“Our journey starts on age old game trails, shaped by hooves and paws of thousands of animals – on rock, on soil and in water, and takes us beyond the boundaries of biomes and reserves into the skies and deep into ourselves.”
Experiencing the gifts of a truly conscious walk in the African veld is intensely liberating. The unfolding of what our bodies instinctively remember as the rhythms of the earth and the stars as being our own. The revelations that come to us when Earth, Water, Air and Fire align within us towards our true and natural state of being, opening our imaginative, creative mind to possibilities outside the rut, the racing, the status quo.
Wild nature has been chosen by generations of consciousness pioneers, leaders, spiritual masters and seekers to calm and re-calibrate their busy, overactive minds. Quests and retreats are as old as humanity itself and held on all inhabited continents, away from the tension each society brings, distanced from the urban hum and stress.
I know the profound changes this typically brings. It’s been part of my journey as a wildlife cameraman and its transformative power unravels still today, years later. Spending considerable amounts of time patiently observing nature, both outside and inside of me, and then step back into South Africa’s fast-paced Johannesburg to live a progressive and purposeful life, requires inner balance and vision. Time spent in nature continuous to support me in that.
Apart from the tribes who live permanently in undisturbed wilderness was it our modern day adventurers who spent even more time alone in a space that begins for modern humans as THE WILD and then becomes HOME. Most were on a creative mission: Painters, researchers, writers, adventurers, wildlife cameramen and photographers. And whilst they’ve been dedicated to their craft, they regularly experienced intensely life transforming moments.
Nowadays time constraints, restricted funds, strict access rules and high park entrance fees tend to shorten the amount of time most of us can spend in “untouched” nature, even though our profession’s would flourish and prosper if we did.
I facilitate CREATIVE NATURE IMMERSIONS for the general public and professionals in a variety of landscapes and habitats. It is an answer to a contradictory expectation: To benefit from Nature’s healing and visionary powers when we meet her with an open mind and relax faster, deeper.
I support you coming “back to your senses”, entering Silence in Nature to re-calibrate your mind and be present, a state of being conducive to accessing your creative potential.
A combination of guided attentiveness techniques and sufficient solo time reflecting, journaling and in dedicated programs, photographing offer different ways to focus and re-connect.
All authentic transformation is driven from within. I invite you to realise yours.
PHOTOGRAPHY forms an integral part in three of the four CREATIVE NATURE programs.
- The STANDARD CREATIVE-NATURE COURSE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS follows a progressive structure over seven days.
- CREATIVE NATUR IMMERSIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS are based on individually mentored and coaching approaches, offered as tailor made options and can be seamlessly integrated into safari and travel itineraries.
In the third program, RENEWAL OF CREATIVE FLOW, photography is not taught or mentored. Rather, I facilitate a space conducive to balance, vision and flow through a combination of transformative coaching and nature reconnection methods and practices.
Transformative coaching and energetic balancing methods can be integrated where possible or offered as separately booked engagements before and after the programs.
I spent many hours in remote wilderness, mostly in Southern Africa. My fascination with animals and a sense of deep connection with wild nature inspired my commitment to conservation from a young age.
I formally studied in life and geosciences at South African universities. This proved to be of great value to me, first as safari guide, then as a professional photographer and subsequently as a wildlife cameraman.
Further training with trackers, intuitive healers and through rights of passages received in authentic nature traditions in South Africa, and South and North America expanded my understanding of our multidimensional relationship with Nature in the greatest sense. Formal training in Neuroscience Coaching allowed me to recognise the need for a modern, intuitive coaching method that responds effectively to the vast changes we are going through globally at the moment.
During the filming of the award-winning National Geographic wildlife documentary THE LAST LIONESS, my interactions with Lady Liuwa radically challenged my belief system, leading to progressive changes in all areas of my life. I came to realize that all authentic change needs to be created and formed from within.
My initial fascination for wildlife and commitment to conservation has expanded to knowing that we don’t merely depend on nature for our physical survival and relaxation, but that we’re an integral part of Nature, and that she reflects our perceptions without failure.
As your coach and mentor I’m committed to facilitating the same process for you that I follow in my own life: I seek to respond to challenges and create my life from within, instead of reacting to forces from the outside, giving my energy and power away to external factors, demands and distractions.
As a transformative coach, mentor and wilderness guide I facilitate the dynamic space where we receive profound insights for personal transformation, vision, and growth, gaining wisdom through personal experience. I also facilitate an space in which outdated, limited beliefs and patterns can be released for renewed balance in our lives and subsequently our environment.
An ever evolving relationship with and within Nature keeps us creating the oldest and most reliable foundation humanity knows to recognise the choices available to us for our self realization, growth and evolution.
WHERE?
COACHING SESSIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS:
– 83 Selborn Rd, Bloubosrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
– remotely via Skype / phone. ++27, (0)834577270
– Location of your choice for TIME OUT engagements, corporate boardrooms etc.
LADY LIUWA TRANSFORMATIVE ENGAGEMENTS AND WORKSHOPS:
– any venue suitable for screening the 50 minute wildlife documentary “THE LAST LIONESS” and is free of disturbance.
