A kind and dreamy new year to you dear reader!

The new year has only just begun, yet you might already find yourself feeling tired and discouraged (or even slightly panicky) by all the goals, targets and projects you're supposed to set out for yourself. And that's not a great feeling to start your 2018 with, am I right?

Personally, I've never cared much for the habit of setting high goals or targets just for the sake of it. It appears a bit random to me to expect so much from a year without truly researching, or soul searching rather, the true longing that lays behind it. It seems to have become normal for so many people to set goals for a higher income, more clients and targets that I feel many of us have forgotten the importance of knowing ourselves and what drives us. Of knowing our dreams, that is. And of being kind in the process of self discovery.

Why kind though, you may wonder? The truth is you, me, we, everybody need more kindness in our lives. Kindness to the self in the first place and kindness to those around us and the earth we walk on consequently. Our planet and our lives are in serious need of more kindness, in my opinion. Kindness is needed to counteract the immense expectations our poor, gentle soul is being faced with day after day, after day.  For some of you, the expectations have run so high that you may have even lost contact with your intuitive self. The self that KNOWS, FEELS and EXPERIENCES on profound levels. That self is not dependent on achievements or external validation to feel worthy of life. 

That's what it  all seems to boil down to, wouldn't you agree? To feel worthy of life, worthy of living and  worthy of love. And to have the privilege of truly, deeply knowing yourself. I feel Carl Jung said it perfectly right when he wrote: "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are."

The image and title I chose for this blog is no coincidence. Before sitting down to write today, different titles ran through my mind. But they didn't quite seem to convey my message. And as I wondered past my little writing desk upstairs in our bedroom, I found myself staring at the printed art drawing hanging right above it (see image above). It has become my favourite drawing in the entire world, and was given to me by my dear friend when I officially launched Daily Nature exactly a year ago (thank you my dearest). 

The title of the artwork is; Your dreams are safe with me (by Soosh) and I just instantly felt a big YES from within. Whilst staring at it, I felt a moment of grace. A sensation of pure joy and gratitude for the past year since I received this remarkable piece of art. What a beautiful journey I've been on together with some of you during the one on one nature coaching sessions, group walks or yoga classes. The drawing symbolises the protective love of mother nature to her children. Which includes you dear reader! 

There is no doubt about it. I am mad about spending time in nature and inspiring people to be their authentic selves and that passion is reflected in my work as a nature coach. Nature provides such a beautiful space to explore ourselves, to feel connected and to feel safe. In nature we are safe to dream and search and find our creative most joyful selves. She shows us a kinder, calmer and more balanced way of living. 

So that is why my new years wish to you is one of kindness and dreams. Doesn't that just sound delightful to you?

Why dreamy though, you may wonder? Well, what is life without the magic push, pull and challenges of our deepest dreams, right? 

Now, perhaps in your case it's been a while since you thought of, let alone, felt your deepest dreams. I hear you. I understand that that requires TIME and a certain amount of SILENCE. Those are two assets you can quickly run out of in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It happens to us all my dear. DO NOT PUNISH YOURSELF FOR IT. Remember the KINDNESS I also wished upon you? That compassion is what you need to move forward from a place of love. 

So, just for a moment here. Pause. Exhale. Forgive yourself for being so busy. Forgive yourself for not taking the time to listen to yourself and your dreams. Forgive yourself for being caught up by daily chores. It is OK. Because the good news is, you can still CHOOSE otherwise. You can choose from a place of kindness to make time this year for your self discovery and dreams. So if you feel that a self discovery journey this year in nature is exactly what you need, but you are unsure how to motivate yourself to do it or just don't know how to start, then I've got some pretty exciting news for you. 

These past months I have worked my muddy bum and boots off to design a solid and beautiful 4 week course starting May 18th, exactly for you!

And this is not some digital online course. Nope. This is an actual face to face, intensive group course, with me as your (nature coach & yoga teacher) trainer. The course takes place in the beautiful nature reserve 'Het Twiske' outside of Amsterdam and the Yoga Studio van Hout. The course will be given in Dutch and or English, depending on the group. Make sure you read all about it here below (Dutch and English version)

☯ 4 weekse Cursus: Van Buiten naar Binnen. Klik hier

☯ 4 week course: From the Outside In. Click here

If you'd rather meet me in person before signing up then you can of course join one of my upcoming mindfulness group walks here. 

And don't for a second think that investing in your self discovery is an indulgence or unproductive 'goal'. Screw that. You know that the world needs more kindness and dreams. Nature and this course will help you journey inwards, which is the biggest gift there is...

Let me know in the comments section what your dreams for the coming year look like. What draws you most to them? What challenges frighten you? I'm always happy to connect!

And if you feel like you could use more guidance in finding the contact with your deeper self, you are welcome to join one of my mindfulness walks in nature or book a private nature coaching session with me by visiting my website. 

With Love, Kindness and Dreams,

Sometimes you can't change the fact that life gets scary. Lets say you're facing some major health issues, or you've just received some really bad news, or you're just seriously struggling in another area of your life. It happens to all of us and I want you to know you're not alone in this. In fact, I want you to know that your fear contains a very powerful message and that it's very possible to work together WITH your fear instead of fighting it, which lets be frank, is usually our first reaction to it. 

Robert Frost wrote the famous words: "The only way out is through."

What if this applies to your fear as well? What if we learn to look at fear as a means to connect to our intuition, to heal and to move forward? Lets start by realising fear is a very normal emotion that we ALL face. No one is fearless. Keep that in mind next time you beat yourself up about being scared.

