Oud onnie en leerling vandag boesemvriende.

Oom Jan (links) saam met Carel Dannhauser

Carel Dannhauser is alombekend in Witrivier en die Laeveld. Dié afgetrede sakeman, eertydse burgemeester van Sabie en Witrivier, en steeds kranige motorverkoopskonsultant, skryf sy sukses grootliks toe aan die grondslag wat beide 'n eertydse onderwyser en sy ouers gelê het.

Volgens dié onderwyser, oom Jan Struwig, was Carel voorbeeldig tot die dag dat hy en 'n paar ander seuns die lugdrukpype tussen die passasierswaens van die trein waarmee hulle elke dag skool toe moes ry, ontkoppel het en hulle toe laat by die skool aangekom het. Maar behalwe om te bloos wanneer 'n mens verder oor Carel se streke uitvra, word daar niks verder gepraat nie.

Oom Jan, wat weens finansiële redes nie ná matriek kon gaan studeer nie, het met die hulp van verskeie mense, 'n klerkpos by die Landdroskantoor in Middelburg gekry en hiervaandaan vorentoe het hy elke geleentheid wat na sy kant toe gekom het, aangegryp. Hy het onder andere later vir BA Regte ingeskryf (buitemuurs) en sommer met die intrap, al vyf sy eerstejaarsvakke geslaag. Toe ontmoet hy 'n nooi Johanna - "'n mooi meisie met 'n rooi bloesie" (seg Oom Jan) - in Waterval Boven. Sy was 'n onderwyseres.

Hy het sy regskursus se vakke aangepas, die graad voltooi en toe, nadat hulle getroud is, sy onderwysdiploma binne 18 maande en na-ure deur Normaalkollege voltooi. Sy eerste onderwyspos (1956) was in Waterval Boven en dit is hier waar hy vir Carel klas gegee het tot in matriek. Dié klas het verskeie toekennings deur die jare verwerf en onder andere ook 'n studiefonds gestig om kinders te help. "Die respek en deernis waarmee Oom Jan elke kind, ongeag sy of haar vermoë behandel het, is steeds vandag in my geheue vasgevang," vertel Carel.

Die twee het mekaar twee jaar gelede in 'n plaaslike sakesentrum raakgeloop en maande later was hulle op 'n bustoer Kaap toe. Vele gonsgroepies later word daar nou soos ware deur-dik-en-dunvriende gekuier. Sit hulle langs mekaar aan die kombuistafel, is daar eenvoudig geen einde aan die warmhartstories en onnutsighede nie.

Maar ja, toe is dit tyd vir Oom Jan om my eers bietjie aan die natuurskoon op sy klein plasie net buite Nelspruit te gaan voorstel.

Oom Jan was ook vise-hoof van 'n landbouskool waar daar, soos op 'n plaas, nie van kantoorure gepraat word nie. Dit was plaas-pligte van dou voor dag, skool en dan weer plaaspligte tot laataand. En om 'n lang storie kort te knip, Oom Jan word uiteindelik die hoof by Hoër Tegniese Skool Springs (HTS).

HTS Springs se personeel met Oom Jan voor in die middel. 

Met 'n personeel van 82 en twee adjunkhoofde, was HTS ook een van die eerste skole in die land wat as gevolg van dié onderwyser se visie, 'n rekenaarsentrum gekry het. "Dit is hier waar ek besef het watter wonderlike geleentheid 'n tegniese skool vir leerlinge bied. Wiskunde en, Natuur en Skeikunde, wat beide universiteitstoelatingsvakke was, was verpligtend."

Oom Jan vertel - so met 'n ondeundheid in die oog - hoe hy by geleentheid 'n bullebak in C-baan en by 'n ander geleentheid, 'n weerstandige jong onderwyser tot orde geroep het. Agter 'n geslote klaskamerdeur - baadjie en das uitgetrek - het hy agter sy appels (vuiste) gaan staan en die knape uitgedaag om wat hulle probleem ook al was, met hom uit te pluis. Geweldadig was dit toe nie. Want sien, dié meneer se blatante astrantheid was net te veel vir dié mannetjies se konstitusies en hulle het terstond hul houdings verander. Die goeie ou dae né?

Opening van die rekenaar sentrum

Nou ja - myse ma sê, as jy met waardigheid kan oud word en leef, dan was die ou dae, swariggeit en als, inderdaad goed, ja...

Travelling the world to fulfil a dream.

