Welcome to Anahata
                  Creative Arts and Wellness
                  and the work of Hendrik van der Merwe
Somatic Bodywork Therapies and Training

Hendrik is an integrative practitioner, combining various disciplines, techniques and modalities to approach healing and personal growth in a holistic way.

 

His yoga classes are focused on the harmony of the inner and outer asana. His work as a therapist and teacher is predominantly focused on releasing emotional and mental energy blockages and old cellular memories for deep healing and spiritual growth.

 

Singing, dancing, making music and art is all a part of his own spiritual practice.

 

Please see the blog posts for more about his work, travel writing and poetry. 

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Welcome to this window into my world.

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I’ve called my home in Wilderness, South Africa, Anahata, the sanscrit word used for the heart chakra, with various meanings, such as unstuck, or unhurt or unharmed, and the sound that is made without something being struck. The primordial sound. The hum of the universe.

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It is more than just my home, it’s also a space for transformation, somatic healing, and creative exploration. It’s a place where you can reconnect with your body, your spirit, and your soul’s essence.

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My path has been anything but conventional. Raised by parents who infused my life with wisdom from Jungian philosophy, fine arts, Zen Buddhism, and a deep commitment to justice and peace, I initially left high school with a passion for law and human rights.

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But life had other plans. After national service in the navy, and a year of travel, I turned toward studying psychology, then sculpture, music, yoga, meditation, and the art and science of energy healing and somatic bodywork.

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I started my studies in esoteric and energy healing from 1987 to 1989 with my first mentors, Patrick DesPlace and Rosalyn Bruyére, and since then, I’ve trained in Thai massage, Chi Nei Tsang and Karsai Nei Tsang, and Reiki. 

 

My personal journey has been deeply influenced by the study of Zen, Dzogchen, Tantra, The Tao, A Course in Miracles, and the works of Nisargadatta and Carl Jung. 

 

Shamanism and plant allies have played a signficant role in my life.

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Over the last 12 years, I’ve taught training courses and led retreats around the world—from Central and South America, to South Africa, Europe, and India. 

 

In 2022 I returned to my home in South Africa where I’m now building a new chapter in my life and work:  Anahata, a holistic healing and creative arts center in the heart of Wilderness, in the Garden Route in South Africa.

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The Heart of My Work: Healing, Energy, and Transformation

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At the core of my work is a deep belief in the power of energy to heal, transform, and restore. Our emotional and mental blockages—often shaped by stress, trauma, bad diet and lack of exercise, and the physical toxins we encounter daily—hold us back from living a good life. Through somatic bodywork and processing our emotions and traumas, we can release these blockages and restore the flow of vital energy.

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Over the past 35 years, I’ve refined my approach, focusing primarily on Chi Nei Tsang—a Taoist abdominal massage that helps release stored toxins and energy from the abdomen, restoring balance to the body’s organs and systems. Alongside this, I integrate other healing modalities like deep tissue massage, Thai massage, Reiki, and emotional and spiritual counseling, guiding my clients towards well-being.

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Wellness Beyond the Surface: A Holistic Approach to Healing

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For me, wellness is more than just the absence of illness. It’s about thriving—feeling energized, creative, and aligned with your true self. It’s about living in harmony with the energy around you and within you. My work is about helping you connect to your inner power and embrace all that you are.

 

Whether it’s through yoga, meditation, creativity, expression, or energy work, I believe that the path to wellness is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. Yoga has been a cornerstone of my own persona practice, and I teach classes that emphasize both the inner and outer harmony of posture, breath, and energy.

 

Join the Journey

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If you're ready to explore this path of healing and self-discovery, I invite you to join me. Whether through private sessions, workshops, or retreats, we’ll work together to unlock your true potential and support you in living your most vibrant life.

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Check out my blog for insights on health, wellness, and personal growth. And if you're ready to dive deeper into your journey, I’d love to connect with you.