Horse Teachings

 

My teenage years were extremely challenging. I discovered that my way of being, my huge sense of justice, sensitivity, empathy and individuality were not the traits widely accepted in a teenage group culture and I developed distrust, a lack of confidence, a fear of failure and times of depression. Yet I was blessed with two major experiences, which shaped a major part of my later life.  

 

My parents entrusted me with the responsibility for my own horse Rashamon. He in turn taught me about animals having their own individual needs, wishes and boundaries. So I learned to have patience, respect, understanding and to listen. Rashamon was my refuge during a time where I lost trust in people. With him I felt accepted for who I was.

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Around the same time that Rashamon came into my life my parents took me on a Buddhist journey to Thailand.  My view on life expanded there and I experienced that there is more to life than our five senses reveal. I felt a purpose, a truth, a belonging. Young and unaware at the time of who I was, I met like-minded people and felt accepted, again during a time where I had lost trust in people my own age.

Whale Therapy

 

After struggling my way through school I wanted to break free, and I decided to travel. With my support network on the other side of the world, and having to find my way through a party crowd of young adults as a very sensitive, distrusting soul, I had to learn to fend for myself. I went from shy and insecure on the inside to loud and angry on the outside. I resisted conformity, rules, being told what to do and the wall around my heart grew. Yet I loved traveling and fortunately didn’t lose sight of what I had always valued most in life; animals and nature. Even more so, coming from a cultivated little country like the Netherlands, I fell in love with the wilderness and the wild animals inhabiting it.

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When I came back after a year abroad I found a university course that actually made me feel excited about what my future could hold. I started a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management. Although learning from books remained a challenge, my course was a stepping stone towards the life I wanted. 

 

My heart has since guided the way to all 7 continents, working in research, conservation and education with wild whales and dolphins. Through a lot of heartache, limiting mind sets and beliefs, a lack of confidence, the constant monkey mind telling me “you don’t have anything to offer” and “no one will accept you for who you truly are”,  my connection to the wild and love for the animals kept me going. I have been fortunate to experience incredible encounters with whales. They have showed up and connected during some of the most challenging times in my life. Whale therapy really is a true thing.

In turn I have used my voice to speak out against animal abuse, injustice, torture and negligence. I have educated and lectured about the plight and importance of the oceans and its inhabitants, I have taught about the lives and biology of whales and dolphins and about marine conservation issues. And I will continue doing so. Currently I am still working on small passenger ships leaving for the Arctic and Antarctica as a lecturer and wildlife naturalist. And throughout this journey I have met many like-minded, trustworthy people all standing together for the creation of a better world.