"Of course it's true, everyone's born with a gift - one that will allow them to fill a special place in the Universe that absolutely no one else can fill. A blessing that makes all other blessings pale in comparison. A gift of incalculable value to the entire world when it's uncovered, explored and embraced," - The Universe.

Anna Crechishkina was born in Ukraine and at age 25, something happened which Anna says, she still cannot explain. "In hindsight, I was perhaps becoming bored with the 09:00 to 17:00 routine and everything it presented. I just had this irresistible urge to ride a motorcycle. I enrolled in a riding school, got my licence and bought my first bike - a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 which was later replaced by a Vulcan 900. Travelling in the Ukraine and then to neighbouring countries like Europe, Asia and the Middle East lit a fire for riding within me and the thought of travelling the world started to foster in my mind. A four-month trip to India followed and in 2012 I made a firm decision and started preparing for my world tour. Planning took 15 months - presented many doubts and eventually a sponsored bike from KTM. I was on my way."

Where does one start with a story that will eventually become a book or two - a film perhaps? Adventures like this are filled with colour, smells, sounds, landscapes, intense emotions, people, tastes and technical challenges, which have to be managed on a tight and sometimes non-existent budget. Anna started with $1000. "This lasted for about three months," she says. "So the fact that I am still travelling, is an indication that this trip, despite all the challenges, was meant to be."

She travels mostly on national roads and during the day. Planning is not too detailed and intense as she prefers to be flexible to allow for those many miracles and diversions within every moment and every kilometre. The intent is to be and find authenticity within every experience, however, fleeting it may be. The fact that she has no technical skills to repair or service the bike in an emergency is of course also a factor to consider. And "it seems the Universe knows this as I have not had any major mechanical challenges," she says. "Something always happens to make me aware of a possible problem which is then fixed before I continue with my journey."

Fear will prevent most people from tackling this type of adventure. "I am a loner and I travel light," says Anna. This does not distract from the fact that I want to set an example and motivate others to also follow their dreams. I am not a professional rider or traveller and I am certainly not fearless - I have to work at and manage my fear, loneliness and the urge to give up. Often it is the encouragement from my many Facebook friends and followers that motivate me not to give up. The Universe also has this uncanny knack for providing exactly what is needed when it is needed and well, I cannot argue or fail with such support - can I? Being grateful for everything and expressing it in my mind, has become the energy that drives my every intention and action."

Define yourself? "Today I am more confident and believe that everything will work out." What is my biggest life lesson this far? "Be and stay humble," she says. People are most amazing and supportive when I share my intentions and stories about my trip." As you will see from the map I have included with the pictures, Anna's trip has taken her to many interesting corners of the globe over the past three years and four months.

Bilene in Mozambique 

On the way, she visits schools and orphanages to convey a message of hope that will motivate kids to follow their dreams. "One of my goals is also to set a Guinness World record for the longest solo trip by a woman motorcyclist."

"Everything is possible - every idea that presents itself in your mind means something and one should pay attention. The most difficult part of this trip is to say goodbye. And I still have to see a lot of South Africa before I continue to the next country but since you insist - I think Chilli is my favourite country so far."

There is much more to tell and share about Anna - her dream and this trip. I concluded the interview with this question: "What is the first thing you will buy once this trip comes to an end? "A dog - a Labrador," she said. And that my dear reader came without hesitation and from her heart.

If you want to follow Anna visit her Facebook page or www.ihaveadreamtravel.com. Anna stayed with Rika de Bruyn (duh - who else) while she explored the Lowveld, Mozambique and Swaziland. Rika is one the most accomplished and respected female adventure riders in SA and the owner and organiser of the immensely successful Lowveld (LDBA) and Natal (NDBA) Dual Bike Challenges.

Written by Matthys Ferreira and first published in the Autodealer Lowveld.

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is an awareness of whatever is happening in the present moment – now!

Osho, one of the wise men of ancient times, said, “Man has to learn only one thing – that it takes only a single step and the journey is over – that step is to do everything watchfully! A man or woman who can do everything fully conscious, becomes a luminous phenomenon”.

 I have had a number of experiences over the last couple of weeks which would serve as excellent examples of how not to provide a service.

What is it with service providers in Nelspruit? Do they not understand what it takes to respond to requests and or suggestions by customers?

I am beginning to understand why this is called the “slow-veld”.

This does not mean that one has to accept it as the standard. Just state your case and take your business elsewhere!

