Finding healing in stillness in South Africa

Tanya van Tonder, a 43-year-old multipotentialite, has woven together various passions and pursuits to create a life of purpose and meaning. As an intuitive energy healer and Reiki practitioner in Hermanus, she helps others find balance and harmony. Her own journey into Reiki was gradual, born out of a desire to feel more grounded and connected in a fast-paced world. With a background in Usui Traditional Reiki, Tanya has achieved Shoden Level 1, Okuden Level 2, and Shipiden Level 3 attunement from Reiki Master Teacher Hannalie Benade.

Tanya's understanding of healing extends far beyond Reiki, encompassing a deep respect for the natural world and the wisdom of plants. Through years of personal exploration, she has developed a close relationship with wild plants, learning to make remedies, grow, forage, and learn from others. Annette Muller of Wild Nettle has been an important influence in her journey, and Tanya credits her with helping to shape her knowledge. Despite her growing expertise, Tanya remains humble, acknowledging that she is a student of traditional plant knowledge, not an authority.

Tanya approaches traditional plant knowledge with respect and sensitivity, aware of the importance of cultural and family lineage. She is conscious of learning from traditions without claiming what is not hers, and her approach is guided by a deep sense of reverence and humility. For Tanya, these practices are not separate from daily life, but are woven into the fabric of her everyday experiences through food, plants, walking, stillness, and time outdoors.

Reiki and nature are not separate worlds for Tanya, but different doorways into the same deeper connection. Her work as an intuitive energy healer and Reiki practitioner is deeply connected to her love of nature, and she sees her various pursuits as complementary aspects of a larger whole. As she continues on her journey, Tanya remains committed to sharing her gifts and talents with others, inspiring them to find their own path to healing and connection.

Tanya's diverse pursuits and passions are a reflection of her curious and open-minded nature. In addition to her work as a healer and Reiki practitioner, she is part of the communications team for a global animal welfare organisation, creates content, and works at festivals and events centred around wild plants. Her Nature Woman project is a further expression of her commitment to helping others connect with the natural world and find their own path to healing and growth.

Through her work and her own personal journey, Tanya van Tonder offers a powerful reminder of the importance of slowing down, paying attention, and remembering our connection to ourselves, nature, and the world around us. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of stillness, self-awareness, and a deep connection to the natural world. As she continues on her path, Tanya inspires others to find their own way to healing, growth, and a deeper sense of connection.

As Tanya looks to the future, she remains committed to her various pursuits and passions, using her gifts and talents to make a positive impact on the world. Her journey serves as a reminder that healing and growth are always possible, and that by embracing our own unique path, we can find greater balance, harmony, and connection in our lives.

Key points

• Tanya van Tonder is an intuitive energy healer and Reiki practitioner in Hermanus, South Africa.
• She has achieved Shoden Level 1, Okuden Level 2, and Shipiden Level 3 attunement in Usui Traditional Reiki.
• Tanya's approach to traditional plant knowledge is guided by respect, sensitivity, and a deep sense of reverence and humility.