In one of my previous posts, I thoroughly discussed the many options one can have in living a different life. I think it is good to reflect a bit and discuss what ‘alternative’ really means in this context. In my opinion, it is choosing a life path that most people do not take. Typical is to finish your study, having an office job, buying a house, driving your lease car, having children, and maybe try your luck with a few…
The congratulatory pat on the back from your soccer coach after you score a goal. The leap into a loved one’s arms after an awaited reunion. The shaking of a doctor’s hand after they tell you that they will be the one taking you into surgery. Something that has garnered a lot of discussion is how will we view touch post-COVID19. Will we continue to, subconsciously or consciously, social distance? Touch has been integral to the very essence of being…
In the last few years, a clear trend is visible of people decorating their homes with new indoor greens, people harvesting their first tomato plants grown from ‘AH moestuintjes’, and people growing fresh vegetables and fruits in their own (allotment) garden. I think this trend is not a coincidence. As our world is becoming more densely populated and increasingly complicated, the urge to counteract this movement is growing stronger. Our cities are nothing short of a massive ‘concrete jungle’, the…
What kind of work is next for me? This question appears in front of me with the current Corona crisis. The need for at least a little bit of money to sustain oneself is evident, and is one of the few things that is certain in our society😁. In exploring possible answers I started to analysis the current working culture characteristics. This can be neatly compared to a beautiful exercise I did with my friend Michael: sketch your dream working…
The wickedness of the mind is not without trouble. Seeing your patterns in a constructive way enables to unshackle the tight chains around your ankles and start the smalls steps of realisation, learning, and personal growth. I have often been on this seemingly weird life path. To be open with its curves and twists is essential to your well being. To be a gentle warrior is not only a great visualisation for your mind, but also utterly crucial in discovering…
It feels as the train of thoughts cannot be stopped. You need to do this right now! You catch your mind drifting away to your future problems. You know it’s better to let go but it is too hard. How many times have you caught your mind wondering away, have you been staring to the house across the street? The mind is trained this way. Our relentless educational system shapes it in an intellectual mastermind. An occasional daydream is alright…
Thousands of photos are stored in my Google Photos account from the past year of travel. I selected the 10 best pictures, with the most interesting stories, to give a good impression of my journey. Sit back and enjoy!! “Look, this is how you do it..” the Sri Lankan chef says while he swiftly makes two flawless circles from the dosa batter. The large grill in front of me radiates an intense heat but somehow feels as my trusted companion….
In many of my posts I discussed having trust in the process, your feelings, and the Universe. Within this sacred space there are many ways to frame your perspective. Personally I love to take the viewpoint of ‘the Universe as my supporting buddy’. It aligns myself with a more playful attitude towards life. This view might be a bit much for people. You have to realize that it is just a perspective you can choose yourself, just as you can…
Cold and windy but with very comfortable homes. That is how I see the Netherlands now. I’m back! Arrived safely a few weeks ago and staying at my parents place in Lelystad. I left everything 11 months ago: my house, my work, and threw away most of my belongings. Returning ‘home’ is not really the typical ‘returning home’ as you do after a short holiday. The way I did it is life changing. It makes me think of what ‘home’…
What makes you deeply connected to this world? What makes you feel alive? Common questions of people that think of life and its meaning :). In one of the episodes of Steve’s ‘Submersion’ this topic was discussed in detail. Actually I think I listened to it the second or third time now. I remembered the previous time vividly. It was in the bus going from Adelaide towards Melbourne. It resonated a lot with me because I decided to go after…