 But be that as it may, in business, a slow reaction or lacklustre approach to customer service, will at some point cost you money or even your business and when it happens, please do not point fingers at anybody else – you are responsible!

 If one, in my mind, does things with a watchful awareness, you will always do everything in a state of single-mindedness and therefore there will never be reason to question your intention – there will never be a reason to query service levels and yes, I do accept that we all falter from time to time – we should accept this as part of our humanness and also forgive all those and ourselves when we falter!

 Once this falter becomes a habit, though, claiming humanness does not cut it anymore. Another thing that perhaps leads to falter, is that we want to, randomly, do many things at the same time and this almost always leads to us not doing anything properly.

This can be managed, though, through structured delegation. And, delegation that also entails that the other accepts the responsibility that accompanies the delegation.

 I will leave you with this thought! The present moment, whatever it offers, is always perfect – it can never be anything else! Creation is perfect – it can never be anything else! Food for thought – for everyone of us!

Enjoy and be good!

Live the moment / live in this moment

Much have been said and written about being in the/this moment. The importance of this can never be stressed enough. Our busy lifestyle is constantly engaging our minds with past, current and future thoughts and thinking - to the point that we become completely exhausted.

The Universe only recognizes this moment – now. Past and future thinking prevent us from experiencing those many, and often small miracles that happen in our space all the time. It is important than one visualizes your goals and aspirations but consistent dwelling on it, or worrying about anything, to the detriment of living this/now moment, is not good.

The question then remains – what should one do to stay in the moment? First of all is to acknowledge and accept whatever happens in this moment wherever you find yourself. And then to become aware of your breathing – nothing brings you back into the moment – and for that matter, into the presence of God the Great Spirit, than being aware of your breathing.

And to this end, I would like to share two breathing techniques with you. Try it and feel free to share your experiences.  

The Ultimate Meditation  

(This is also a wonderful technique to use during the day – even if only for 5 minutes). 

We often hear the expression that to meditate one has to “empty” the mind. The better understanding is that of a “still” mind. When we “instruct” the mind to focus on more than one thing at a time, it becomes still.

For this meditation you can either sit or lie down but always keep the spine straight.

Become aware of your breathing. Be aware of the coolness of the inhaling through the nose. Pay attention to your chest and belly movements and the sound of the inhale. Relax into the breathing and the rhythm. Do this for a short period.

Now expand your awareness to include an awareness of the warmness of the out breath whilst still being aware of your sound and the chest and belly movements. Stay with this for a short period.

Now it is time to also become aware of your heartbeat, feel it, hear it but still keep the awareness of the inhale and exhale … the sound, the coolness and the warmness … feel the chest and the belly … feel the heart! Stay within this awareness for a period.

Become aware of the prana (life force energy) which is drawn into the body with every breath? Do not allow the mind to define the experience, because it will limit the experience and thus ruin it!

Now extend your awareness into to include your hands and then your face, nose and take this process through the whole body.

Practice this meditation for 20 minutes in the morning and evening. Enjoy!


Twenty Connected Breaths (Conscious Energy Breathing)

This exercise only takes 30 seconds depending of the “speed” that you employ and is wonderful to energise the body and the mind.

Let’s do it!

• Four short breaths
• At the end of each four – one deep breath
• Inhale/exhale through the nose
• Four short – one long – repeat 4 x non-stop
• Breaths should be connected – don’t stop in between or take a “breather”
• The idea is to create a constant circle of breath
• Begin with this cycle  4 counts in – 4 counts out 4x
• Deep breathe - 8 counts in – 8 counts out 1x
• Repeat the cycle 4x

You can lengthen the in and out time if you so wish, but start with moderation! This really is a powerful technique!

You may experience dizziness, tingling sensations in the hands or stomach or elsewhere in the body. The sensations might differ from practice to practice. This simply means that you are learning and benefiting from the breathing. You might want to do this particular exercise only once per day initially until the body has become used to the extra oxygen. Practice this exercise consistently for one year and you will be surprised by your newfound breathing awareness.

THE MANUAL

Owner's Manual for a Life within Time and Space 


Package Contents:

    1. Thinker (you)
    2. Magical Universe with unyielding principals

Instructions:

    1. Think about the desired manifestation in its final form (the end result).
    2. Physically follow hunches, instincts, and intuition - enabling movement in the direction of the final form.

