Mindful living

11/10/2023

Hallo allemaal, hou je van een stevige massage maar heb je de juiste masseuse in Hilversum nog niet gevonden? Dan nodig ik je uit om mijn Thaise yoga massage eens te proberen! Deze maand kan dit met 10% korting op de normale prijs.
De Thaise massage, ook bekend als 'Nuad Thai' of 'Yoga voor luie mensen', is een oude en holistische behandelingsvorm die zijn oorsprong vindt in Thailand. In tegenstelling tot veel andere vormen van massage, blijf je tijdens een Thaise massage gekleed en wordt de massage op een dunne mat op de grond uitgevoerd.
De Thaise massage onderscheid zich van de meeste andere massage vormen door het gebruik van diepe stretching en acupressuur. De massagetherapeut gebruikt zijn of haar handen, duimen, ellebogen, knieën en voeten om druk uit te oefenen op specifieke punten op het lichaam. Deze druk stimuleert de energiekanalen in het lichaam, waardoor de energiestroom verbetert en eventuele blokkades worden opgeheven.
De massage richt zich op het verlichten van fysieke spanning en het verbeteren van de flexibiliteit. Veel mensen ervaren na een Thaise massage een diepe staat van ontspanning en voelen zich zowel lichamelijk als mentaal verfrist.
Geïnteresseerd? stuur me dan een PB of kijk op https://www.mindfullivinginternational.com/drukpunt-massage-met-yoga-stretches voor meer informatie en om een afspraak te maken.

Mijn praktijk zit op de Hoge Naarderweg, tegenover het gemeentehuis.

De unieke Thaise yoga massage van mindful living in Hilversum wordt vanuit mindfulness met veel aandacht en rust gegeven. Dit creëert een veilige, warme basis waarin je je gezien en letterlijk en figuurlijk (aan)geraakt voelt. Thaise massage. Geklede massage. Stress vermindering. Hoofdpijn klachten

13/08/2022

Earlier this year, a long cherished dream became reality: I went on a two week pilgrimage from Porto to Santiago!

When I talked about this journey before and after my trip, many people told me: I would love to do that as well, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable going by myself. During and after my pilgrimage I felt that everyone should experience this at some point in their lives because it was truly one of the most wonderful, challenging and rewarding experience I ever had.

Before I became a mum I always traveled by myself. I love travelling alone, being able to do everything I want and choose. After my graduation I worked as a tour leader for a few years in Thailand and Laos. This past year in the Netherlands I worked for a travel agency, organizing people’s trips to Iceland and Greece. So for me, going off to Portugal and Spain with nothing else than a 30 liter backpack and only a reservation for my first night in Porto, was not a big deal. But I did realize that for many people it would be a big deal and a reason to never take this step and miss out on such an amazing, life changing event.

So than my plan was born: I will organize and guide pilgrimages to Santiago for everyone who’d love to go but doesn’t want to go alone!

Going on a pilgrimage of course raises some questions and needs some preparation and I’ll be here to assist you on every step before and during your trip.

Are you interested to go on a pilgrimage to Santiago yourself but do you have doubts and fears about the how, what where and when? Do you have one or more of the following questions or doubts?

- I am not sure if I can do this…
- Where do I stay and how do I find accommodation?
- What do I need to bring?
- Do I have to train for his? Am I fit enough to walk such a long distance?
- What can I expect, how much will I walk?
- How do I get a pilgrims passport?
- How will I find the route?
- …

Than I’m here for you! Before and during this trip I will help you and assist you with all these questions and practicalities so that you only have to pack your backpack and get on a plane to Porto!

The first guided pilgrimage will take place from 2-15 October 2022. We will be walking from Porto to Santiago taking the coastal route. Registration is possible until 31 August!

Are you interested? Please click https://en.mindfullivinginternational.com/starting-a-great-morning-routine for more information and to contact me to schedule a video call to talk things through!

30/07/2022

Many people fantasize about making a pilgrimage at some point in their lives, usually in a far away future when they will have endless time on their hands, no kids to take care of, no work to attend to and when life in general will be more ideal for such an endeavor…
This time and these circumstances might or might not materialize one day. But if you long for a simple yet meaningful break in your life right now, you can join me early October for a two week pilgrimage to Santiago instead 😉.
Pilgrim life is simple yet divine. You go back to the basics of eating, drinking, sleeping and walking…one step after the other, day after day. You only carry one change of clothes and a few other basic necessities. You will sleep in nice and cozy pilgrim hostels, eat pilgrim meals and have no other obligation than walking the distance to your next destination on the path.
You’ll walk through a variety of landscapes and surroundings: from beaches and seaside villages in Portugal, through forests, along waterfalls, over old cobble stone paths, passing beautiful village squares Everyday in the footsteps of all the pilgrims that have gone before you for many centuries.
There are many Camino’s, the one you will walk is the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, a distance of roughly 280 km.
I have walked the path before and loved it so much that I already wanted to go back before I even finished and felt the strong desire to support people who hear he call of the Camino but feel it is too big of a step to do this on their own.
So, if you are longing for some meaningful ‘me’ time and you feel the Camino calling for you, than click https://en.mindfullivinginternational.com/starting-a-great-morning-routine for more information and to take your first step towards Santiago de Compostela.

