Dankbaarheid is het ding
Het is weer die tijd van het jaar. Tijd om te reflecteren op wat nu echt belangrijk is in het leven en de balans op te maken in hoeverre we in staat zijn geweest om dit te ‘bereiken’ afgelopen jaar. Schaamte en schuld. Volgend jaar moeten nog meer ons best doen om het beter te doen.
Het is zeker goed om intenties te zetten en hiernaar toe te werken, maar door altijd maar te willen veranderen en de beste versie van onszelf te zijn, lopen we ook de kans dat wat er eigenlijk al is, we helemaal niet meer zien. We verliezen uit het oog dat er best wel een hoop is om nu dankbaar voor te zijn. Want als we echt meer ruimte willen maken voor geluk dat beklijft in ons leven, dan is het belangrijk om regelmatig stil te staan en een moment te nemen om die dingen te waarderen die we vanzelfsprekend vinden.
On your way
Taking the road less traveled will lead you to the way to light. Although the path of the unknown may bring you to some dark places once in a while, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.Because of that you’re able to see it so clearly. Don’t lose your focus. It takes courage…
This too shall pass
Know thyself and know this too shall pass. When you think you got it, you fall into another trap of your mind, tumbling down the rabbit hole of your whirling emotions. Upside down, inside out. Hit the bottom of your own set boundaries, which happened to be not so fixed in the end.Funny isn’t it?…
Just breathe
Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about the moments that take your breath away… Take a moment. Close your eyes. Feel your feet on the floor. Your presence in this very moment. Life as it is. You. Here. Now. Inhale the gift of life, stay with the upcoming tsunami of overwhelmingness,…
Soul diving
The rainbow doesn’t end just by touching the flat line of the surface. Although the water is mirroring and separating in a way, there’s a real invitation within. Do you ever wonder what’s underneath? How the colors will transform when being in an endless sea of waves that come and go?The refraction of light. An…
Change direction
Sometimes you might find yourself in doubt, not knowing where to go. Wondering about the next right step on your path. Scared to walk into the sea of the unknown, yet deeply filled with a vulnerable braveness to close a door behind.Standing still on the doorstep. Observing the infinite possibilities in front of you. Overwhelming…
Reflection of life
Shadows on the road. A dance on the everlasting rhythm of the flirtation of intense colors. I breathe you. All. Everything. And I am in between. The light makes its way through the naked limbs of the tree of life. Leading anchors on the path that always goes in the right direction if you look…
Meditation for beginners
How to start to find peace in the midst of the storm Nowadays we’re living in a world that’s constantly and rapidly changing, fuelled by a performance driven busyness where high expectations and stress makes us run even harder. And as if that’s not even enough, the storm in our heads never seems to lie…
Savasana
One more exhale. A serene sigh. Slowly sinking deeper into myself beyond the physical boundaries of my body. I’m falling. Heavy as a massive rock. In the same time being lifted up, as a light feather. Blown into the empty space. Drifting away on calm waves of nothingness into still water. Sea of surrender. Peace.…
Relaxation techniques
How to slow down the body and quiet the mindRelax. Just do it. Easier said than done for the majority of the world population that is living in a stress-based society. Stress is one of the biggest modern epidemics and its damaging effects on people’s health and immune system are widespread all around the world.…
Letting go with love
Supta Baddha Konasana. Open your heart and breathe through the vulnerability of the pose. Before we can let go what no longer serves us, we have to be able to embrace it to the fullest and accept it in all its aspects. We often have the tendency to push everything away we don’t want to…
How yoga can help at risk kids
Finding a safe shelter withinThe popularity of yoga is rising worldwide. Nowadays the mental and physical health benefits of yoga are being more and more researched and the evidence for its positive contribution to wellbeing is growing. It’s being practiced all around the world and is starting to be incorporated in many different settings as…
Everything is practice
Real life doesn’t just come by itself. I’m not talking about living. Easy going. I’m talking about being really alive. Truly. Deeply. To feel life sparkling in each cell of your body and beyond. A full presence in the here and now and a deep awareness of life passing by. You are living it. Now.…
From BURN OUT to ON FIRE
How to reignite your inner flameThat feeling when everything is just too much. Extreme tiredness. All of a sudden, the things that were used to be fun are so heavy. A lack of interest in things, feeling negative emotions like frustration, anger or sadness all the time. The experiencing of chronic stress. An ineffectiveness and…
