Discovering the Five Stages of Grief through Nature's Wisdom:

A Powerful Story of

Betrayal, Attempted Murder and Healing

Betrayed and Targeted: A Harrowing Journey from Near-Death to Spiritual Awakening.

During the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thembi Buthelezi’s life turned upside down. What started as a routine consulting project spiraled into a harrowing nightmare when the CEO of the company she was working with tried to kill her.

But the most shocking twist? Her own sister was in on it, weaving a web of betrayal and international sabotage with people from eight different countries.

In the face of such unimaginable treachery, Thembi knew she had to heal from this deep wound. She spent 18 months in the vast, introspective deserts of Las Vegas, finding solace in the quiet sands. From there, her journey led her to the lush, serene jungles of Thailand, where she continued her quest for peace and understanding.

Immersing herself in Buddhism and eventually becoming a nun, Thembi dove deep into her grief, exploring its effects on every part of her life—financial, relational, spiritual, emotional, and physical.

Through her soul-searching journey, Thembi discovered the transformative power of loss. She realized that grief, much like the elements of nature, shapes our very existence, influencing every decision we make. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound wisdom that can be found in embracing our darkest moments.

Short Media

Bio & Story

Thembi Buthelezi, a global business consultant, African Mystic, and grief transformational expert, faced a chilling betrayal during COVID-19 when the CEO of a company she was consulting for in Ghana and her sister, who lived with her in Las Vegas, conspired to end her life. This harrowing ordeal led her on a profound healing journey, spending 18 months in the deserts of Las Vegas and 2.5 years in Thailand’s jungles, where she ordained as a Buddhist nun. In her book, “Beggars, Ballers, and Billionaires: We All Will Come Face to Face With Death Some Day,” she unravels the mystery and explores the profound impact of grief on every facet of life. Thembi now guides others through their grief, transforming pain into resilience and wisdom.

Think Grief is Just Sadness?

It's a Journey through Air, Earth, Water, Fire, and Spirit

Shock and Denial – Air:

Discover how understanding these elements, like the calming breath of air, can gently transform your healing process and bring profound peace.

Anger – Earth:

The Single Most Effective Source of Emotional Strength – Discover how natural elements, such as the grounding force of earth during anger, can provide unmatched support, offering profound inner peace and resilience.

Bargaining – Water:

How to Create a Unique Healing Space in Just 20 Minutes – Use this proven system to attract serenity and comfort during times of grief, effortlessly integrating gentle elements like water and fire into your daily life.

Depression – Fire:

What to Never Do When Dealing with Grief and Why – Avoid common pitfalls and discover essential steps, like embracing the consuming fire of sadness with a gentle candlelight, to support true emotional recovery.

Acceptance – Spirit:

3 Nature-Based Triggers Proven to Soothe Grief and Restore Balance – Find out how integrating these gentle natural practices, such as connecting with the earth for stability, can enhance your emotional well-being and resilience.

Finding Calm Amidst Financial Turmoil:

Navigating the Storm of Job Loss with Resilience and Grace

Experiencing a financial setback as a business owner can be a profoundly challenging ordeal, impacting not only your company’s stability but also the lives of your employees.

When a business faces financial difficulties, the immediate pressure to make tough decisions, such as laying off employees, can be overwhelming. The guilt and stress associated with these decisions can affect a CEO’s mental and emotional well-being, leading to diminished leadership capacity and potentially harming the long-term stability of the business. Moreover, the grief over lost opportunities and the impact on your team can weigh heavily on your spirit.

Here are key strategies I recommend for CEOs facing financial setbacks:

Grounding for Clarity: In times of financial turmoil, grounding techniques can provide clarity and calm. Spend time in nature, meditate, or engage in deep breathing exercises to center yourself. This will help you make balanced, thoughtful decisions that are in the best interest of your company and employees.
Embracing Financial Planning with a Holistic Approach: While it’s crucial to reassess your financial strategies, integrate spiritual practices into your planning. Perform rituals such as lighting candles to symbolize new beginnings or using healing crystals to promote financial stability and clarity.
Transparent and Compassionate Communication: When laying off employees, communicate with transparency and compassion. Acknowledge the emotional impact and offer support where possible. This approach not only maintains morale but also preserves the integrity and reputation of your leadership.
Fostering a Resilient Mindset: View financial setbacks as opportunities for transformation. Engage in daily reflection and visualization exercises to manifest a resilient and innovative mindset. This can help you pivot your business strategy effectively and find new paths to growth.
Seeking Community Support: Do not face these challenges alone. Reach out to fellow business leaders, mentors, and spiritual advisors for guidance and support. Sharing your experiences and gaining different perspectives can provide valuable insights and foster a sense of solidarity.

Battling the Shadows:

Finding Light and Strength in the Face of Sudden Illness

Sudden illness, such as a cancer diagnosis or unexpected hospitalization, can be a life-altering event that impacts not only physical wellness but also emotional and spiritual well-being. As an African Mystic and grief transformational expert, I offer unique insights on how individuals can navigate the physical and emotional challenges that accompany severe health setbacks.

When faced with a sudden illness, the physical toll can be overwhelming. The stress and grief associated with a diagnosis can manifest in chronic fatigue, headaches, and a weakened immune system, making one more susceptible to other illnesses. Additionally, the emotional strain can disrupt eating and sleeping patterns, leading to insomnia or excessive sleep, and fluctuating appetite, which can result in significant weight loss or gain.