11/07/2022

How does this sound to you:

Waking up in the morning at your own pace, knowing that the only thing you will do today is walking through beautiful surroundings like seaside villages, stunning countryside, lush forests and vineyards for a few hours.
The only decision you need to make is which pastry you will choose for breakfast and if you’re going to have a black coffee, a tea or a coffee con leche. Or do you rather want a picknick with fresh fruits under a tree or on the beach?
Meanwhile, you’ll have time to let your mind wander, to sing, to be quiet, to reflect or to talk to a fellow pilgrim you’ll meet on the road.

In the afternoon you arrive at a nice hostel, take a shower, wash your clothes, take a rest and go for a (tapas) dinner, either with some other pilgrims or by yourself, whatever you like. After dinner you walk the short distance to your hostel and roll into your bed around 21.30. Tired but happy and curious what wonders the next day will bring…

This is pilgrim life in a nutshell! Are you interested to step out of your normal busy life for a week or two and exchange it for a life of ease, simplicity and wonder?

Than join me for a pilgrimage to Santiago in October!
For more information and to register, click https://en.mindfullivinginternational.com/starting-a-great-morning-routine. If you sign up before 15 July you’ll benefit from the early bird discount.
Can’t wait to hear from you and to step into this adventure together!

03/07/2022

Walking is the main and most important activity you will undertake during a pilgrimage. This raises the question: What kind of shoes am I going to wear?

The first thing that came to my mind were hiking boots. But to be honest: I’ve never liked hiking boots and I’ve never owned any hiking boots. I wore them once though (I borrowed them), when climbing Mount Kenya, and they served me well at that time. But in general, I think they are just too big, too heavy, too ugly and I dislike having them on my feet!

I also can’t help but wonder if there is really an added value of wearing hiking boots if you are walking on a beautiful meandering forest trail, a beach, over cobblestone streests or paved nature trails. However, it seems like many people wear these shoes on these occasions, so I always thought that I probably missed a specific piece of information that would justify wearing heavy hiker boots and even made it the better or only option for long distance walking.

I am a runner and I love my running shoes. They feel soft, light and like an extension of myself. They are my buddies that I spend many precious hours with on the road. When I went for longer (one day) walks in the past, I always wore my running shoes and never experienced any problems so I contemplated also wearing them on the Camino.

But to be better safe than sorry, I went on a special Camino Facebook platform to ask experienced pilgrims for their opinion. Off course, there were people who thought hiking boots were the only logical option, but there were also tons of people who wrote they walked many different Caminos on their (trail) running shoes and were perfectly happy doing so.

That was all that I needed to hear. I did notice from the comments though, that trail running shoes were more suitable than running shoes:

“Trail running shoes are designed to cope with rougher and softer terrain, while road running shoes are meant for running on harder and smoother surfaces, such as tarmac.

A trail running shoe has greater traction or grip to allow runners/hikers to walk on a range of surfaces, such as wet rock, mud, grass, stony paths and steep slopes.

In contrast, a running shoe for roads will generally have a smoother sole. There is much less need for traction on tarmac and so the focus of the running shoe will be on a smooth and fast cadence.”

After I found out more about the difference between those two type of shoes, I decided that I would feel better wearing trail runner shoes than my usual running shoes because a Camino will consist of more than tarmac roads and smooth surfaces.

It is best to buy your shoes in an actual shop where you can try out different models, brands and sizes. The salesman in the shop where I went took me for short walks with each of my three favorite trail running shoes because only if you walk them for a few minutes, you can feel whether they suit you or not. So really take your time to choose your shoes: together with your backpack they will be your best buddies on the road so make sure you pick the right ones!

I choose a pair of brooks trail runners (see pictures) because they felt best on my feet. Other (pilgrim) recommended brands are: Solomon, Merell, Hoka and Asics trailrunners.

I bought my shoes three months before the start of my Camino and walked/ran on them as much as possible to break them in.

During the Camino I only got one spot on my left foot that was a bit sensitive while I saw many people with terrible blisters. Believe it or not: most if not all of these people were walking on hiking boots!

So when you’re going to choose shoes, my advice would definitely be to pick trail runners!