Colors of illusion
A beautiful palette of colours is presenting itself as a masterpiece of art from ancient times. Blown away by the breeze of light. In your naivety being sucked into the magnificence made up in an overwhelming play of reflections. Merging in the ecstatic dance of the soft sky. Feeling connected with all there is.And you…
Embrace the monster under your bed
Ten tips to deal with anxiety in daily life Remember when you were a child and you were convinced that there was an evil monster under your bed? That intense feeling that something bad is going to happen and your life is not safe. An increased hart beat, transpiration and a weak feeling in your…
Overcoming unhealthy habits and addictions – Connection is the key to a healthy life
It’s a fact. Human beings like habits. We do things, repeatedly. Every day. Over and over again. Because we’re used to it. It makes us feel good; it gives us a sense of comfort and control. We have hundreds of habits that help us through the day and that bring a kind of structure into…
Neem een diepe adem op je mat in plaats van een pil
De effectieve werking van yoga als antidepressivum Maak je niet druk. Stel je niet aan. Neem nog een pilletje. Of een drankje. Wat je wil. Alles wat je een beetje verdooft. Niet zo makkelijk in deze periode die veel van ons vraagt. Een periode waarin we de neiging hebben om te vervallen in een depressieve…
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An honest dialogue on anorexia nervosa
Working together in understanding the inner you It’s quite something if you don’t want to nourish yourself anymore. If you deprive yourself from your daily needs. When you feel the inevitable need to control yourself in such extreme ways. If you starve yourself to death. That something must be haunting yourself so deeply that you…
Healing to the whole
Step by step. One forward and two back. Just when you think you had this. Fear of falling back. Deep rooted patterns are catching up and make their manipulative way to pull you back into their prison. Relapse is part of recovery. Loving kindness looks upon the so called mess and let things just be….
Trust the process
Trust. Have faith that there is a shining light at the end of darkness. Even though it may not be present right now, you will be able to recognise a glimpse of its presence in the future. Sometimes life isn’t a straight way from A to B and its meanderings keep you wondering where this…
Gratitude is the attitude
It’s that time of the year again. A time to reflect upon what’s really important in life and make the balance in how far we were able to ‘achieve this’. The year is coming to an end and we’re being confronted with how many resolutions we were not able to keep, which results often in…
Sweet bitterness
Sweet bitterness. Dat zijn de woorden die in de stilte in me klinken als ik om me heen kijk. De blik in hun ogen. De littekens. De onstilbare honger naar aanhankelijkheid. In volle overgave je vastpakken en niet meer willen loslaten. De lachende gezichtjes die een kant verhullen die zo bitter is, dat je er…
Standing alone
Fierce. Tall. In your fragile vulnerability to overlook this overwhelming world. Watching how the clouds pass by. People that come and go. The endless sea of emotions in your sight. Whirlwinds. It takes a lot of courage to just stand there. To be yourself. To look further and beyond. It might feel very lonely. Nothing…
Be somebody nobody thought you could be
On that note, life presents itself in remarkable ways. Bitterness hitting you like a strong, black coffee leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Hampering you to enjoy every sip of life. Coloured by the stories of the past that laid a dark shadow over what’s happening right now. Causing contractions again and again. Little…
Mirrors of life
There’s potential in every individual. Every idea has the possibility to succeed in its time and place. We only don’t always see that, often blinded by fear, doubts and insecurities. Unhelpful things that are holding us back to live life to the fullest. Then life becomes a heavy struggle and we find ourselves crawling through…
Compassion – the core of caring
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Dalai Lama Nowadays we live in a very individualistic world, a society driven by ego, prestige and status. It’s all about ‘what’s in it for me’ and how to get the best for ‘me, myself and I’, whether it’s in a materialistic, educational…
The journey
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step…in the right direction. Here you go. Walk the walk. Twists and turns. Just do it. If you do the right things with the right intentions, your path will lead you wherever you need to be. Be in the journey without losing your focus. Let…
From burn-out to on fire – how to reignite your inner flame?