Here are key strategies I recommend for those experiencing a sudden illness:

Grounding for Physical Strength: Engage in grounding techniques to help restore physical and emotional balance. Simple practices like walking barefoot on the earth or sitting under a tree can enhance your connection to nature and promote healing energy.
Holistic Healing with Rituals: Incorporate spiritual rituals into your healing process. Light candles to symbolize hope and strength, use healing crystals to enhance your energy, and practice deep breathing exercises to manage pain and stress.
Mindful Eating and Sleep Hygiene: Pay attention to your diet and sleep patterns. Practice mindful eating by choosing nutritious foods that nourish your body and spirit. Establish a calming bedtime routine to improve sleep quality, such as meditating before bed or using essential oils to promote relaxation.
Emotional Expression through Journaling: Journaling can be a powerful tool for emotional release. Write about your experiences, fears, and hopes to process your emotions and gain clarity. This practice can help alleviate the mental burden of illness and promote a positive outlook.
Community Support and Connection: Do not isolate yourself. Reach out to family, friends, and support groups for emotional and practical support. Sharing your journey with others can provide comfort and encouragement, helping you navigate the challenges of illness.

Healing the Heart’s Deepest Wounds:

Transforming Heartbreak into Renewal After a Devastating Breakup

In the aftermath of a divorce or relationship breakup, heartbreak can feel overwhelming, often leading to a cascade of emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges.

Heartbreak after a breakup is more than just an emotional response; it deeply affects our relational wellness. The grief experienced can lead to communication breakdowns, making it difficult for individuals to express their feelings. This often results in misunderstandings and conflicts with friends and family, who may struggle to comprehend their behavior. The pain of loss can also drive individuals to withdraw from social interactions, avoiding gatherings and isolating themselves. This self-imposed solitude can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and further strain important relationships.

Through my practice, I integrate ancient African wisdom and mysticism to guide individuals through the healing process. By embracing the elements of nature, we can restore balance and harmony in our lives. Here are key practices I recommend:

Grounding in Nature: Connect with the earth by walking barefoot or sitting under a tree. This simple act can provide stability and strength, helping to alleviate the turmoil caused by heartbreak.
Embracing Tears: Just as water cleanses and heals, allowing yourself to cry can wash away sorrow and create space for new beginnings.
Candle Rituals: Light a candle to symbolize transformation. The flame represents the burning away of old pains and the illumination of a new path forward.
Meditation and Reflection: Through meditation, connect with your inner spirit. Embrace the wisdom and love within you, allowing it to guide you towards acceptance and peace.

When Grief Shakes Your Faith:

Navigating the Darkness of Spiritual Crisis

Grief can profoundly affect our spiritual wellness, often leading to a crisis of faith. I have witnessed how the intense sorrow from loss can make individuals question their very belief in a higher power. When everything seems to go wrong, it is not uncommon to feel abandoned and disconnected from one’s spiritual community, leading to a deep spiritual crisis.

One of the most challenging aspects of grief is how it can shake the foundations of our faith. Here are some ways this manifests and strategies to navigate this spiritual turmoil:

Questioning Faith: Grief can trigger intense feelings of doubt and abandonment. For example, an individual who has experienced a significant loss might stop attending religious services, feeling forsaken by their higher power. They might ask, “Why did this happen to me?” or “Is there really a God?” This crisis of faith can lead to a sense of isolation and spiritual disconnection, compounding the pain of their loss.

Strategies to Address Questioning Faith:

Allow Space for Doubt: It’s essential to acknowledge and accept feelings of doubt. Spiritual crises are natural during profound grief. Allow yourself to explore these questions without guilt or shame.
Seek Understanding: Engage in open conversations with trusted spiritual leaders or mentors who can provide perspective and support during this challenging time.
Explore Different Spiritual Practices: Sometimes, exploring new spiritual practices such as meditation, journaling, or nature walks can help reconnect you with a sense of the divine.
Seeking Spiritual Support: Conversely, some individuals might seek comfort and answers in their faith. They might attend more religious services, engage in prayer or meditation, or seek guidance from spiritual leaders. These practices can offer a sense of solace and community, providing a beacon of hope during dark times.

Grief can lead to a profound spiritual journey, marked by questioning and seeking. By allowing space for doubt and actively seeking support, individuals can navigate this crisis of faith, ultimately finding a path to healing and spiritual renewal.

Finding Happiness

After Grief

Navigating the five stages of grief is a profound journey, and it’s crucial to honor each stage without rushing. Taking your time allows for true healing and balance. As you reach acceptance, give yourself permission to feel joy again, even if you are starting over.

Physical Wellness:
Grief can drain your body. Reconnect with nature through walking, yoga, or meditating outdoors. Listen to your body’s needs for rest, nourishment, and gentle exercise.

Emotional and Psychological Wellness:
Allow yourself to feel every emotion. Practice gratitude and keep a journal to express your thoughts. Seek support from a therapist or support group to build resilience.

Financial Wellness:
Create a realistic budget to manage finances during grief. Focus on essentials and find small ways to save. Financial planning can reduce stress and provide security.

Relational Wellness:
Rebuild connections with loved ones through honest conversations. Engage in social activities that bring joy and surround yourself with supportive people.

Spiritual Wellness:
Explore your spirituality through meditation, prayer, or other practices. Reconnecting with your spiritual side can offer comfort and a sense of purpose.

Thembi Buthelezi’s book, Beggars, Ballers, and Billionaires: Crafting Tributes into the Love and Story You’ve Lived, details her seven-year journey through excruciating pain. From consulting with CEOs, traders, bankers, and global consultants, she emerged to help ambitious professionals thrive. Her story is a testament to transforming grief into resilience and guiding others to live fully and joyfully again.