Do you want to join me on my next Camino in October? https://en.mindfullivinginternational.com/starting-a-great-morning-routine

29/06/2022

Thank you all for the nice and enthusiastic reactions on my plan to start organizing pilgrimages to Santiago! I felt so happy to connect again with so many of you after sharing this idea and feel so excited by the prospect of spending time in Portugal and/or Spain with those of you who will join me in October. Can’t wait!

After my post I received quit a lot of questions and the coming few weeks I will address all of them.

Today I will tell you a bit more about the first step in starting a camino: making the decision to go!

Last year I found myself devouring books from people walking long distance trails. I absolutely loved their stories and the feeling of freedom and adventure it radiated. Walking the camino the Santiago had been very high on my bucket list since I was a student and read the book of Paulo Coelho, but I had never serious looked into it because it also seemed quite outrageous. Something I might be able to do in a faraway future when I would be stronger, less fearful of street dogs and dark woods and when I would have a lot of time on my hands.

But after reading tons of these books I realized: I really really really want to do this and I want to do it now!

This was at the beginning of February. As I said, I had never seriously looked into doing a camino and went to a special travel bookstore to find more information and a guidebook. When I wandered around between the books, my eyes fell on a photobook about the most beautiful long distance walks in the world. That was the first time I learned about the Camino the Portugues and immediately I was hooked! The pictures and description were amazing and I decided there and then that this was the route I wanted to walk.

However, my trip to the bookstore was not my first step in preparing for the camino. For me the, the first step to making this journey happen was also the hardest: it was telling Jasper and the kids that I was thinking about going away to make this trip…After Dhana, my oldest daughter, was born (which is now almost 19 years ago) I never went away by myself for an extended period of time anymore. It never seemed a possibility that I had as a mum of three kids and I noticed I still found it hard to decide to go and do something just for me. To leave my family, just because I was longing for and dreaming about going back to basic: being by myself, walking 280 kilometers with just my backpack as my companion.

So when my realization that I REALLY wanted to do this came up, I chewed on it for a few weeks until I had come to terms with it myself. Than I told them one day after dinner. And guess what: everyone was perfectly fine with it! They thought it was a great idea and I should go for it. The conversation was over in less than 5 minutes. All the obstacles had only existed in my head, for them it wasn’t an issue at all and I was free to go!

For me, that moment was really the start of my Camino. By telling them about it, it transformed from being an idea in my head and a longing in my heart into a manifestation in the world that I could start acting upon.

Do you want to start acting on your desire to join me on my next Pelgrimage? By clicking https://en.mindfullivinginternational.com/starting-a-great-morning-routine you will take your first step!

23/06/2022

In my last email I told you about my two week pilgrimage from Porto to Santiago in May and June 2022. When I talked about this journey before and after my trip, many people told me: I would love to do that as well, but I wouldn’t dare to go by myself. During and after my pilgrimage I felt that everyone should experience this because it was truly one of the most wonderful, challenging, rewarding experience that I ever had.

Before I became a mum I always traveled by myself. I love travelling alone, being able to do everything I want and choose. After my graduation I worked as a tour leader for a few years in Thailand and Laos. This past year in the Netherlands I worked for a travel agency, organizing people’s trips to Iceland and Greece. So for me, going of to Portugal and Spain with nothing else than a 30 liter backpack and only a reservation for my first night in Porto, was not a big deal. But I did realize that for many people it would be a big deal and a reason to never take this step and miss out on such an amazing, life changing event.

So than my plan was born: I will organize and guide pilgrimages to Santiago for everyone who’d love to go but doesn’t want to go alone! So here we are 😊.

Going on a pilgrimage of course raises some questions and needs some preparation and I’ll be there to assist you on every step before and during your trip.

Are you interested to go on a pilgrimage to Santiago yourself but do you have doubts and fears about the how, what where and when? Do you have one or more of the following questions or doubts?

- I am not sure if I can do this…

- Where do I stay and how do I find accommodation?

- What do I need to bring?

- Do I have to train for his? Am I fit enough to walk such a long distance?

- What can I expect, how much will I walk?

- How do I get a pilgrimspassport?

- How will I find the route?

- …

Than I’m here for you! During this trip I will be there to arrange, help and assist you with all these questions and practicalities so that you only have to pack your backpack and get on a plane to Porto!

Are you interested? Please click https://en.mindfullivinginternational.com/starting-a-great-morning-routine for more information!

