Story 3: The Turning Point That Redefined My Purpose

Switzerland felt eerily familiar, as if I had walked those streets centuries ago...

Lugano, Switzerland

After my trip to America, I took another 3 months to Au Pair in Germany. The father of the family was originally Swiss, so he took us on a scenic tour through Switzerland. I felt completely at home — especially in the south side next to Italy: Lugano. I am sure this was my home in a previous life. It was as if I understood the people and knew the environment. I've only experienced this in one other place before: Chiang Mai, Thailand. To me, this is proof that reincarnation is real.

Lugano, Switzerland

Upon my return to Namibia in June, I signed up for a massage course and soon afterwards, my massage services became very popular. I rented a little room next to a yoga studio and became friends with Eva Eichhorn — one of the teachers at this studio. Eva suggested I do my Yoga Teacher's Training. At the time, I thought to myself: "I actually prefer going for massages, not giving them. Same with yoga. Don't tell me I have to start giving those too!" Nevertheless, I was invited to be the Head of Alternative Therapy at a mental health clinic that was being constructed at the time. I realised I would have to get my Yoga Teacher's certificate if I want to take this job, so I booked the next training in February 2017 in Swakopmund with Caroline Pajewski.

What a life-changing experience! I don't think anyone who's ever done a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher's Training — whether they ended up becoming a teacher, or not — can say it didn't impact their lives deeply. The poses, breathing, meditation, chanting and the theory all uplifts your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual states in a profound way. As I was already teaching gymnastics to children alongside my massages, I found it came natural to teach yoga to adults.

Studying theory, YTT 2017

I developed a love for this new-found discipline as it was a lot more safe on the body than gymnastics. That being said, I recently heard from two different people that they were traumatized by experiences with yoga teachers who pushed them into positions their bodies weren't ready for and caused them permanent damage. I was shocked. I am aware that this was how yoga used to be taught years ago, but to still have teachers abusing their students like that today? It's very unfortunate.

Yes, yoga is meant to challenge the practitioner, but what I appreciate about its philosophy, is that discernment should be practiced by the student in finding the balance between effort with ease. "Sthira sukham asanam" is Sanskrit for: "The posture should be steady (strong) and comfortable (soft)."

Another great principle of yoga is that it discourages the student to compare themselves with fellow students, which is a perfect anti-dote for today's overly competitive and comparing world. This is especially necessary for the empaths and creatives working in corporate environments. We are deeply sensitive beings and to keep being pushed in an environment that doesn't allow space for us to breathe, feel, dream and create, kills our joy and sucks our soul.

YTT 2017

That's why I stayed far away from corporate my whole life. The closest to corporate I came, was when I worked in an office for the tour company for 2 or 3 months. I thought I was going to lose my mind. I knew then and there that I would never go back to that lifeless, uninspiring environment ever again. I understand why people take on corporate jobs, but to me, no money or status in the world is worth giving up my joy, freedom, creativity and purpose.

It's funny, because I knew my purpose was to help people. But after working for the mental health institute, I understood what priorities the Western medical system truly upheld:

1. profit above deep care, and

2. authority of the "professionals" above empowerment of the patients.

After working there for 6 months, I couldn't lie to myself anymore. It was clear that I would never fit into a conventional, westernized, capitalist system - so I quit.

That decision set me on the path of authentic service — one where healing is rooted in truth, not hierarchy.