Anyone dealing with a long term threatening illness (myself included) can tell you that living with fear is an ongoing practice. An ever evolving, never ending dance that at times is just downright hard to move through. Let me be honest here, I'm still working on it. Okay so now that we got that covered lets look at some ways to help you ride that good old nasty fear wave when it's threatening to drown you. Because I have found that there is a lot we can learn from fear and there are some basic strategies that can smoothen the journey.

1. Sit with it

Switch off your phone. Cancel all social calls. Time to pause and literally sit with yourself. On your meditation pillow, in the woods or on a chair. Instead of distracting yourself or denying your fear the space it is asking for, try and invite it in like a guest in your house. Offer it a seat and ask "hello fear, what can I do for you today?" "Shall we just sit here together and see what it is you're trying to tell me?"

Boom. Instant game changer. I'm not saying it immediately disappears but you can be assured fear really appreciates being heard and seen. Simply because you're acknowledging its existence. Hurrah, you're now ready for the next step!

2. Identify the message

This step requires you to listen with an open mind and open heart. Could fear be telling you something you've been avoiding to pay attention to? Are you feeling that weird, butterfly like overwhelming  sensation in your gut and in your tummy? Breathe, slowly and deeply and don't stop breathing. Sit through the uncomfortableness, a little bit longer than you'd like. I know, you want to get up and run. But lets just keep breathing. Tears might come, let them come. Judgement, doubt or overwhelm may follow. Let them follow. Listen. Let fear speak and ask of it to convey its message to you in a calm coherent way. Show it respect, show it compassion and show it kindness. Then listen some more.

3. Reality versus fantasy check

Now you're ready to filter fears message. Because more often than not, fear announces itself in a very primal way. Like a really scary 5 year desperately seeing to be soothed. HEELPP MEEEEE!!! Now that you have sat with your fear and given it space and time, it's time for the grown up in you to step up. Is the fear message in question destructive or constructive? Am I in an immediate threat and do I need to take immediate action (which I'd recommend if a lion is running towards you) or can I find a way to soothe the scary 5 year old in me with positive affirmations such as: "you're going to be ok. I am here for you. I am strong and we'll get through this. Whatever it is, we'll get through this". 

4. Keep it simple, specific and name it for what it is.

Ah, good. We're at stage four now. Almost there. You're doing great...Did I remind you to keep breathing deeply? Right, ok, now you've gone through the hysterical scary part. You've identified false from true. You know what areas need action from your part and what areas need you to let go of.  You've shown fear some compassion and kindness. Now you can name what your fear is about. Keep it simple and specific. I am scared about.....

5. Share it with your loved ones

This step doesn't mean fear has magically disappeared. It might still be there, though hopefully a little less overwhelming already. Now this stage is particularly important when the root of your fear is not something that can necessarily be fixed or solved. This is where you get to share the load a little and reach out to people you trust and feel safe with. Call a friend, cry, tell them honestly how you're doing and how your old friend fear has paid you a visit. Tell them what message it had for you and what you've learned from it. Maybe it's asking you to let go. Maybe it's holding up a mirror of truth. Maybe it's telling you you've been pushing and pulling too hard on yourself. Whatever it is that came up for you, it can be such a relief to share this with your loved ones. It truly deepens your relationship and reminds you you're NOT ALONE. Share the load people.

6. Move your body

Take it from the animal kingdom. After they've faced fear or threat they literally shake it off. They shake and move their bodies to get rid of the stress that got stuck. Time to get off the pillow and step back into the world. This is where you get to move, walk, stretch, dance. Whatever works for you. Step out into the world and move however possible. Go into nature, breathe in fresh air. You want to avoid staying stuck or sulking too long. Life is too darn short people!

Ofcourse you don't have to go through the above steps in the same day. It can take a few days to go full circle. So be patient with yourself:-)

Here's a little peek of what my personal fear ride looked like this week:

"I've launched a business. I've launched my own business. What on earth have I done? I can't do this. Who the hell do I think I am??? Have I gone mad? I have decided to change my career after my huge health crises last year. Have I gone mad? OH MY GOD everyone must think I've gone mad. Or worse, they pity me. Crap I feel the scary tingles and buzzes in my leg. Yup, my illness is active again. Oh, fantastic, just perfect. Just when I need to be on top of my game, my body has decided to scare me. This is never going to work. I might as well give up now, because my body isn't strong enough anyway. Yup, I'm too fragile and sensitive to do anything. Why bother. I'm going to stay here under the cover and hide. Yes, that's what i'll do, that's a brilliant idea...No one will know..."

You see how creative and fun fear can be? And you see where this is going right? Straight down the alley of "I'm not good enough" through "paralyse avenue" to "pity street." So it was time to face the music and dance. I went though the above steps and my fear ride taught me I was TIRED. I was STRESSED and I was OVERWHELMED. The start up of my business and the launch took every ounce of my strength. And although I'm so so happy and proud with the result, in the last phase just before launch I haven't been applying enough Daily Nature into my own life (the exact beautiful words of my dad). The wisdom I take from this, is that sometimes stress is unavoidable. And that being as sensitive as I am, it's essential to take good care of myself and protect myself from doing too much and pushing too hard. No good comes from pushing and pulling. 

Rest, love and acceptance are the healing recipe. And a little laughter goes a long way. So on that note, I'm going to logout and wish you a beautiful day. I hope the above steps will be useful in your own life. Just you remember you are not weird and you are not alone. 

The fun part? You get to repeat all these steps over and over again when fear creeps up at you. Because, life is life and it will happen. For some more than others, but it will happen so don't give up. Keep practicing, practicing, practicing and breathing. You kind of never want to stop breathing:-)

Love & tranquility,