THIRTEEN years ago Elsa Kleynhans’ (62) life changed with one phone call stating that her son, Jacobus, died in a motorcycle accident.
That same year while she was on vacation in Cape Town, a woman walked up to her and asked her if her son passed away recently.
“I said yes. She then told me that she is a medium and that my son came through to her and told her that I must help people. She said that he needed to die so that I could start with my Reiki journey,” said Elsa.
Elsa began with all the courses involving Reiki – hypnosis, journeys, past life creation, crystal healing and crossing overs. It took her about eight to 10 weeks.
More about her journey
Reiki is a form of alternative medicine developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. Since originating in Japan, Reiki has been adapted into varying cultural traditions across the world. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a “universal energy” is allegedly transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing.
Today she can proudly say that she made a difference in people’s lives through Reiki. She normally does not treat more than three people as it drains her energy. A session usually takes up to an hour and a half, depending on the situation.
“Reiki helped me with the death of my son. I thought I would never stand up again since there is no greater pain than a mother losing one of her children,” she said.
Reiki can be administered by anyone who has training, which could be a professional practitioner, a healthcare provider, a friend or family member, or even you yourself if you have been trained in Reiki.
Moreover, there is no typical setting: a quiet place is preferable, but Reiki can be done anywhere, no matter what else is happening either around or directly to the recipient. Moments of touch from a Reiki-trained practitioner can bring comfort in an acute or emergency situation, such as the onset of the flu, or after an injury or surgery.
“Learning Reiki has been such a gift for myself, and I hope for the people I’ve practised it on,” Elsa added.
Advice to others
According to Elsa, it is the worst thing in life to lose a child.
“My mom always said that no parent should bury their children. Reiki helped me and everyone’s path is different. Reiki was the thing I had to do to deal with the death of my son. There is not a day that passes that I don’t think of him. Parents must talk about their loss and don’t be strong, you have to cry and work through it. It becomes better but not easier. Just know that there is a reason for what happened and that something bigger is waiting to happen. Make sure you look after yourself and go to support groups and try to go for at least four healing sessions at a Reiki master.”
On a personal note
Elsa was born in Klipriver on September 1, 1956, and has lived in Alberton for the past 30 years. She previously worked as a shop assistant for seven years at a framing business. Elsa has been with Angelo Marietta for 15 years and she has three children left after Jacobus’ death. She is also a very proud and happy grandmother of nine grandchildren.
“Out of the nine grandchildren there is only one girl, Zanelle (9), and she keeps me very busy with all her school work and activities as she is a model, dancer and regularly has charity projects,” said Elsa.
In her spare time, she usually helps Zanelle with new outfits and all the other grandchildren with their side activities. “I also love to read, do DIY projects and scrapbooking.”
One thing she would change about the world is to take away poverty and take the word ‘racism’ out of the dictionary.
“To the young people who are our future, I just want to say that you must do what makes you happy and follow your dreams. Be the person you wanted to be and don’t always think that drugs or alcohol or suicide is the answer. Be you and know that you are unique,” said Elsa.
What she misses about Alberton
“I miss the ‘Mark Looitjie’ which was on Gerrit Maritz Street and 1st Avenue. There was always farm stuff and animals. They sold chicken food in big packets and it was just this good vibe.”
The KGB Centre is now in its place in Alberton North. Another thing she mentioned was the movies at the roadhouses.
“We were sitting in our cars eating and drinking milkshakes while a movie was showing. It was great times,” Elsa said.
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