Studying the Mind

Since 2006, I have been a student of buddhism. More and more, I am inspired and guided by buddhist precepts and principles. This has changed me into a happier and friendlier person. But meditation remains difficult. After 8 hours of work, I don't feel like sitting still on
​a cushion. And if I try to find some peace of mind, my thoughts often run away with me. I plan for the future or start thinking about past events. Being here and now is not so easy for my overactive mind. During movement and concentrating on movement, my mind bothers me less. This is one of the reasons why I dance. 

For 10 years I taught at University, a pre-eminently cognitive environment. I loved to see the pennies drop in my students. In 2010, I taught a semester in San Francisco. To counterbalance all the thinking and just for fun, I took my ballet clothes with me and took ballet classes at the huge studio across the street. During one of the ballet classes it dawned on me: humans learn by doing, not by thinking! One can read ever so many books about ballet, or buddhism, or law, but that will not teach you a perfect pirouette, or how to meditate or how to write a legal opinion. For that you need to practice and do, do, do. 

In 2013-2015 I followed a professional educational program in Movement, Dance and Play for coaching and caregiving. It changed my life completely. I was confirmed in my conviction that people learn through their bodies, even from before we can talk (see: baby Liv). Movement comes first, your 'thinking' follows along and changes with it.

Moving the Body

Modern man is sitting still a lot. Movement is important. Literally, for your physical health, but als figuratively. Moving helps if you want to grow into a richer and more complet being. Like no one else, I know how hard it is to make the change from 'thinking about moving' to starting to 'actually move'. Now I teach classes full of movement, classes that have nothing to do with the transfer of knowledge from one head to another. 

'A very special afternoon. It has not only put my body in motion, but also my mind. I feel literally and figuratively 'looser'! 
Inger (participant of a private workshop 'Compassion for your body')

Discoveries within your comfort zone

What I offer is movement in safety, within your comfort zone. With respect for yourself and others. Creating space to experience and research your movement preferences and patterns. We will experiment with alternatives, without judging ourself or others. Why staying within your comfort zone? Because permanent growth can only occur in safety, through your wish to repeat familiar or newly discovered movements. I offer you physical experiences that will create space for detention, development and growth. We will work a lot with the senses, space awareness, relaxation excersises and non-verbal communication. 

​I do not believe that change and growth will occur simply by changing your thoughts or reflecting upon yourself or your opinions, as many coaches seem to suggest. People grow and change through physical experiences. In my classes, you will coach yourself. I am merely creating the safe conditions to make your own discoveries.

I strongly believe in the power of Movement, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiences. I share my findings through Moving the Mind. Feel welcome to participate!

A participant: 'In fact, each class brought me a lot - inspiring and inviting to experiment, play and to reflect. Also, every class is different!  My compliments for your creativity, I did not get bored for one second (and that does not happen often).' ​

I am not a therapist. If you suffer from physical of psychological ailments, my advice is to find professional help from a doctor, therapist or psychologist. ​​​