Words from Those Who've Walked This Path

Awakening Pilgrimage

When I started the Awakening Pilgrimage journey in November last year, I had no idea how deeply it would impact me.

Looking back now, more than halfway through the year-long process, I can honestly say that it has been one of the most challenging, confronting and rewarding experiences of my life.

This has not been a course where you simply gather information and move on. It has required me to look honestly at myself, my patterns, my relationships and the stories I carry. At times the lessons have been uncomfortable, and there were moments when I questioned myself and the process. Yet those were often the moments that brought the greatest growth.

Throughout the journey we have explored topics such as sacred mushroom work, family constellations and the eight energy bodies. While the teachings themselves have been fascinating, the real value for me has been in the lived experience.

These teachings have provided a framework for deeper self-awareness and a greater understanding of how we relate to ourselves, our families, others and the world around us.

One thing that has stood out is that this path is not always easy. Personal growth often asks us to face parts of ourselves that we would rather avoid. The Awakening Pilgrimage has never been about taking the easy road; it has been about stepping into authenticity and doing the inner work that real transformation requires.

The biggest gift for me has been the insight I have gained about myself. I have become more aware of my strengths, my limitations, my wounds and my potential. I have learned the importance of self-responsibility, self-reflection and trust in the unfolding process of growth.

I have also experienced the power of community. Walking this path alongside others who are committed to their own healing and development has created meaningful connections and opportunities for learning that I will carry with me long after the journey is complete.

Although there is still a significant portion of the journey ahead, I already feel deeply grateful for what this experience has given me. It has expanded my perspective, challenged my assumptions and encouraged me to continue growing in ways I never expected when I first began.

For anyone considering this path, I would say that it is not simply a course — it is an invitation into a deeper relationship with yourself. If you are willing to be open, honest and committed to the process, it can be a truly transformative experience.

— Landie van den Berg

1-on-1 Journey

One of the biggest things I've noticed is that I feel more open to life and to the possibility of having someone special in my life. That's not something I felt as strongly before.

I've also become kinder towards myself and seem to have more appreciation for the people around me.

Interestingly, I often find myself thinking about my parents and what it must have been like raising four children. It has given me a different perspective and more compassion for them.

Thank you for walking part of that journey with me.

— Elsabe

Awakening Pilgrimage — 8 months in

Within 8 months on the Awakening Pilgrimage, I have gone from having strangers enter my life to seeing and wanting them as family. 8 months ago, this was not possible.

Where I would rush into things 8 months ago, I now sit, I watch and observe. I now have calmness to a degree that I never thought possible.

I would like to point out that I probably last did a decent journey in January or February — that being the lowest dose since I started. Since then, I have just taken enough to assist with the journeys of other people. The lesson for me is I am having far more profound insights with less. I don't NEED the 20-pound hammer.

Where my rage at the world clouded everything, I am probably listening to people for the first time in my life, allowing new people that are becoming friends into my life, and letting some old friends go with no judgment, releasing with love.

I now just sit listening to what people say and, more importantly, what people do.

My mind, body and soul have been opened. The Genie can NEVER be put back in the bottle.

It is now for and up to me to find the tools that are far gentler than I didn't even know existed 8 months ago. To find another way with love and compassion.

It's all a little strange, like Alice in Wonderland for me at the moment.

— Gary da Silva, Johannesburg

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