FAQ

Do you want to relax?
Then 10 to 20 minutes at a time is a good start.
Do you want to improve your concentration?
Then a longer meditation of 30 to 45 minutes often works better.
Are you looking for depth or insight?
For that you usually need more time. Think about an hour or longer.
As for frequency: every day is of course ideal, but three times a week is more feasible for many people and is already very valuable.

You may be familiar with this famous saying:
“Meditate for twenty minutes a day. Unless you’re busy… then an hour.”
With a wink, but not without truth.

There are traditions that recommend early morning, before the day begins, when everything is still quiet. Others like to meditate in the evening, as a way to consciously end the day.

But the most important thing is that it fits into your life.

Whether that is in the morning after getting up, during your lunch break or in the evening before going to bed, any form of regularity helps. Meditation works best when you give it a place in your rhythm, in a way that works for you.

But that doesn't mean you don't have any influence. You do have a choice in how you deal with your thoughts. You don't have to go along with them, you don't have to believe them. Being carried away by everything your mind tells you often causes unrest or suffering.

Through meditation you learn to create space between a stimulus and your reaction. You learn to see thoughts for what they are: temporary appearances. Not facts. Not commands.

The more you practice, the more awareness you create. And the more awareness you have, the more inner peace and freedom of choice you experience.

The Buddha's teachings are universal and meant for everyone, regardless of your background, faith or philosophy of life. You don't have to become a Buddhist or adopt something that doesn't suit you.

Anyone can learn and apply the techniques to live life with more attention, wisdom and compassion.

The Buddha spoke of four postures for meditation: sitting, standing, walking and lying down. In other words, meditation can be done in any posture and even while moving.

Walking meditation is a beautiful form of meditation in action. Instead of sitting still, you move with attention. You feel how your feet touch the ground, how your muscles and bones work together, how your body moves in the moment. This does not have to be excessively slow. In the beginning it often goes a bit slower, because you learn to feel that you are walking. But with practice you can move meditatively at a natural pace.

Walking meditation works best with bare feet, so that you have optimal contact with the ground.

You can meditate on a cushion or bench, on a mat on the floor, against the wall, on a chair, standing or even moving. The important thing is to find a position that allows your body to remain still and relaxed, without any pain or obstruction of your breath.

The physical posture is supportive, but not decisive.
What really counts is your inner attitude:
Openness. Attention. Gentleness.
Or, as is often said: the moral attitude is more important than the physical one.

So: sit as you can and be present as you are.

At the Sangha we share insights, learn from each other and strengthen each other's energy.

Read more in my blog.

You don’t have to be flexible to begin; flexibility is not a prerequisite, but sometimes a result of regular practice.

Yoga is not about performance or perfection. It is about connection: with your body, your breath, and your inner peace. About conscious movement and feeling what lives inside you.

So you are completely welcome, exactly as you are now.

Knee complaints often have to do with limited mobility in the hips or a disturbed contact with the feet. You can work on this in a gentle and conscious way with yoga.

I am happy to make adjustments where necessary and think along with you. A flat cushion under your knees or an alternative position can make a big difference.

Whether you have physical complaints or not: the most important thing is that you keep listening to your body. Yoga is not about performing, but about feeling, breathing and being present, exactly as you are.

An energetic massage is soft, slow and meditative. This form of touch invites you to relax deeply, to let go of what is no longer needed and to reconnect with your inner peace. The touch works on the energetic system and subtly brings body and mind into balance. This massage is often experienced as nurturing, healing and deepening.

A deep massage works more on the physical layers of the body. With more targeted techniques, tension in muscles and connective tissue is invited to release. This helps with stuck energy, blockages or physical complaints. Yet this massage also remains attuned and intuitive with respect for your pace and boundaries.

Both forms support your body awareness and self-healing, each in their own way. We always agree together which massage is most suitable.

Whether you choose a deep massage, energetic massage or yoga massage, we always coordinate in advance how you feel and what you need at that moment. This can differ per phase of your pregnancy.

If you can no longer lie on your stomach, I will massage you in a supine or side position. With the right support of pillows we ensure a comfortable and safe position, so that you can relax completely.

Pregnancy demands a lot from your body. A massage can be extra valuable at that time.

The lessons and massages that I offer require a certain level of consciousness and body awareness, something that often only develops at a later age.

This does not mean that it is never possible to guide a younger child. Sometimes there is room for an exception, for example in consultation with parents, with specific questions or if a child is already very conscious and sensitive in life. Feel free to contact us if you have any doubts or questions.