Life as a dance – Inspiration shot February 2025

2025-03-20T15:31:13+01:00

Everything has two sides: dark and light, masculine and feminine, yin and yang, ups and downs. Life is a dance. What I learned from tango is that you have a choice: do you focus on ‘following as best as you can,’ or do you go all in and enjoy, even when things don’t go as planned? The past weeks in Buenos Aires have been a mix of disappointments and beautiful moments, both personally and in the world news. It’s all part of the journey. I used to think life should always be fun, but I’ve realized that by consciously acknowledging the difficult moments, you can appreciate the good ones even more. This month, I’d love to share a piece of my life dance with you—along with some inspiration for your own.

Life as a dance – Inspiration shot February 20252025-03-20T15:31:13+01:00

Abundance – Inspiration shot January 2025

2025-03-20T15:31:16+01:00

The new year and the solstice mark a time of transition. During a shamanic tantra retreat and local ceremonies in Peru, I learned to let go of what no longer serves me and create space for a truly authentic new beginning. This transition into 2025 feels like an opportunity to go deeper, beyond superficial resolutions. For me, 2024 was a year of abundance. Professionally, it was an exceptional year: fully booked writing weeks, coaching sessions more popular than ever, and more free time thanks to streamlining my business. This created room for personal growth, including four tantra retreats, an MDMA journey, and a San Pedro ceremony 🌵. I also treated myself to more luxury, such as flying business class. Now, my focus shifts to 2025. How can you share abundance with others? And what pain are you willing to endure to realize your dreams? I’m excited to share my insights and inspiration with you. Enjoy the read!

Abundance – Inspiration shot January 20252025-03-20T15:31:16+01:00

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
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