Wachuma ceremony: a journey of reflection and renewal

2025-03-20T15:31:17+01:00

After a shamanistic tantra retreat in Peru (link to ISTA level 2), I had the opportunity to participate in a Wachuma ceremony, guided by two local shamans and their son. This sacred ritual, rooted in the ancient traditions of the Andean people, involves the use of the San Pedro cactus, known for its ability to connect individuals with God, nature, or their inner selves. While I normally don’t use psychedelics, in a dream during the retreat a few weeks ago, I had gotten the strong ‘message’ that I needed to purge an old relationship. This ceremony took place in the Sacred Valley, just two days after the solstice and just before the new year; a perfect time to reflect, let go and set new intentions for the year ahead. The intimacy of the group and the setting felt safe and right, making it an experience I couldn’t resist.

Wachuma ceremony: a journey of reflection and renewal2025-03-20T15:31:17+01:00

Esther went on a tantra holiday

2025-03-20T15:31:18+01:00

"Ben je ooit bereid geweest om alles wat je denkt te weten over jezelf los te laten?" Na mijn eerste tantra retreat in 2016 en een aantal ervaringen met ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) voelde ik me na twee keer Level 1 en een integratieretreat eindelijk klaar voor Level 2. Niemand vertelt precies wat Level 2 inhoudt, behalve dat je ‘doodgaat’. Je ego sterft en je wordt opnieuw geboren. Een intens proces, maar dat was precies waar ik klaar voor was. Het retreat vond plaats in Peru, een land dat diep geworteld is in het shamanisme en dat voor mij altijd een bijzondere plek heeft gehad. Hoewel de timing slecht uitkwam—ik kwam rechtstreeks uit Thailand, had slechts twee dagen in Amsterdam voor de overgang naar een andere tijdzone, om te pakken en door te vliegen naar Peru—wist ik dat ik erbij moest zijn. Dit was het laatste retreat van Bruce, een van de oprichters van ISTA, en mensen waren lyrisch over hem.

Esther went on a tantra holiday2025-03-20T15:31:18+01:00

My Transformation: ISTA Level 2 in Peru

2025-03-20T15:31:19+01:00

“Are you ready to let go of everything you think you know about yourself?” After my first tantra retreat in 2016 and several experiences with ISTA (International School of Temple Arts), I finally felt ready for ISTA Level 2. After attending Level 1 twice and completing an integration retreat, I knew this was the next step. Nobody tells you exactly what Level 2 entails, only that you will ‘die.’ Your ego dies, and then you are reborn. It’s an intense process, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. This retreat was held in Peru, a country deeply rooted in shamanism and a special place for me personally. Although the timing was terrible—I was flying from Thailand, with only two days in Amsterdam to adjust to the time difference, pack, and leave again—I knew I had to be there. This was Bruce’s last retreat, one of ISTA’s founders, and everyone spoke of him with awe.

My Transformation: ISTA Level 2 in Peru2025-03-20T15:31:19+01:00

Nieuwsgierigheid – Inspiratie shot november 2024

2025-03-20T15:31:20+01:00

Nieuwsgierigheid is het tegengif van angst. Angst maakt je kleiner; nieuwsgierigheid opent je blik en brengt je naar nieuwe ideeën, ervaringen, en mensen. De afgelopen maand vond ik weer een enorme bron van inspiratie op de Dynamite Circle-conferentie in Bangkok. In deze inspiratie shot deel ik een paar van de mooiste voorbeelden en experimenten waarmee je zelf aan de slag kunt gaan.

Nieuwsgierigheid – Inspiratie shot november 20242025-03-20T15:31:20+01:00

Curiosity – Inspiration shot November 2024

2025-03-20T15:31:23+01:00

Curiosity is the antidote to fear. Fear makes you smaller; curiosity broadens your view and leads you to new ideas, experiences, and people. This past month, I found a huge source of inspiration at the yearly Dynamite Circle Conference in Bangkok. In this Inspiration shot, I’m sharing some of the best examples and experiments you can try yourself.

