- About

The team


Shawn Mesman


“Shawn is a great inspiration to me (Nadine) and to those around him when it comes to promoting peace and tranquility. Through intense life events, Shawn has gathered a substantial set of tools to maintain his grounding and love for life and himself. He is a master at observing people, both mentally and physically, and often articulates what others have been searching for within themselves for a long time.

His love for life and fellow human beings makes many people feel safe and comfortable around him quickly, allowing them to embark on a transformation. With his inexhaustible source of motivation and discipline, Shawn continues to develop as a person to be of value to his environment. He takes people on a journey to their true selves by being a mirror and speaking honestly and openly about what he sees, hears, and feels.

A large part of Shawn’s joy in life came from his love for adventurous outdoor activities. Backpacking in the wilderness, rock climbing, white water paddle boarding, and skiing are some of the things he loved to fill his days with. Until one day in 2022, this all seemed to be a thing of the past when a sudden paralysis in his left leg put him in a wheelchair. After a long process in the US with countless hospital visits, the chances of recovery were nil.

After a visit from a friend who told him about a place in India where they might be able to help him, Shawn left the North American continent for the first time in his life, full of hope, to follow a rehabilitation process there. This process ultimately resulted in a well-functioning leg again after 5 months of pain, sweat, and tears. His complete dedication to regaining his health has inspired many and significantly changed his own perspective on life.”

Shawn: “Anything is possible, as long as the will is there and you have trust and faith that it’s possible. I can accept almost all situations in life as they are… but I also know that the possibilities of our potential are infinite. Staying open to that and taking others along in that journey is my personal mission.”

 


Nadine van Bennekom


“Through my (Shawn’s) rehabilitation journey, Nadine’s authentic courage served as a guiding light. Her unique blend of humble confidence and joyful spirit not only kept me accountable, but also made the challenging path more bearable. The depth of her impact continues to amaze me as I witness former refugees stopping her with gratitude for the work she has done with them, and friends both near and far seeking het thoughts and comfort. 

Her quest for meaning took her on a profound journey through India, where she witnessed the sacred cremation ceremonies along the Ganges in Varanasi. She immersed herself in silent meditation retreats, absorbed teachings on compassion from the Dalai Lama, and embraced the simple way of life with a family in the Himalayas. Each experience enriched her understanding of our physical existence and the extraordinary capacity of our minds to experience life in its fullness.

Nadine brings a rare combination to her role as a guide – the practical wisdom gained from her refugee work, coupled with deep personal insights from her own journey of self-discovery. Her approach seamlessly blends compassion with strength, making her an ideal companion for those embarking on their own transformative paths. Through her experiences, she has distilled a beautiful truth: “Life is about love and love is in openness and truth.”

As an embodiment of KA-TANG’s principles, Nadine stands ready to guide those courageous enough to “take a leap into the void” and take that first step into the unknown. Her presence offers both the wisdom of experience and the warmth of genuine understanding to all who seek transformation.”