Studio Manager. Hatha - and Yin Yoga Teacher at Yoga Minds in Amstelveen.
For me, yoga is a way of coming home to the body.
At home, I was taught to disconnect from my body and emotions, as my parents had lost that connection themselves. At age 17, I got mononucleosis and struggled with lingering symptoms that limited my studies, career and personal development for more than 20 years. At the time, doctors had little understanding and offered hardly any support. Today (after COVID) there is a bit more recognition. But back then I was often told that nothing was wrong and that I was making my symptoms up. Over time, I began to distrust my own experience, which only disconnected me further from my body.
My healing began only when I accepted my illness. When I realized I didn’t need a medical explanation to validate it. Instead, I found the courage to walk my own path of recovery. Rest, time, patience, trust, movement, and nourishing food became my medicine.
Yoga has been an essential part of this journey. In every asana, there is a search for balance between Sthira (stability, strength, intention) and Sukha (ease, openness, comfort)..
An invitation to feel, notice sensations, and let everything be just as it is.
In my Yin Yoga classes, the focus is on softness and comfort - a much-needed counterbalance to our fast-paced, overstimulated lives. By gently following the breath in each pose, we return to the body. Mild discomfort is part of the practice, but relaxation and release always take the lead. Yin Yoga is a gentle appointment with yourself.
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Hatha Yoga tells a different story. On the mat, we often meet ourselves with more force. Some practices feel light, strong, and harmonious, as though carried by a natural flow. Others are more confronting - nothing seems to work, and emotions such as frustration, anger, sadness, or doubt may arise..
Without judgment or explanation.
When we allow these feelings, without judgment or explanation, we open the door to something powerful. Sadness and doubt invite gentleness and compassion. Anger and frustration, when welcomed, can unlock a deep, primal energy. When channeled wisely, it can bring clarity and surprising strength.
Yoga is a practice of trial and error, of exploring your boundaries with curiosity. That is where healing begins - and it takes courage. After all, the poses in the second sun salutation are called “warriors” for a reason.
I warmly invite you to join my classes. Come to the mat with curiosity. Play, experiment, and explore your strengths and challenges. With each practice, you’ll discover something new about yourself.Webdesign © Totoweb