MindWise Africa

09/03/2026

On Friday I received what’s known in Zen Buddhism as Jukai, or the Buddhist precepts, when I partook in an online ceremony from the in the US and took Buddhist vows.

It reflected a journey I have been on for the past several years as a mindfulness and meditation teacher, a journey that has taken many twists and turns. All through this path, the dharma, or Buddhist teachings, have been a huge influence on my personal life and in the way I teach mindfulness. I cannot ignore the Buddhist roots of these practices, so have therefore brought them into my teaching whenever people are open to it. Taking the precepts is one step further on this journey.

I’m grateful to all of those who have inspired me on this path - you know who you are. I’m also grateful to all those I have taught over the last few years. Truly there is no separation between teacher and student - you have all taught me so much.

And thanks to the amazing Roshi for being my preceptor - a true honour.

My given dharma name is Hōshō - which means “Voice of the Dharma” - that is something which I will continuously try to live up to.

09/03/2026

Did you know that horseriding and mediation perfectly go together?
Join us here in beautiful Vilanculos.

05/03/2026

Join us on this unique retreat for Women.
A truly unique Beach, Bush and well-Being adventure for Women, in the hidden gem of Africa: Mozambique.

02/03/2026

Christina surprised me yesterday while I was relaxing and asked me why Mozambique is a perfect place for a retreat. Here are my spontaneous answers. Why not join me for my Waves, Wellness, and Wellbeing Retreat for women here in April? Two wonderful national parks; Bazaruto (maritime) and the pristine Big Five national park of Zinave. Exploring nature and the nature of our mind

01/03/2026

Why come to Mozambique for a Mindful Holiday?

09/02/2026

Waves, Wellness & Wildlife - An adventurous Boutique Retreat for Women in Mozambique

This is not a typical retreat.

Waves, Wellness & Wildlife is a small-group adventure for women who crave nature, sustainability and meaning — from turquoise seas to untamed African wilderness.

Together we host this intimate group retreat in April, combining beach, safari, and wellbeing.

We take you from the beautiful beaches of Vilanculos to the raw, remote unknown beauty of Zinave National Park. Limited to just seven women, this is an exclusive, personal, unique and unforgettable experience.

A Mindful Holiday with Ocean, Beach & Safari
Begin with relaxing days by the ocean in Vilanculos, the gateway to the breathtaking and legendary Bazaruto Archipelago. Enjoy daily meditation, snorkelling on the Two Mile Reef, fresh seafood, yoga and a private island experience with a guided meditation in a truly special setting.

Then we go off-road. An overland expedition takes us more than 200 km through remote villages and wild landscapes to Zinave National Park — a vast, wild landscape of over 400.000 ha. - home to the Big Five. Stay in comfortable safari tents overlooking the Save River, where hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife surround our riverside camp. Expect game drives at sunrise and sunset, riverside life, campfires, and nights spent under vast African skies.

Wild Places - Clear Minds
Each morning begins with meditation, supported by the natural rhythm of ocean or bush. This retreat invites you to slow down, explore the nature of your mind, and reconnect with yourself and nature.

You will learn, discover and experience:
- how to meditate or deepen your existing practice
- how mindfulness meditation supports and helps with modern life’s challenges
- the healing power of nature, ocean, and the bush.

A rare chance to experience the real, pure Africa — and yourself.
Fully guided, inclusive and safe.

Why not join us?
26 April - 3 May 2026

https://mindwise.me/unique-retreat-africa/

11/12/2025

Two spots left for this Sunday!

Join Gerry and Alberta van der Heide for a lovely Sunday afternoon of meditation and yoga practice, in a warm and cozy yurt in the woods.

All welcome, no experience needed.

Welcome.

Mini-Retreat Awakening Gratitude
Nog 1 plekje vrij!!

📅 Zondag 14 DECEMBER 13.30 - 17.00 uur - mini-retreat Awakening Gratitude, samen met Alberta van der Heide van Like Yoga. Welkom voor een liefdevolle middag met meditatie, ontspannen yoga, verbinding en creatieve expressie.
📍 Beetsterzwaag, Friesland - The Netherland,s - - Molenlaan 8
💳 Investering: 55 Euro
👉 Opgave via info@likeyoga.nl

27/11/2025

Mini-Retreat 'Omarm de Stilte' - Embrace the Silence
A couple of spots left!

Sunday 21 DECEMBER 09.00 - 13.00 uur- Embrace Silence with Anne vd Vaart Yn Balâns Yoga.
We reflect on the return of the light on the shortest day of the year. A wonderful relaxing morning with mindfulness meditation, yin yoga, and relaxing yoga nidra focusing on renewal.

Zondag 21 DECEMBER 09.00 - 13.00 uur - Omarm de Stilte- samen met Anne van der Vaart van Yn Balâns Yoga. We staan stil bij de terugkeer van het licht, op deze kortste dag van het jaar. Een heerlijke ontspannen ochtend met mindfulness meditatie, yn yoga en ontspannende yoga-nidra.📅

📍 Eastermar, Friesland - The Netherlands - Yn Balâns Yoga Industrieweg Eastermar
💳 Investering: 55 Euro
👉 Opgave via whatsapp: +31 6 13232632.

27/11/2025

Mini-Retreat Awakening Gratitude
Nog 1 plekje vrij!!

📅 Zondag 14 DECEMBER 13.30 - 17.00 uur - mini-retreat Awakening Gratitude, samen met Alberta van der Heide van Like Yoga. Welkom voor een liefdevolle middag met meditatie, ontspannen yoga, verbinding en creatieve expressie.
📍 Beetsterzwaag, Friesland - The Netherland,s - - Molenlaan 8
💳 Investering: 55 Euro
👉 Opgave via info@likeyoga.nl

24/11/2025

Many cultures and traditions have welcomed the return of the light during these dark days of winter. Now that I am back in Europe for a short time, the winter days beckon stillness and silence. It’s a time for slowing down and taking stock of our lives, a time for looking inwards.

Close to my home village in Ireland lies a magnificent Neolithic chamber, in Newgrange, Co. Meath. This UNESCO heritage site is a magnificent place to visit. Built over 5,000 years ago, even before the pyramids, nobody really knows why this chamber was built, but on the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice on December 21st, something wonderful happens. As the sun rises over the horizon (if it does, in cloudy Ireland!), its rays shine along a narrow corridor and brilliantly illuminates the interior chamber that lies under the mound. Just think - over 5,000 years ago, our ancestors had the means to calculate this with exact precision - they were not just primitive hunter gatherers!

Even then, the ancient Irish were welcoming the return of the light. Even on the darkest and shortest day of the year, the light begins to return.

On December 21st, along with Anne van der Vaart of , we will also recognise the light of renewal in our lives. Even on our darkest days, the light is always present, always there to be welcomed. Renewal is always possible, even in the depths of our own personal winters.

"Embracing Winter Stillness"

December 21st, 2026, 09.00 - 13.00

Ynbalns Yoga, Oostermeer, Friesland

18/11/2025