That feeling when everything is just too much. Extreme tiredness. All of a sudden, the things that were used to be fun are so heavy. A lack of interest in things, feeling negative emotions like frustration, anger or sadness all the time. The experiencing of chronic stress. An ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment, in…
Continue Reading From burn-out to on fire – how to reignite your inner flame?
When darkness creeps in
That moment you feel the shadow of life is about to come over you, like an intense black cloud that extinguishes all light around. Making you want to hide somewhere deep down in a cave of isolation for all that is penetrating your whole being and weighs so heavy. Colors you black and takes you…
The power of gratitude
Do you recognize this? The first months of another new year are passing by and we’re being confronted with how many resolutions we were not able to keep, which results often in pessimistic thoughts and feelings. However, although it’s very good to set intentions and work towards this, by constantly wanting to change and be…
How to embrace the monsters under your bed?
Remember when you were a child and you were convinced that there was an evil monster under your bed? That intense feeling that something bad is going to happen and your life is not safe. An increased hart beat, transpiration and a weak feeling in your tummy. The tendency to run or hide, but…
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The freedom of forgiving
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you” — Lewis B. Smedes Sometimes we are hurt by someone so deeply that it seems we just can’t put the situation aside. Every time this person unwillingly pops up in our minds and creates all kinds of unpleasant feelings varying from anger,…
Relax, just do it
How to slow down the body and quiet the mind Relax. Just do it. Easier said than done for the majority of the world population that is living in a stress-based society. Stress is one of the biggest modern epidemics and its damaging effects on people’s health and immune system are widespread all around…
Travel is a wonderful therapy
Indeed. Especially for two very popular conditions: ‘stuckness’ and ‘notknowingness’, often strongly interrelated. All caused by our monkey mind producing unhelpful thoughts as ‘I’m stuck. I can’t see it anymore. Who am I? I don’t know what to do. What’s the next step? What is the right thing?’ Well, if it doesn’t go right, go…
Being mindless with being mindful
Three simple steps to living a life in awareness Do you ever experience that you arrive at a certain place and you don’t remember anything about how you got there? When someone is talking to you and in the same time you are completely somewhere else making ‘to do’ lists in your head? Or when…
Don’t worry, be happy
How negative thinking keeps us stuck “in every life we have some trouble, when you worry you make it double don’t worry, be happy.” If it would be as simple as Bobby Mc Ferrin sang in his popular hit, there wouldn’t be so many depressions, anxiety disorders or addictions worldwide anymore. We could throw all…
Take a breath on your mat instead of a pill
The shadow of depression Depression seems to be the new epidemic in our society nowadays. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from one of the most common mental health issues worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the second highest medical cause of disability by the year 2030…
Continue Reading Take a breath on your mat instead of a pill
Connection is the key in overcoming addiction & dependency
It’s a fact. Human beings like habits. We do things, repeatedly. Every day. Over and over again. Because we’re used to it. It makes us feel good; it gives us a sense of comfort and control. We have hundreds of habits that help us through the day and that bring a kind of structure into…
Continue Reading Connection is the key in overcoming addiction & dependency
The magic of the shadow
In the brightness of full light the darkest shadows appear. It’s magic, although it might not always feel like this. Especially when you’re standing in the full embracement of life. Feeling the comforting warmth of the sun shining in your neck. Touched by the hand of unconditional love in your back. Your head being held…
How yoga can help at risk kids
Finding a safe shelter within The popularity of yoga is rising worldwide. Nowadays the mental and physical health benefits of yoga are being more and more researched and the evidence for its positive contribution to wellbeing is growing. It’s being practiced all around the world and is starting to be incorporated in many different…
Perfectly imperfect
You beautiful flower. Amazing me with your vulnerable fragility in your brave opening up and showing me the essence. Fiercely. Surrounded by sparkles of life, shining bright like little diamonds reflecting the real truth. As we used to see it long time ago. The dark edges of your petals bring your white light even…
Love is.