19/06/2022

It has been quite some time ago since you heard from me. After many happy years in Kenya I moved back to the Netherlands in July 2019. My plan was to still travel back and forth between the two countries to keep on organizing Silent retreats but Covid and a change of management at Manyika house made a quick end to that idea.
I have known for many years now that creating space for people to be silent, to reflect, to disconnect from devices and normal life and to spend time in nature, all with the intention to help you connect with yourself and to start hearing your own voice, is what I love to do most.
However, after I stopped organizing the Silent retreats I didn’t find something else that touched me and impacted me as much as my own first silent retreat once did. That retreat inspired me to try to offer others a similar experience. In my work, I’ve always felt that I only want to share experiences if I truly believe it will offer you something special, something meaningful that can potentially make a big change in your life.
Well, you already guessed: in the past month I have discovered something that made a big impact on myself and that I absolutely loved. After a few days of processing my own experience it hit me: this is what I want to help others experience too!
I’m so excited to share my new love and passion with you all and hope this can turn into a journey we can step into together!
On 22 May I got on a plane from Amsterdam to Porto (Portugal). I only brought my 30 liter backpack filled with a sleeping bag, an extra set of clothes, my flip flops, mini toiletries, my E-reader, a notebook and a ‘village to village map guide’ from the Camino Portugues. I was about to start a two week pilgrimage from Porto to Santiago de Compostela in Spain!
For two weeks I walked between 25–35 kilometers a day, being on the road between 7-10 hours. I slept in pilgrim hostels along the route, ate in whatever restaurant offered a pilgrims menu or was closest to the route, took every opportunity I had for a coffee, a pastry and a toilet break and met other pilgrims from all ages and nationalities. During the day I always walked alone, sometimes completely euphoric about the scenery, the freedom and life in general, sometimes just going the distance, having sore feet and legs and looking forward to a shower and a bed.
The first days I had the Atlantic ocean as my companion, taking me through beautiful seaside villages, later I walked through stunning countryside, lush forests, vineyards, past many churches, chapels and shrines. Always meeting locals wishing me a buen camino!
Through the day while taking a break, I often sat journaling next to a fountain in a cute village square, eating one of Portugal’s or Spain's famous pastries or having another café con leche or white wine while contemplating life and enjoying my medieval surroundings. I had more alone time and real, complete freedom, than I’ve had since my oldest daughter was born, now almost 19 years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!
If you’d like to get an impression of my trip, you can check https://www.polarsteps.com/MindfulLiving
I wrote in Dutch but my pictures will tell their own story.
In a few days I will let you know about the possibility to join me on my next pilgrimage at the end of September!

09/09/2021

Een weekend je hoofd uit en je onderdompelen in een overvloed aan zintuig prikkelende activiteiten?
Heerlijk eten, yoga, ademwerk, massage, dans/embodiment sessies. De geur van het kampvuur en het bos, knusse slaapplekken en goed gezelschap.

Het zit er allemaal in.

Het mooie is dat je er ook nog praktische tools mee door naar huis neemt, puur door te ervaren.

Moeiteloos leren noem ik dat en uitgerust en geïnspireerd weer naar huis.

Voor meer info check de website:
https://www.kariendemunk.nl/retreats

Wil je vrijblijvend kennismaken, mail mij dan via de webiste voor een kennismakingsgesprek of volg een van de online ademsessies op 2,9 of 16 sept.
Aanmelden kan via de site.

Je bent van harte welkom.

Groetjes Karien de Munk en Margriet de Rijk

06/05/2021

This week a special 10% mother's day discount on all gift certificates for 60 minutes, 90 minutes or two hour Thai yoga massages!
Check https://en.mindfullivinginternational.com/drukpunt-massage-met-yoga-stretches to order one through the 'appointment' button or send me a pm!

20/04/2021

Hi all, I have an idea for a program that I'd love to run and I would just like to explore if there is a need or interest for such a program. Here it comes:
I've started intermittent fasting at the end of January and I'm over the top excited about it! It completely solved the problems i had due to IBS (Irritable bowel sydrome), I lost 7 kilo's in less then 3 months and I have much more energy.
I talk about it a lot and notice that many people are interested in IF and are contemplating to start but that it seems difficult to take the step to really do it. That's how I came up with my idea 😉.
My plan is to start a 30 day program to guide people through their first month of IF with daily zoom sessions of 30 minutes first thing in the morning (between 07.00 - 7.30 am)
Besides coaching participants on the practical side of IF I would also include, movement (yoga, walking, workout) sessions , reflection excerises, mindfulness exercises and daily healthy and quick recipes. Plus off course a platform where participants can share their questions and experiences and motivate eachother during the integration period.
My question for you is:
If I would launch this program, who would be interested to join and what would be your biggest motivation to start IF?
If you are interested to start IF but think you would not join my program, could you tell me what you would need to get you on board?
Thanks a lot for your input!

09/04/2021

https://en.mindfullivinginternational.com/drukpunt-massage-met-yoga-stretches

Mindful living international in Hilversum biedt unieke Thaise yoga massages (Thaise massage) aan die met veel aandacht en rust worden gegeven. Eva Drager is ook mindfulness, ACT, zin en passie en burn-out preventie coach. Deze verschillende diensten vullen elkaar aan en versterken elkaar.