Hiking, art and beating cancer
Marika van Heerden, a qualified social worker, is committed to helping people heal and become whole.
She has started bringing women to Mossel Bay for art and hiking weekends. We asked her about this and her other goals.
How did the weekends begin?
They started with hiking and storytelling on a farm in the upper Karoo. Mossel Bay is such a beautiful place. We have a house here and the thought that similar weekends could be just as eventful and inspiring, took hold. My sister, Karli Stamhuis, teaches art in Mossel Bay and her approach, doing art from the heart, fits perfectly with the aim of these weekends.
Where do the attendees come from?
Women from all over are welcome. Those who attended on the weekend of 10 October all came from Gauteng.
How do art and walking go together?
It's about connecting the mind and the heart. When one finds oneself in a new environment with different challenges, the senses kick in and one becomes more mindful. Hiking and painting both provide that opportunity and combining them is even more powerful. Guests can, however, choose only one activity, should they wish to.
What is your background?
Besides being a qualified social worker, over the past 22 years I have been involved in various forms of art expression as well as physical activities. I saw the positive effect of art and physical activity on people. Also, I was an inspirational speaker for various audiences across South Africa.
Diagnosed with breast cancer, I received treatment for this during 2018. I observed how art and physical challenges helped people to be resilient and not sink into victimhood. I am involved in Cancervive, an NGO which does a significant job educating and raising cancer awareness. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, last weekend was an ideal opportunity to promote the importance of early detection. The women will all surely be going for their annual mammograms after last weekend (#earlydetectioniskey).
What else do you do?
I am a keen hiker and have hiked, among others, Kilimanjaro and Everest base camp. I also teach crafts, work as a volunteer at a welfare organisation in Johannesburg and will be doing my masters degree next year on being resilient in the face of adversity.
What feedback did you receive from women after the art and hiking weekend?
One reported that she went home with a new sense of purpose. Another said she was reminded to reach eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.
How do you “sell” this area to people? Will you do this on the entire Garden Route?
The beauty of Mossel Bay and the St Blaize Trail need little selling. Just one picture taken from the top of the trail sells the entire town. The character of the town is appealing and attracts people easily. I will use Mossel Bay as the base, but depending on the package chosen, also hike on trails in the surrounding areas.
How large is your sister Karli's role?
She hosts an art workshop during these weekends. Through her unique method she guides people to dare, shift boundaries and express their individual creativity.