I lost my job as a lawyer at the age of 30 because of a hereditary disease, called Usher syndrome. It causes severe deterioration of my sight and hearing and it became my personal challenge to deal with that and keep my inner spark alive. Energy management, stress management and a strong ever-growing body awareness all became life defining skills. During many years I daily studied and trained myself in these topics, besides other necessary, practical adjustments, like walking with a guiding stick.

I finished a 4-year college education at the Dutch School of Traditional Shiatsu and several post graduate courses, e.g. at the Shiatsu & Seiki Institute (Gent, Belgium). Additionally, many years of 1-to-1 Aiki-coaching, several holistic massage courses, qiguong training, TaiChi course, Zen-Seeing-Drawing retreat, rowing training and so many other enriching experiences and adventures have shaped me until this point.

I’ve started to learn how to live center-based, physically, as well as mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It starts with awareness. Observing your bodily signals that tell you what it is you need and what not. This will help you making choices.

A strong body awareness positively affects a healthy self- awareness. It strengthens your resilience and prevents serious exhaustion that might lead to a burnout.

Of course, I’m not always well balanced, but that’s not where this is about. Balancing is a continuous, dynamic movement towards an equilibrium. The experience of balance can be wonderful, even healing, but it never lasts long. It’s the balancing act that we have to focus on. If we train ourselves in becoming the most amazing balancing artists it will help us move along with whatever life brings us. This is center-based living.

I transformed my personal journey into my profession. It was only when the Usher syndrome forced me to balance all the loss I had to face I discovered the endless power of my sensory awareness. It’s a great joy to share this in my practice Spark of Life. As shiatsu therapist, Do-In teacher, inspirational speaker/trainer and (international) consultant for different rehabilitation organizations.

Wat in alle activiteiten terugkomt zijn de kernthema’s – lichaamsbewustzijn, energie -en stressmanagement, innerlijk waarnemingsvermogen, centrumbewustzijn- die ons leren dicht bij onszelf te zijn. Dat is je grootste kracht. Vonk van leven.