Expected Results: 

Manifestation will slip into Thinker's life when least expected, likely via so-called coincidences and accidents, unless contradictory thoughts are entertained.

Manufacturer's Note:

Believing in the necessities of blood, sweat, and tears, OR sacrifice, worthiness, and years may severely impede the manifestation process, as will worrying about the "hows and means" of attaining desired final form. Additionally, as long as Thinker consistently and perpetually physically moves as outlined, contradictory thoughts will be mitigated and weakened. In other words, as long as you keep doing your part, you needn't worry that you sometimes worry.

Guaranteed results 

Source - The Universe

Antiques and Artifacts

This entry is as much about a life-saving prescription for the love of your life, as it is about an antique and artefacts extraordinaire cum collector and dealer.
Antiques and Artifacts at Casterbridge in White River is more than just a quaint shop where you can buy expensive and not so expensive gifts - it is a trip down memory lane. "I love every item in this shop and will simply not display anything that I don't like," says owner Angie Bunyard.

Angie can probably write a book on people's responses, remarks and body language as they walk through and explore the many pages of history - all cemented in the minds of young and old. Angie is in fact, in my mind, selling memories - reconnecting people with experiences on an academic and emotional level.

"I meet the most extraordinary people, we engage and talk about everything and all, they share and sometimes, I can be but only amazed."

Angie thrives on the solitude and quietness of nature which nourishes the soul like nothing else. She grew up in Rhodesia. As the owner of a Safari Travel company in Botswana for more than 20 years, she supports various causes but "I am most certainly not an activist for anything," she says. She still organises Safari Travel for a very specific conservation market.

Angie studied fashion design - explored some opportunities in Los Angeles and New York and the rest before her stint in Botswana. "Nature, and to a certain extent also antiques, offers authenticity which is not to be found anywhere else. And, she landed in the antique business purely by coincidence, but that's a story on its own.

She supported Greg Duffy in Rocky's Drift with his antique business before setting up this business which offers a fusion of African art and artefacts, morphed with various genres of furniture and interior design. And, for a moment my attention is drawn to the music playing in the background - "Bob Dylan and tequila" she chirps - beautiful...

Yes, actually this is a place for peaceful and quiet contemplation, where every piece in her store has a story to tell - and sometimes, just sometimes, that story is yours. This shop really offers a "breyani" of life experiences and things.

But it is time to get a little technical. This is also the destination where you can now get that life-saving prescription for your classic or older-generation car. Angie has recently been appointed the exclusive supplier of the Castrol Classic range of engine oils in the Lowveld.

The range includes six engine oils as well as a Running In oil for rebuilt engines and transmission oil. These products have been developed specifically for owners of pre-1980 vehicles and motorcycles and offer a 100% correct formulation and viscosity as per the original engine manufacturers. "A classic car engine can have the opposite characteristics with cork/graphite/rope seals, low-pressure gear-driven pumps, larger oil galleries and greater dependence on splash and cling lubrication compared to modern engines," says importers Paul Williams and Giovanni Schule.

Using these products will prevent the scouring effect from carbon flake-off blocking jets and oil galleries. "With its perfect corrosion inhibitors, the engine components in these older engines, will enjoy significantly better protection than what modern oils - as good as it is - can provide, says Paul.

Well, Antiques and Artifacts is a destination shop for both connoisseur and casual browser. It offers perfect warm-fuzzy-feeling prescriptions. And, in this day and age, the latter are priceless.

Authored by me and was first published in the Autodealer Lowveld.

Wheat

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere a traveller has stopped and now leans against his car. It is quiet. A light breeze pushes its way through a wheat field. As the last rays of the sun races towards the horizon he recognises the swish of an irrigation system. It tingle’s his nose with a blend of water, dust, and soil. As it reaches his soul he realises the truth in the moment. "Remarkable," he whispers. Yes, this is it.

You see, wheat in seed form is utterly elegant and simple, with extreme complexity within. The latter can and will only manifest true beauty and value once all the elements synchronise to literally grow this seed to fulfilment.

Every person has been blessed with specific skills and talents. The synchronicity is each person’s intention to always add value and enhance the other’s skills and talents. This is how we create those conditions where everyone will experience their "remarkable - this is it" moments.

To create these conditions we employ the universe, technology, visuals, words, body language and the rest. Yes, with the right intention and focus one will be able to create and tell "remarkable" stories in such a manner that people will nose it - it will touch their being.

This is my intention – to provide words and pictures that will touch people’s beingness.