Find calm in still waters

Henriette Lamprecht – A while ago, she read the story of the disciples who, after a long, treacherous journey of fierce storms and almost getting shipwrecked, finally reached a safe harbour with calm waters where they could anchor. The harbour was called Fair Havens because of the calm of the still waters.

It instilled in her the desire to receive people in a safe harbour where they can drop anchor and switch off - surrendering to the silence and sounds of nature, creating their own "new painting" and becoming whole again, says artist and owner of Fair Havens Retreat, Corlia de Wet.

After the several storms and losses she had to process in her own life, she signed up for a two-year course in counselling with Salem Family Ministries with the hope of finding answers and eventually helping others.

“During this time, I discovered that other people’s needs and suffering are much bigger than mine,” she explains.

When she decided to push her own problems to the side for a while, her “overactive creative brain” kicked in, and Fair Havens was born.

“It was a long time ago, first out of my heart’s desire to be able to help people who experienced trauma, but also to offer something in the form of active participation.”

Her home is her haven, says Corlia, and she realised broken souls can anchor here, stay for a while and “just drink from a fountain”.

As an artist, she admits she couldn’t ask for more ideal surroundings. The mountains in the distance, the beautiful scenery, the sounds of birds and wild animals, and even the silence contribute to a sense of calm and tranquility.

“The art atmosphere invites everyone, with or without an artistic talent, to participate in the activities offered.”

A big surprise for Corlia was a talent she wasn’t really aware of and which brought endless hours of therapy along with it.

“For the first time in my life, I’m inspired to compose piano music through the lyrics of Elizabeth Glen-Spyron from Walvis Bay. She is a spiritual mentor and an unbelievable writer who sent her poetry to me at the right time.”

The musical notes “literally started flowing from heaven” and the rest of the songs are there for anybody willing to listen.

“An album with more than 14 songs was written here in Afrikaans and English for people who love chamber music, and guests can listen to it live. It not only entertains but deeply touches broken hearts.”

At Fair Havens, nobody wears a mask, says Corlia, and every activity focuses on therapy. Of course, it is also wonderful to take something home.

Guests can choose from ceramics, pottery, calligraphy, mosaic, paint, embossing, and decorating a mirror to music - specifically the piano. A small, intimate saloon is used for Swedish massages.

“It is ideal for a group of friends to celebrate and enjoy an activity together.”

What each and every person has at their disposal, their talents and gifts, can be used to hope and live again, says Corlia.

“It all really depends on choices. I have a fanatical belief in the Creator who will never leave or abandon me.”

She firmly believes all three facets of a person - mind, body, and spirit - can be healed again after trauma.

“We must therefore discover our identity and simultaneously take care of all three facets of our being to find a balance again.”

Since Corlia named her retreat Fair Havens and started receiving guests, she realised that sharing is really caring.

“To share my beautiful surroundings is a privilege - it nourishes my being. Here, everybody realises you don’t have to rush and chase windmills, you can just be and laugh.”

Time and again, it has been proven that every person who is physically and emotionally spent and overwhelmed will find rest at Fair Havens, says Corlia.

It is also ideal for smaller, more intimate friend groups who want to celebrate a birthday or enjoy art therapy together.

Her "own battery" recharges very easily and quickly, says Corlia, because “to be thankful is a really good recharger”.

She enjoys the small things in life to the fullest – from a Marmite sandwich with a cup of tea while basking in the sun, having coffee with a precious friend, playing the piano, walking in the veld, painting, or just being creative.

“I feel immensely privileged to be healthy and have lots of energy that helps me keep busy!”

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