Love is. Period. And that’s definitely the greatest meaning of it. Ever. Bigger than you and me. To be found in the small things and little simplicities. It’s nothing more than that and all there is in the same time. Unconditionally. Always. Don’t let yourself be swept away by the drama of the illusion. Being…
Wandering into the light
Wandering. Wondering about that special beauty of life. I mean the little things that makes everything so great. Just as it is. No make up. No filters. Raw and pure. Walking. Step by step. Barefoot. Giggling. The coarse sand tickles the soles of my feet. Every step brings me closer. The sun comes up. Another…
Ullas. In de naam van licht en blijdschap
Ieder huisje heeft zijn kruisje. Behalve Ullas. Hij heeft geen huisje maar daarentegen een immens kruisje. Of zeg maar gerust kruis. Waar Jezus u tegen zou zeggen en waarvan ik me af vraag waar hij het in godsnaam aan verdiend heeft. En hij is niet de enige in weeshuis Deenabandhu die een enorme last met…
My first awakenings in Deenabandhu Trust
My eyes are opened. I’m fully awake. This is what life in India is about. No fancy Bollywood movie, but rough life in rural areas. A real life documentary pur sang. Still I’m waking up each day. With every moment. Not only because the boys of the orphanage pass down my window chit chatting in…
In stillness
Senses wide open without any sound. Crystal clarity in a vastness of space. Moments of timelessness. The clear reflection of peace brings me back to the fluidity of the sea of endless love. A calm wave of trust. The inner smile tinkles in my belly. Electrifying and in the same time soothing in a way….
Super Shakti strikes back – A true story of female power in West Bengal
Once upon a time there lived a demon named Mahisha. He found great happiness in hurting people. Once, he decided to pray to lord Brahma, who he thought would give him a boon, which would make him invincible. Mahisha performed severe penances praying and fasting for months as he stood on one foot. The three worlds…
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I have a dream
A very intense dream woke me up this morning. With tears in my eyes. Full of a deep pain, that I felt throughout my whole body. And in my soul even more. Despite the wonderful day I had today, the image that awakened me kept playing in my mind and pops up just before I…
Alleen op de wereld
“Het doet zo’n pijn. Ik voel me zo leeg van binnen. Alsof er een heel diep gat in mijn buik zit waar alles doorheen valt. Soms voel ik me er ook misselijk van. Dan kijk ik de mensen aan en dan zou ik het liefst willen schreeuwen. Zodat ze me horen. Zodat ze me zien!”…
There’s always the sun
There’s always the sun. No matter how dark the clouds may appear. Life doesn’t distinguish. Only the mind does. Separation doesn’t exist. Flow. Look up from the wild waves. Yes you. You thought you were drowning? Trust me. You’re not. You can hold your head above the water. Feel the power in your legs. The…
Voor Sint – Van Satya
Lieve Sinterklaas, Ik schrijf u deze brief, al weet ik niet wie u bent, Maar ik heb me laten vertellen u bent een aardige vent Een goedheiligman, daarvan hebben wij er hier ook heel veel Oude wijze mannen met lange baarden tot over hun keel Ik heb verhalen van u gehoord over zakken met…
The art of letting go
Letting go is an illusion. It doesn’t exist. Why do we persistently believe we are magicians? Holding on to a fake ego based belief that is supposed to be the answer in coping with uncomfortable feelings, bad experiences and people who’ve hurt us, doesn’t bring us any further. In the wide open space there’s no…
Het zijn de kleine dingen die het doen
“Het doet geen pijn. Ik ben een sterke jongen!”. Triomfantelijk kijkt Pavan me aan terwijl hij zijn armpjes over elkaar slaat. Het bloed druppelt neer op de Indiase aarde. Het laat rode stippen achter in het bruine stof, als de bindis die iedere dag zorgvuldig tussen de wenkbrauwen worden aangebracht. Bescherming voor de vrouwen en…