NATURE IMMERSIONS
– in areas free from human interference and where nature has been left undisturbed, ie not been cultivated. These areas range from a few dozen hectares in size to large tracts of remote protected wilderness.
ENERGETIC RE-BALANCING
– 83 Selborn Rd, Bloubosrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
any location where Nature Immersion or Coaching Engagement is facilitated your property in case of Energetic Property Cleansing and Restructuring.
RENEWAL OF CREATIVE FLOW
Access your Creative Nature
Are you a writer, architect, designer, chef, software developer, scientist, filmmaker, landscaper or maybe playing trombone – and sense that we are entering a new consciousness where humanities’ creative potential is one of the two most important tools we’ll have in future? Or maybe you want to transcend a creative hiatus?
I believe that creativity cannot be taught, but I can facilitate a space that enables you to ACCESS AND EXPRESS YOUR CORE-CREATIVE NATURE.
As a wildlife filmmaker and photographer I have surfed the waves between the heights of bliss and flow, and the depths of distractions and frustration for over twenty years. This program assists you with turning a repeating love-hate relationship with your craft and calling into an evolving love-love relationship.
You’ll be guided to rethink your creative process and engage with it differently. You’ll identify your current motivation and take a journey recognising both the small and larger steps you’re ready to take.
I understand the value and power that a combination of time spent in nature and accessing your creative impulse has on the expression of your work and life.
We all learn through two different avenues: insight and experience. This program is designed to take chunks away from time you might otherwise spend within repetitive circles on the same level of experience. It directs you towards a path you’ll recognise as essentially yours.
Research at leading universities has proven the core-restorative and creative powers we access in nature, and her role in our psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual existence, exceeding short lived entertainment and strictly educational and physical survival value.
Nature’s many roles is once again acknowledged in modern architecture, city planning, education, psychology, medicine, nutrition and leadership development to name a few.
Programs are offered to individuals, organisations and private groups.
THE STANDARD CREATIVE-NATURE COURSE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photography as Key to reconnect with Nature
This unique seven day foundation program is based on my own life’s lessons and transformative experiences while filming the NatGeo wildlife documentary THE LAST LIONESS. It is a pioneering approach to learning nature photography in that I teach you how to connect and commune consciously with nature while accessing your creative potential.
You’ll learn the tools, techniques, building blocks of composition and principles of visual communication needed to create images that carry your intentions and communicate messages, feelings and ideas. What is it the you want to say about your subject, rather than taking a photograph of it?
Digital cameras have opened possibilities that were not thought of being possible before, yet they’ve also brought a bottleneck to our creative expression. Instead of being used as a tool that records what we see, many of us use our cameras as a device for seeing. This course will steer you away from that limiting approach.
You’ll learn how to explore and experience your environment, and access Nature’s intelligence and wisdom she harbours for and inside each one of us. Through mindfulness and intentioned nature practices you’ll meet Nature with an expanded, curious awareness, developing and refining your conversations with her, the dialogue artists develop and nurture.
This seven day structured learning program is for both beginner and experienced photographers dedicated to creating a new Vision for our Earth and forms a solid foundation for more advanced photography courses and immersions I offer.
CREATIVE-NATURE IMMERSIONS
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Relax – Connect – Create
This is an invitation to access Nature’s intelligence with an open mind, to deepen and refine your inner conversations, and to access and express your creative nature through photography.
We grow up so disconnected and removed from nature that when we relax and make time to reconnect with her in a creative manner, positive transformation in all spheres of our lives happens by default, it is inevitable.
Mindfulness and intentioned nature practices, conscious walking, journaling and much time behind the camera supports your journey either gently or as a challenging quest, depending on what you want to explore and experience. Either way, I support you both with your creative vision and your personal journey.
Photographic tuition is provided through a personally mentored approach rather than a structured course. This opens the space for you to follow your own curiosities and attractions, whether you’re part of a group or have chosen the one-to-one tailor-made route.
I facilitate optional coaching conversations to support you receiving insights and gaining clarity related to your creative expression before, during and after the immersion.
Due to the flexible approach applied with IMMERSIONS, can they be seamlessly integrated into EXPEDITION, SAFARI, TRAVEL and other TAILOR-MADE programs.
TIME OUT COACHING INTENSIVE
ON ASSIGNMENT
Join a Pro Photographer on Shoot.
This program is ideal for executives who want to “get away from it all”, to experience something TOTALLY DIFFERENT TO YOUR CURRENT WAY OF THINKING and becoming involved in having a positive impact on the conservation scene. Future activism will be a creative one and my assignments are an engagement with our rapidly changing future.
I’m often asked whether I would need someone to carry bags and cameras when on assignment in wild nature. Join me on an adventure, away from your daily routine and do more exciting stuff than an assistant would typically do.
Your intent for wanting to join, your role and functions will be discussed beforehand. These depend on the demands of the specific assignment we’ll be on, the skills you’re able to bring along and most importantly, why and what you want to initiate or do differently in your active support of the renewal and conservation of natural processes on our planet.
