My Story

As my life is moving into a phase of deeper wisdom and maturity, I see so clearly how everything is intertwined: meaning, beauty and creativity. 

It started for me in Thailand, where I had travelled to study traditional medicine. In the sacred area of the temples where my lessons were given, I met myself. Here, something was awakened in me, something I was not aware of yet. I realized that there was a whole world within me from which insights can emerge, a world connected to my dreams and desires.

This connection with myself became the main thread in my life.

A longing to explore the world

I was born on the tropical island of Aruba where I grew up with the sand under my feet and the soft, warm wind on my skin. I was always outside in nature, where I felt connected with all the elements and a sense of freedom. 

Often I would spend the weekends with my family at the sea where I watched the departing planes from the the airstrip next to the beach. This inspired the desire in me to travel and explore the world. I felt drawn to the faraway destinations and the magic associated with flying.

When I was 22 I got this chance, I applied for a job at KLM, which I allowed me to enter this world. I visited the most beautiful and impressive places in nature. I spent hours in the old markets with beautiful fabrics, exotic scents and colors, enjoying the rituals and traditions of the different cultures.

An inner journey

But my dream came to an abrupt end when I collapsed during a flight and realised I was in the midst of a severe burnout, which turned my world upside down on every level.

As extremely painful it was, I did feel it as a loving invitation by life to embark on an inner journey instead of continuing to travel the world. Saying yes to this invitation took me to study a variety of traditional medicines in Thailand. This became the start of an immersion into many different healing modalities such as reflexology, metaphysical backgrounds of disease, chakra philosophy, massage therapy and different forms of yoga when I later came back to Europe.

In 2007 I opened a holistic practice in which, for eight years, I coached and treated people on a therapeutical basis for physical, mental and energetic conditions with foot reflexology and massages. 

In the meantime my life unfolded in the Netherlands where I met my dear husband with whom I had two beautiful, special sons. With my husband working in the flight industry we have the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy all the inspiration coming with it.

Tea house and yoga studio

In 2010, I came across a unique, monumental tea cupola with a organic herb garden and a view over the river. Inspired by this idyllic and atmospheric environment I rented the cupola and restored it to its original function.

Four summers long I took care of my guests in the garden of the tea house, with fresh herb tea and home baked pies. It became a special and well-loved place, where returning guests and passers-by left rested, well-nourished and inspired, and returned often.

In 2013 I found a nice location for my own yoga studio, Namaha Yoga, where I could offer workshops and retreats in an environment of harmony and relaxation in addition to my regular yoga classes.

A special spiritual encounter

As my yoga practice and my inner life deepened, I came more and more in contact with the intuitive voice within me.

After the birth of my youngest son, I had to undergo surgery. However, I felt strongly called to travel to Bali first. In this spiritual place, I met a special and respected medicine man. I received a wonderful healing from this wise man, which flooded me with a feeling of deep trust and knowing in my entire being.

Back at home, I underwent the planned surgery. Afterwards my surgeon approached me to ask if I had done anything special. Since my body was almost healed, I had undergone a much lighter surgery. I shared my story and to my surprise my doctor brought his hands to his heart with respect. It was a defining moment, a deep trust in my own chosen path in this life.

Inspiring events about women’s awareness and leadership

In 2009 and 2017 I organised two large and succesful inspiring events for women, the ‘Body & Mind Event’ and the ‘W-Event’.

For the Body & Mind Event in 2009, about women's awareness, I invited therapists, masseuses and other entrepreneurs with beautiful brands who also had a connection with a conscious lifestyle. I found two big magazines and a well-know tea brand prepared to sponsor the event. Within two weeks, 200 women enrolled.

At the event the enthusiasm and energy were so present. Many were deeply moved by the film I had chosen for that night, about Frida Kahlo, a famous artist who, despite polio and a serious accident that caused her to lose the use of one leg and prevented her from being able to get children, lived a life of beauty, creativity, and full of meaning.

In 2017 I organised the W-Event, also about feminine awareness and leadership. The ‘W’ stood for We, Women, Wisdom and Wholeness.

The W-event came forth from a strong calling within me. I felt a desire for more awareness. Many around me also felt this desire for more meaning and a real connection with ourselves and each other.

For this event, I invited several powerful, professional speakers, who were creating a new and meaningful world for themselves and others. They shared their impressive life stories and shared their tools and wisdom in order to get in touch with your own power so you can start living and working in a more authentic and inspired way.

After the event many women shared that they had been touched to their core and had also experienced this great power in themselves.

A new longing

In the meantime a new desire unfolded in my life. The desire to create beautiful and meaningful things and experiences for others, where meaning and beauty meet each other.

I decided to give less yoga classes and in 2019 I closed the doors of my yoga studio to give space to this new longing.

In the midst of all creativity and inspiration my life took another turn, requiring an urgent major surgery. Physically and mentally this was a struggle for me, and a challenge to once again get closer to my self. During this period I had to go even deeper, and learned that there are many more sources hidden within us, waiting to be uncovered, to draw strenght and inspiration from.

The Beautiful Soul

In recent years I have continued to travel, study and deepen my knowledge. In all my inner and outer journeys, I have gathered many forms of wisdom, knowledge, products and rituals. 

All these come together as a golden thread in The Beautiful Soul.

In a way I am still shaping my work, trusting and following the desires of my heart and soul. Every new desire is an invitation to live more fully from my inner wisdom, and brings more depth and beauty into my work.

My desire is to inspire you with all my love and knowledge to experience the beauty and wisdom in yourself. I hope to meet and to inspire you one day.

With love,

Wendy Dowling,
November 2020