I went deeper the second time, I felt held and guided every step of the way. His presence, care and gift allowed me to move through emotions and past traumas that once weighed heavily on me, and today they no longer hold that same power.

The growth I've experienced has been profound not only for myself, but also for my family. For that, I am truly grateful.

Thank you, Gary.

— Bryne, Cape Town

Working with Gary has genuinely changed my life.

After my first constellation and plant journey with him, I stopped vaping completely and haven't touched it since. It's been almost a year and a half.

Following my most recent experience, a 3-day retreat, I experienced another profound shift. I no longer struggle with emotional eating and I stopped using cannabis on a daily basis.

What stood out to me is that none of these changes felt forced. They happened naturally as a result of the deep inner work.

Gary creates a space that allows for real, lasting transformation. His work goes far beyond surface-level healing — it's deeply impactful and continues to ripple through my life.

I'm incredibly grateful for the role he's played in my journey. Thank you Gary for everything you have done for me.

— Love Jo, Johannesburg

I offer this as my unequivocal attestation to Gary's Guided Somatic Immersion.

Over the past twenty-five years, I have watched my brother Gary grow into a magnificent human being: an elder, a man amongst men and someone I hold as a brother in the truest sense.

My work with him has been profoundly sacred, conducted at a deep spiritual level and held within an environment that is divinely safe, reverent and impeccably contained.

Gary goes well beyond what is expected to ensure psychological, emotional and physical safety throughout. His presence is steady, caring and deeply attuned; his facilitation is disciplined, exceptionally professional and guided by the highest standards of integrity and authenticity.

The immersion I undertook with him had an immediate and tangible impact on my life, bringing clarity, inner steadiness and a renewed sense of self.

If you are seeking genuine, grounded transformation, held in the highest possible sacred container, I urge you, without hesitation, to undertake this work with Gary.

His conduct reflects the authentic self of Gary Els: honourable, vigilant and unwaveringly devoted to the sanctity of this sacred work.

— Gary da Silva, Johannesburg

I want to share my experience working with Gary as a facilitator, and I want to start by addressing something honestly — I know this kind of work can sound far-fetched to some people. I get it.

We all carry emotions we don't have the time, space or ability to face. The ones we push down daily, that we can't quite name and don't know how to begin working through. I had been carrying mine for longer than I realised.

Under Gary's compassionate and skilled guidance, my journey gave me the ability to finally see and feel those buried emotions — and most importantly, to work through them. What surprised me was how clear and gentle the process felt. Not frightening or chaotic, but deeply honest and human.

I came out the other side with something I hadn't expected: genuine peace, clarity and closure. A real, lasting shift — not a fleeting feeling.

Gary's professionalism, warmth and calming presence made every part of this experience feel completely safe. He was there through every step — before, during and after — and that made all the difference.

This experience changed my life. I cannot recommend Gary highly enough.

— Matt, Johannesburg

I am a bit at a loss for words to describe the amazing step-change improvement I have experienced from my session.

I've known for decades about the healing effects of plant medicine but had to wait a long time for this opportunity.

My frustrated spiritual path has languished for about 4 years after many years of practice (I am pretty dedicated and follow a path based on eastern meditation practice). I had no idea it would be this effective in making a palpable transformation that aligned with where my compass has been pointing.

Like a new beginning, I am so thrilled. I cannot see any other way how I could have gotten through the trauma that was holding me back — for one thing I didn't even know it was there.

Thanks for being someone I could trust completely. I felt safe throughout.

— R, Thailand

The process and journey with Gary Els from SomaGiri for me was a deep release of pain I have held inside of my body for I am not sure how long.

My brain/mind used to have odd, negative, self-annihilating thoughts that I was aware of but not sure how to get rid of. I was very good at hiding the turmoil that was inside of me and literally just worked 24-7 in an attempt to survive.

I knew I had to stop and do something but was not sure, until I was presented with the opportunity to do the work with Gary. I was presented with other options previously — they just did not sit well with me.

This is not something that can be explained. It is what you feel deep inside. What shifted was the need to hold onto the pain and trauma inside, and feeling like I needed to save everyone and everything outside of me.

Until I said No-More.

What matters to me is my freedom and the choice to honour me and my needs. The love has stayed with me and always will. I know I have choice and I honour that choice.

I am deeply grateful, Gary, for the way you held the space through the process and the way you held me. Your work is immeasurably the most profound. The space you have created for healing is safe and loving and I am alive. I am Right, I am Love, and I walk this path knowing I have been held.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

— Charlene Mia, Johannesburg

Where do I even begin… the journey that I experienced with Gary was powerful, sacred and safe.

I released personal stuff that I didn't know I was carrying and that was holding me back for years, and I feel lighter and free. I felt stuck.

Having been operating from a head space of internalisation and feeling closed, shut down, insecure and unavailable… I am now more open, connected, and listening to my soul.

Thank you, Gary.

— Anonymous, Johannesburg

It took me a while to write this reference as I have so much to say.

I did 3 journeys now, and each time you were the pillar of strength that I needed to walk the deepest and darkest roads. Your preparation will not go unnoticed. From the music and atmosphere to your constellation work, you show your dedication and love for your healing work.

I pray that many more souls will seek you out on their road to healing.

Blessed be.

— S, Johannesburg