When I first saw the advertisement for the Barbara O’Neill seminar in Centurion, I could hardly believe it. Could it really be true? Was she actually coming to South Africa?
Without hesitation, I booked my ticket—and then waited. For two long months, I held onto a mix of excitement and cautious hope, silently praying that this opportunity would be everything I imagined.
The Journey to Centurion: Worth Every Effort
Planning the trip turned into a bit of an adventure. I booked accommodation, only to rebook when the venue changed. Then came unexpected challenges with the new location, forcing yet another adjustment. At one point, I found myself wondering: Will all this effort truly be worth it for four days and twelve sessions?
Finally, the day arrived.
I left the Dinokeng Game Reserve early in the morning, determined to settle in and secure a front-row seat. There was no way I was missing a moment of this experience.
My room at La Majestic LodgeArrival: “It’s Really Happening”
Driving into Centurion, I arrived at the venue, At the River, and saw the first signboard announcing the event. My heart skipped a beat.
This is real.
Walking into the large hall—with over 650 seats—and hearing staff confirm that this was indeed the seminar venue made it all sink in. Months of anticipation had led to this exact moment.
And I was the first one there.
A Connection That Made the Experience Even More Special
Shortly after, Lydia arrived—the second attendee. Within minutes, we connected and decided to sit together in the front row. Just like that, my “BON Buddy” was found.
Moments before the seminar began, Lydia received a message: several volunteers from the church would not be able to attend, and help was urgently needed.
I didn’t hesitate.
What better way to spend my mornings than connecting with people and sharing knowledge I’m passionate about? I volunteered on the spot.
Day 1: The Power of “Why”
When Barbara O’Neill stepped onto the stage, a hush fell over the room. This tiny woman carried an incredible presence. Everyone leaned in, eager to absorb her wisdom.
Her first topic spoke directly to my heart: the true role of microorganisms—who they are, what they do, and why they are essential to our health.
Her first pearl of wisdom struck deeply:
“Always ask why.”
Why is this happening? Why am I experiencing these symptoms?
The evening continued with discussions on the liver, the body’s four main organs of elimination, and an unexpected addition—the tongue.
Yes, the tongue.
Through practices like oil pulling, she explained, the tongue can act as a fifth organ of elimination. A simple concept, yet so powerful.
We then moved into hormones—why cholesterol is essential for hormone production and why imbalances are so common today.
Her second pearl of wisdom:
“Listen to your body.”
It was here that I was introduced to her Wild Yam cream for hormone balance—something I am excited to soon make available in my own practice.
I could hardly believe the first day was already over.
Day 2: Stepping Into Service and Purpose
The next morning, I headed to the Philadelphia Adventist Church to volunteer at the health expo.
I was assigned to the “Air” station, where I spoke to attendees about lung capacity and breathing techniques. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with people and share my passion for breathwork and respiratory health.
By the time I left—voice slightly hoarse but spirit soaring—I was ready for another powerful evening session.
Digestion, Gut Health & Blood Sugar Balance
Back at the seminar, we explored digestion in depth:
- The organs involved
- The importance of pH balance
- The role of enzymes
- The impact of food choices
She brought us back to a concept I call “your pets”—your gut flora—and how antibiotics can disrupt this delicate ecosystem.
When she discussed conditions like Crohn’s and IBS, I smiled. It was reassuring to see that my own protocols align closely with her teachings.
The evening continued with insights into:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Diabetes
- Heart health
And then came another pearl:
Vitamin D is essential for nutrients to enter the cells.
Day 3: Challenges, Faith & Breakthroughs
The third day started again at the health expo, where I continued guiding people through breathing techniques. Many conversations went deeper—beyond breath—into emotional and physical health. The therapist in me naturally took over.
Back at the venue, however, things took an unexpected turn.
- Day 1: Solar system failure
- Day 2: No Eskom power (thankfully, a generator saved the day)
- Day 3: No Eskom power and the generator malfunctioned
For a moment, everything paused.
Attendees gathered outside, connecting, sharing, and supporting one another while organizers worked tirelessly to resolve the issue.
After a collective prayer, the power returned.
It felt like more than coincidence.
Sleep & Bone Health
Despite the delays, we managed two sessions that evening.
The first focused on sleep:
- The role of the pineal gland
- Practical strategies to improve sleep quality
And another powerful insight:
If you are dehydrated, your body cannot release the hormones needed for sleep.
The second session covered bone health, challenging conventional thinking:
- Bones need more than calcium
- Leafy greens are more beneficial than milk
And the standout pearl:
Rebounding exercise is one of the best ways to build strong bones.
Day 4: The Mind, Healing & Life Balance
Saturday started early to make up for lost time, with four sessions planned.
Lung Health & Healing Takes Time
We began with the lungs—oxygen’s role in the body, hypoxia, and breathwork techniques.
One message stood out clearly:
Healing takes time.
It took time to become unwell—it will take time to become well again.
The Power of the Mind
The next sessions shifted into mental and emotional health:
- Strengthening the prefrontal cortex
- Understanding mental laws that influence the body
And finally, the last pearl of wisdom:
There is a season for everything.
The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, leaving us all feeling enriched, inspired, and deeply grounded.
Final Reflections: A Truly Transformational Experience
Looking back, these four days were about so much more than just learning.
They were about:
- Connection
- Growth
- Service
- Faith
- And alignment with purpose
From volunteering and meeting incredible people, to gaining powerful insights that will shape my practice and support my clients, this experience will stay with me for a lifetime.
The combination of uplifting energy, meaningful conversations, nourishing food, and life-changing knowledge made this seminar something truly special.
Would I Do It Again? Absolutely.
Attending the Barbara O’Neill seminar in Centurion was not just worth the effort—it exceeded every expectation.
If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of her events, take it.
You may arrive curious…
…but you will leave transformed.
