In 2021, my world was flipped upside down. A burnout led me to a 4-day retreat, which on day 2 included a connected breathing session. I had an emotional roller-coaster and was blown away by the releases I got. Wow, this immense power of the Breath!

Later that year, I did a 4-day Freediving course in Mexico. Not only did I reach 20 meters of depth in one of the most beautiful freediving spots in the world, but I also got introduced to Pranayama Yoga. Shortly thereafter, I started my Breathwork Instructor Course with Yogalap.

In 2022, I continued my education in both Freediving and Breathwork. I made my deepest dive in November 2022 (36m) and finished my Breathwork Instructor Course in January 2023.

2023 was the year things started clicking. I felt that I wanted to teach others the possibilities of Breathwork, but wasn’t sure if I would enjoy teaching itself. So I tried. I already did 4 mini workshops in 2022 with friends, but this time I widened my circle. I liked it very much!
New PB in freediving: 38m.

2024 started well with the completion of the final block of the International Breath Coach training at Adem en Stem. It was a year filled with rewarding breathwork circles, workshops, and custom assignments—teaching others while learning so much myself!

Freediving-wise, it was a fantastic summer packed with depth sessions, bringing me greater awareness during dives. The kind of progress that truly pays off in the long run – though, in the short term, I wouldn’t have minded a few extra meters! That said, I did hit a new static PB of 04’43” in an October competition. In November, I did specialized RV depth training with MT Solomons, and by December, I felt fully prepared to begin the AIDA Freediving Instructor course. Benoit made learning fun, and after 10 (long!) days, I officially became a freediving instructor! To top it off, I also hit a new depth PB of 47 meters.

In 2025, the main focus was on improving myself, the products of BreatheNautics, and building connections. I completed another round of The Presence Process by Michael Brown and went a few layers deeper yet again. Did 3 freediving competitions and achieved new personal bests. A breakthrough moment was a 5’45” breath-hold a few days before Xmas. The silence and total awareness felt magical!

Meaningful connections with organisations and students were formed and strengthened. To my powerful network, I’m deeply grateful.

2026 will be about finding balance and making conscious choices. As I write this, it’s January, and I’m trying my very best. It’s difficult.

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Being born in Amsterdam on a houseboat, I developed a thing with water. Swimming, diving, scuba, and just having fun – I was always very comfortable. But, I had never guessed that I would be where I am now in my freediving expedition. I’m getting more and more comfortable. My numbers are slowly going up, and it’s getting increasingly meditative and peaceful.

The breath and the breath-hold. I love them both and it has given me so much on mental, physical and spiritual level! 

I look forward to coming years where I will continue exploring the breath and sharing what I know with others.