There are only 12 spaces and, to help ensure this experience is right for you, please book an exploratory conversation with either Simon / Katie as the first step:
SIMON: simonwhitesman@icloud.com / 082 852 0567 OR
KATE: https://calendly.com/kateclayton-coaching/30-mins-session
What we are offering
An immersive and relational journey to explore ways to unhook from habits of mind, expanding your sense of self and agency, and living from a more present, joyful and easeful place.
The quality of your mind determines the quality of your life.
Sam Harris
Why?
We all become stuck in patterns that limit our sense of self and the fullness and enjoyment of experience that is available right where we are. This is mostly an invisible process. These patterns are established and arise out of ways of coping with emotional and relational wounding, both from our own childhoods and through our lineage.
This experiential journey will explore how our identities are constructed, how this limits the way we perceive, and how we can widen our sense of self and our capacity to act rather than react, for greater impact in the world.
The 8-week journey: January – February 2027
- Aephoria Enneagram and Maturation assessments
- 1x 1:1 60 mins online assessment debriefing session
- 4x online 2-hour group sessions (two pre- and two post- immersion)
- A 5-night/6-day immersive retreat at the beautiful Bodhi Khaya Retreat Centre (https://www.bodhikhaya.com), Stanford, Western Cape from 23 – 28 February 2027. This contemplative retreat will include guided mindfulness practices, relational enquiry, Qi Gong and music-movement, as well as periods of noble silence.
- 1x 1:1 60 mins online coaching / integration session
How?
The primary way of exploring and navigating our sense of self is with our minds. The art of knowing and developing our minds is like tuning a musical instrument. If we don’t do this regularly and with some guidance, the instrument still works, but the quality of sound it produces is degraded and often unpleasant. Similarly, our bodies don’t function optimally if we don’t pay attention to caring for them.
The most available and immediate tool to tune the instrument of our mind is present moment awareness, or mindfulness. This essential quality, accessible to all human beings, allows us to see more clearly the mechanics of identification (how we form an identity and how we attach to patterns), to see our blind spots and to provide the essential ingredients of insight and compassion. This supports us to begin to loosen the constriction of patterns and expand the range of possible behaviours available to us.
We will create a safe environment in which to learn and explore embodied awareness through contemplative practices, the Aephoria Enneagram and Maturation framework, music, movement and connection to nature.
Benefits
- Getting out of your own way more often
- Beginning to see through and unhook from old patterns that no longer serve
- Being more present in your life, rather than striving to be elsewhere and missing what’s in front of you
- Feeling more embodied
- Expanding your perspective of yourself and the ways you relate and act in the world, opening up more choice and agency
- Connecting with a community of like-minded people committed to being awake and being in service
With
Simon Whitesman (MBChB PhD)
For over 30 years, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting individuals and communities to live with more presence, understanding and compassion.
Through my work as a medical doctor, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher, I’ve explored diverse methodologies for personal growth and am a global thought leader in designing and delivering mindfulness programs suited to various contexts. I am also passionate about DJ-ing electronic music to create journeys of movement and connection.
Katie Clayton (B Business Science Hons Marketing)
What inspires me is witnessing people light up with new possibilities.
I’m a truth seeker whose 30-year journey has led from marketing and fundraising to my true calling: coaching and facilitation. This work feels like home — an invitation to bring all of me to meet all of you. Internationally trained and accredited, I draw on relationship systems coaching, mindfulness, neuroscience, movement and nature, to support people to wake up to patterns and to try new ways of being that serve themselves, others, and the planet.
Investment
R33 500 – R36 500 ex VAT (depending on your choice of accommodation)
Inclusive of the full programme: Enneagram and Maturation assessments, 2x 1:1 online coaching sessions, 4x online group sessions, 5-night retreat and all food and drinks
You can also Register/Enquire about this Immersion here:
Testimonials
“Held by the gentle wisdom and expertise of the facilitators and the remarkable group, ‘Presence and Identity’ provided me with a powerful homecoming. With guidance and support, I stepped out of the race and back into my journey, rediscovering a reservoir of clarity, an undeniable purpose and a daily practice to sustain momentum. Truly transformational.”
Glen (Social Entrepreneur)
“I can highly recommend this immersion to anyone seeking deeper knowledge of who they are. I came away feeling more grounded, clear-headed, and incredibly empowered to navigate the challenges of life with a more centred approach.”
Luanne (Yoga Teacher)
“I joined this programme not really knowing what to expect. The first few days on retreat were interesting and thought-provoking, and at some point I had a deeply soul-stirring experience that, upon reflection, has profoundly changed the way I view myself and how I want to show up in the world.
I got a clear glimpse into how easy it is to move through life on autopilot without ever truly “waking up”. I began to understand that I am not simply who I think I am, and that realisation brought with it a deep sense of compassion for myself and others.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to look honestly within, to do the work, and to begin understanding more clearly both who I am and who I am not.”
Matt (Entrepreneur)
“This is not just a retreat. It is a powerful turning point. I came away with practical tools, lasting insights, and a renewed sense of clarity, courage, and purpose — both as a leader and as a human being. I’ve since decided to follow my heart, leave my business, and start up a new interest!”
Ivanna (Entrepreneur)
“This experience felt to me like a gentle change in breath – the kind that subtly registers in the moment, yet slowly steadies the body, quiets the mind, and changes both the rhythm of the journey and where it may eventually lead.
The Enneagram was used beautifully as a lens through which to observe my patterns, while also learning to hold them lightly, softening self-judgement and making more space for self-compassion.
The facilitators are deeply human. They share their realness and embodied practices with wisdom not only in what they say, but in the way they allow the space itself to breathe, expand, contract, play, rest and feel safe.
Whether you have a long-standing mindfulness practice or are completely new to this, the retreat makes room for all of it. I left feeling more present to the moment, and more curious about life that unfolds from that place.”
Caren (Executive coach)
“I came into the programme feeling stressed, time scarce and anxious, wondering how I could justify taking time out to be “present”. The daily practice, learning and shared experience changed everything. Becoming more “present” has enabled me to manage myself, and navigate and thrive in the whirlwind of work and life.”
Murray (Group CEO – Signa)
“This was incredibly valuable for me as I look to design the next stage of my life; I came in aware that 15 continuous years in corporate had narrowed my sense of self, and through this journey, experienced an incredible expansion. This has given me an amazing solid foundation from which I will sculpt and choose my path forward; I feel grounded, connected, solid, complete – still, four months after the immersion. Kate & Simon’s facilitation was a privilege to experience, a true gift.””
James (Financial Markets Professional)