Curiosity – Inspiration shot November 20242025-03-20T15:31:23+01:00

The power of rituals – Inspiration shot October 2024

2025-03-20T15:31:27+01:00

Afgelopen maand stond voor mij in het teken van plekken, mensen en gewoontes die steeds opnieuw een diepe impact hebben. Of het nu gaat om het herlezen van mijn favoriete boeken, het voor de derde keer kijken van Breaking Bad, de jaarlijkse vakantie met mijn jaarclub die ik al 35 jaar ken, of het terugkeren naar vertrouwde plekken zoals mijn TinyTrullo in Puglia en bij mijn vader in Miami; er zit kracht in herhaling. Door dezelfde plekken en mensen vaker te zien, en activiteiten regelmatig te herhalen, ontdek ik telkens nieuwe lagen en krijg ik een frisse blik op wat eerst zo vertrouwd leek. Het is juist door deze rituelen dat er meer diepgang ontstaat en ik me nog meer verbonden voel met mijn omgeving en ervaringen. Herhaling laat me dieper duiken, beter contact maken en dingen zien die ik eerder over het hoofd zag. Benieuwd hoe je zelf nieuwe diepgang kunt vinden in het vertrouwde? In deze Inspiratie Shot ontdek je hoe rituelen en herhaling je leven kunnen verrijken.

The power of rituals – Inspiration shot October 20242025-03-20T15:31:27+01:00

How I wrote a book in one week with ChatGPT

2025-11-12T11:14:25+01:00

Writing a book in one week might sound like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it becomes more achievable than you'd think. I recently wrote a business book for a client in just seven days, using my Reverse Writing methodology and ChatGPT. Along the way, I learned some valuable lessons that anyone can benefit from—even if you're not writing a book.

How I wrote a book in one week with ChatGPT2025-11-12T11:14:25+01:00

‘Pre-retirement’ – Inspiration shot September 2024

2025-03-20T15:31:31+01:00

A unique time is approaching; from December to June, I have nothing planned—except for my last writing week in Mallorca and, of course, my theater show! The first few months of 2025 feel like a kind of 'pre-retirement', where I can truly explore where I want to be and what I want to do, instead of following my usual (self-made) hectic travel schedule.  Until then it seems like I am busier than ever. In the coming months, I will travel to Thailand, within Europe, and Peru, from conferences to retreats. And in between I will visit my father in Miami. Every month, I’ll be hosting one of my online workshops for the very last time. These moments can be quite emotional when participants share why they follow me or talk about how long they've been my fans. I know I will really miss this. Still, my decision is firm. This month, I will write someone's book in just one week for the first time with my new exclusive 'Rapid Ghostwriting' offer. From 2025 onward, this will be my sole focus. In this inspiration shot, I’m sharing some useful and inspiring insights I've come across, which you might find helpful—whether you're planning for retirement or still in full action mode.

‘Pre-retirement’ – Inspiration shot September 20242025-03-20T15:31:31+01:00

Embracing the feminine: a deep dive into self-discovery

2025-03-20T15:31:32+01:00

Polarities have always fascinated me—the opposites that shape our lives. In my search for balance, I discovered that I was often in my masculine energy: focused on doing, control, and results. But deep down, I longed for a softer side, to embrace my feminine energy, which is all about surrender, presence, and connection. This desire led me on a path of self-discovery that led to tantra workshops and eventually to my first MDMA journey under the guidance of a psychologist. I expected this psychedelic experience to bring me closer to my feminine energy, but the journey took an unexpected turn. The harsh and dangerous reality of living as a witch in the Middle Ages gave me new insights into my distance from feminine energy. Being a woman is not always easy, and has often been dangerous. This time, I felt ready to move on and really delve into being a woman. My most recent MDMA journey brought surprising lessons about myself, my family, and the hidden stories that shape my feminine power. I’m excited to share my experiences and lessons with you, in the hopes that they will resonate with you too…

Embracing the feminine: a deep dive into self-discovery2025-03-20T15:31:32+01:00

A journey into the unknown

2025-03-20T15:31:33+01:00

When a friend from a tantra workshop mentioned he was heading to the Sexibility Festival in Sweden, I was intrigued. The festival promised a unique mix of tantra, spirituality, and personal development, all set in the tranquil, remote surroundings of Ängsbacka - a place I'd only heard whispers about. Without knowing what to expect, I impulsively bought a ticket. Unlike the tantra retreats I was accustomed to, where the experience is carefully curated and shared by a tight-knit group, this festival offered a different approach: the freedom to choose your own path, selecting from a variety of workshops, or stepping back whenever you needed to. As the day of departure approached, I found myself filled with curiosity but also a touch of anxiety. I was going alone, with only a vague acquaintance to rely on, and I had no idea what awaited me. But everything about this festival was designed to break down those initial barriers, helping people connect quickly and deeply. In this blog, I'll share my impressions of the festival and some of the valuable lessons I learned along the way.

A journey into the unknown2025-03-20T15:31:33+01:00
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