When we spend time in the wilderness, our own nature re-calibrates and regenerates progressively towards a healthier, more balanced state of being.
Opportunities for insight and transformation are real and amplified when we’re supported in our search for or surrender to something new and meaningful.
Benefits are typically experienced in all areas of our lives after we’ve spent time in the wild. Tales of real adventure are remembered and often times reveal continuous opportunities for reflection and deepening of meaning.
This potentially life changing program offers you the rare opportunity to disengage from your daily distractions for a higher view into your life.
This programs is offered to include or exclude photography as part of your own journey. In either case I facilitate a space for you to DEVELOP YOUR OWN “OUTSIDERS’ VIEW OF THE BOX” THAT CONTAINS YOUR LIMITING PATTERNS, through actively participating in a unique lifestyle. A willingness for adventure, good humour and a make-do approach to deal with low levels of luxury and comfort might be a prerequisite.
Intensives are sometimes facilitated on a re-ward system in collaboration with reputable conservation NGO’s and thus available only for existing and new Donors committed to a contribution the amount of which is set by the relevant organisation.
My time spent with Herbert could only be explained as deeply inspiring. We began our relationship as work colleagues but soon became good friends and Herb became my biggest mentor. Being in a very remote part of western Zambia, our conversations about life, spirituality and what it all means to us became our common camp fire conversations.
Never have I met a man so in tune with the Beings, our planet, and himself. Herb is a true mentor and I owe my career to his early influence and teachings.
James Boon
Cameraman on “Survivor”, “Snakes in the City” etc
I have always appreciated the benefits of coaching but in working with Herb, I’ve been able to unlock the next stage of my journey. His methods address the complexities related to my leadership responsibilities in a corporate structure as well as a personal world with rapidly changing dynamics.
Through our sessions he has been able to help me realign towards my most authentic Self and this in turn created the necessary shifts for progress.
Zanele Luvuno,
MD, Transcend Talent Management
At once simple, yet profound, Herbert’s unique coaching model has the ability to propel you straight out of your comfort zone – if you are up for the challenge. We get stuck in places of comfort yet un-fulfilment, knowing in our hearts that there is more.
At times like these, we need a new map of being, a new pathway to travel. Herbert does not give you the compass, he guides you to find it yourself. And find it you will, provided you are committed. That final leap of faith opened up a whole new vista for me. Having taken that leap and jumped into the flow, my book that was waiting for something to happen has, after our first session, been published in an unprecedented short amount of time.
Our time on this earth should be about living our truth. Don’t waste it being stuck. Let Herbert guide you to opening yourself up to all you can be.
Linda Park,
Author, The Book of Samson
My coaching experience with Herbert meant that we got very quickly to the point I had to focus on. He expanded my awareness. From there everything happened fast and I could see improvements in my life, growing constantly. In my mind I am still going back to that first coaching session when in need for inspiration and motivation.
It feels as if he has opened an energetic channel that I can access to be recharged anytime. Thank you again Herbert.
Manuela Sanfelicci – van Loggerenberg,
Owner of Mal dAfrica
Both personally and professionally my experience is that Herbert embodies a unique combination of qualities: truth, integrity, humour and practicality. Herbert is a very creative person too.
These qualities form the structure of Herberts coaching and mentoring programs, and I, personally have reaped the benefits in abundance.
Thanks for the combination of wisdom and kindness present in all your interactions, Herbert.
You’re a great friend and coach.
Sally Rossiter
Shaman, Healer, Channel and Teacher
Herb has that special gift helping me to raise my consciousness, towards resilience and sensitivity and becoming unfuckwithable.
Mishanth Ardithpersad
CEO – Strata Game Changers
Herb successfully created a supportive framework for me to build confidence and take charge of my life. His approach to coaching continues to help me find clarity and purpose. His calm, solid wisdom guides me to my own understanding and insight with gentleness.
With great respect for others feelings, Herb always facilitates my quest to find my Self, making the path much more enjoyable. On a practical level, I found the kind of work I wanted after two sessions, and when I wanted a different work experience, found that soon as well.
Claude Naude
Herbert and my friendship spans some 15 years. Initially we worked together in a photographic realm, and from that grew a friendship, and now in many ways a mentorship.
His perfection in photography, and then film making, paved a way for him to study light and shadow. He seemed to have always been looking for perfection in the balance between the two and what he wants to express. His images were often a testament to this. Big wide open skies, with his subject matter placed in dynamic balance with the elements.
I witnessed Herbert facing and owning both his darkness and his light, opening himself up to the growth he was destined to explore. We have talked for hours – each time I take away a little more understanding of myself, acceptance of what is and trust in discovering what my own purpose, my truth is, how I fit into my environment.
Herberts led me to the insight that personal growth is not always something I can touch and feel – but rather, the experience I have when I accept my responsibility expanding towards ever brighter light.
Helen Wilson,
MD, Makweti Safari Lodge
Listen Here to my Interview..
Contact Details:
Herbert Brauer
Address: Gauteng, Randburg, South Africa
Contact Number: 083 457 7270
Email: brauer.herb@gmail.com