Wander in Wonderland
Know thyself and know this too shall pass. When you think you got it, you fall into another trap of your mind, tumbling down the rabbit hole of your whirling emotions. Upside down, inside out. Hit the bottom of your own set boundaries, which happened to be not so fixed in the end. Funny isn’t…
Broodje aap met je mond vol tanden
In India komt er wel eens een aapje uit de mouw. Chetan bijvoorbeeld. Spring in het veld van twaalf jaar met een grote mond en een klein hartje. Probleemgevalletje Oost-Indische stijl met de palmbomen als toevluchtsoord waar hij te pas en onpas in klimt en niet meer uit wil komen. Vooral als hij van iets wordt…
Somersaults of santosha in a separate sea
Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. This is something that I’m beginning to see more clearly since I took a dive into Incredible India. Overwhelming waves might catch me and a strong stream can pull me under water to unknown places, still I’m able to keep my eyes wide open and see what…
Contactgestoord is zo gek nog niet
Eigenlijk is het gewoon heel simpel. Mensenwerk is niet moeilijk. Toch heb ik me heel vaak afgevraagd wie hier nu gek is. Als ik weer een vermanende blik kreeg toegeworpen van een collega die het niet gepast vond om persoonlijke ervaringen te delen met cliënten. Die ik overigens zelf bewust ook niet zo noem. De mensen…
Unfuckwithable
Be yourself. Everyone else is taken. – Oscar Wilde I found that being your true self and remaining truthful to who you really are is the ultimate freedom. The shining ball of light deep down within is always there, no matter what happens in your life. And it’s more than enough to light up the…
Paradise by the neon lights
Op het puntje van haar stoel. Handen krampachtig tussen haar benen geklemd. Haar gezicht in een verbeten grimas dat ooit een mooie volle mond geweest moet zijn. Teveel geslikt. Te zuur met een eeuwige bittere nasmaak. Haar ogen kijken naar dezelfde plek in niemandsland waarin zij zich bevindt in haar hoofd en laten een dofheid…
Gevonden voorwerpen
“Heb je dat ook wel eens?” vroeg ze me. Ik schrok wakker uit mijn dagdroom. Enigszins verbaasd door deze vraag, zo zomaar uit het niets, keek ik haar aan. “Wat?” Ik had helemaal niet gemerkt dat ze naast me was komen zitten. “Nou, heb je dat ook wel eens dat je tas zo zwaar is…
Some tapas, por favor!
I’m not talking about this little spicy Spanish snacks that sets a night on fire together with a good glass of wine and nice company. These nights don’t exist here, so before my mind goes into craving thoughts about this, I’ll take another brain route, which leads me towards the Sanskrit meaning of tapas. Some…
De vork in de steel
Waarom doe je wat je doet? Afgelopen weekend vroeg iemand me of ik daar niet eens iets over wil schrijven. Dat kon namelijk wel eens een inspiratie zijn voor anderen om hun droom te volgen. Goeie vraag. Zo eentje van een existentieel niveau die even in mijn hoofd blijft rond zoemen als een mug tijdens…
The goodness in evil
A cloudy day, covered by sad stories that even hampered me to see my own shadow. These boys made me stop along the way, wanting to be captured in the light of the camera, which showed me an image of the world itself. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil, feel no evil….
Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark
This morning I saw a man dying on the street. The birds were singing. He was creeping over the dusty road. In between the vomiting of blood, he was screaming for help. Nobody answered. Everything just continued. It was like watching a movie and as if I was the only person who saw this man…
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Los zand
Vanochtend kwam er een zandmannetje bij me op bezoek. Het was nog vroeg, ik was pas goed en wel wakker en net gestart met de orde van de dag. Nou ja orde…Ik moest toch eerst eens even goed in mijn ogen wrijven, voordat ik zag wie het was. Dat hij het was. Had ik me…
