Want to know where this comes from? See: https://martinthoolen.com/en/wat-de-regenboog-laatzien-en-het-vergeten-licht/
One that will instantly make your work more enjoyable and effective.
How? By working with spirit. Airy-fairy? No, very down-to-earth.
With insights you can immediately apply to yourself, your team, or your organization.
Just by short listening.
Discover it here: About Professional Spirituality: https://martinthoolen.com/en/podcasts/
© 2026: Martin Thoolen
#spirit #synchroniciteit #synchronicity #persoonlijkinspirerendleiderschap #persoonlijkleiderschap #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #personalleadership #spiritedpersonalleadership #leiderschap #spiritueelleiderschap #spiritedleadership #executivecoaching #leiderschap #leiderschapsontwikkeling #teamcoaching #collectiefleiderschap #professionalcoaching #coaching #businesscoaching #psychologyofselves #voicedialogue #egozielspirit #egosoulspirit #awarenessatwork #martinthoolen
We all know it. Music can touch and heal the soul. As I experienced during this Peter Gabriel concert, where I was an audience member. What would it be like if you surrounded yourself more often with the kind of music that gives you just that? Without losing touch with reality and your fellow human beings. And what actually happens when you do it?
Everything is energy. We humans too, temporarily encased in a body largely made of water. I once witnessed a lecture by Masaru Emoto, who demonstrated that water molecules become distorted when words like fear, hate, control, power, and war are communicated. And that with words like love, trust, compassion, and peace, the water molecules displayed a magically beautiful geometric pattern.
Certain sound and light frequencies can uplift, cleanse, or comfort our soul. The light of profound lyrics combined with appropriate sounds appears to be the antidote to depression for some, as I myself experienced as a teenager. In short, music can offer support in times when you're feeling down. And it can give you joy which makes life more beautiful.
As a teenager, I was put in front of the speakers in my father’s living room to listen to LPs on the record player, including operas like Arrigoton Boito's Faust: Mefistofele. My father's father, Teng Thoolen, was a renowned tenor in Limburg. My uncle, Gerard Thoolen, was main actor in the film "De Ijssalon" (The Ice Cream Parlor), where Mahler's 4thth Symphony deeply touched me.
Positively affected by my family's soul music and simultaneously a lover of rock music, these two worlds converged for me in what was then called Symphonic Rock in the 1970s. About 40 years later, I was on stage myself, performing the music of bands like YES and the early Genesis with Peter Gabriel. My other passion, besides my work: making music. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the muse of music a few times, when the music plays you and brings you to supreme ecstasy.
I almost always came back home from rehearsals and performances happy and energized. It's absolutely clear: Music nourishes the soul.
But sometimes you can also permanently lose yourself in it, especially if it becomes an escape from the current reality. There's nothing wrong with that as compensation, but I sometimes see people slip further into their victimhood because of this, constantly feeding that. I experienced this myself as a teenager, when I was depressed for a while, looking back on it now.
Deeply, I could barely connect with my peers at the time, while I was immersed in philosophy, astrology, parapsychology, and tarot in high school. I wanted to understand humanity and felt there was more between heaven and earth. Listening to music and learning to play bass guitar by repeatedly rewinding cassette tapes were among my greatest allies back then. This allowed me to get through the "dark night of the soul." It brought deep support and true healing.
Music can offer you an escape from the current reality, but you can also get so lost in it that losing touch with your fellow human beings, for example, by frequently wearing headphones in social settings. In that case, music actually disconnects you from your fellow human beings. As a contrast look at how André Rieu, moves the hearts and souls of people worldwide with his country-transcendent music, bringing people closer together. It speakes a universal language. It instantly makes the world more beautiful in those moments and often resonates long after those who experienced it. Therefore, let music connect your soul and spirit without losing the connection with the people around you.
“Let music connect your soul and spirit without disconnecting from your fellow human beings”.
Let music be a positive and constructive ally on your soul's journey through life. Here are a few tips to remind you if you're not already using them:
And your world will instantly become a little more beautiful. Enjoy listening! Martin
© 2026: Martin Thoolen
#spirit #synchroniciteit #synchronicity #persoonlijkinspirerendleiderschap #persoonlijkleiderschap #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #personalleadership #spiritedpersonalleadership #leiderschap #spiritueelleiderschap #spiritedleadership #executivecoaching #leiderschap #leiderschapsontwikkeling #teamcoaching #collectiefleiderschap #professionalcoaching #coaching #businesscoaching #psychologyofselves #voicedialogue #egozielspirit #egosoulspirit #awarenessatwork #martinthoolen
How can 2026 become hopeful? With the darkness around us that seems to be drawing ever closer, you'd almost think it's an utopia. And yet it is possible, if you start working and living more from an infinite energysource. Take a look.
Without an end, there is no beginning. Without a beginning, there is no end. There is no birth without death and no death without birth. Truly all forms come and go. It's only a matter of time.
Just think of external forms, such as buildings, houses, cars, watches. Or your parents, partner, friends, and colleagues that come and go. Your body that comes and goes. Your job, social position, or status that comes and goes. A failed project that comes and goes. A success that comes and goes.
Similar elements apply to internal forms, such as convictions you started to believe in but suddenly no longer fit or feel right for you. Such as 'I'm not good enough' or 'I am further in my development than the other person'.
But for heaven’s sake where do these forms originate? And what makes them disappear again? And what is there, or what remains, or has always been there in the background when these temporary forms disappear?
An invisible and infinite source of energy that is the Creator and Destructor of all forms.
If this is true (which I have yet to see any evidence of being false), then there is always something that remains from which the forms come and go: a permanent energysource, also called "spirit" by some. It is infinite energy and life itself, which has only nestled in temporary forms.
Just as trees lose their leaves in the fall, in the winter there are no leaves left, but life continues underground and reveals itself again in new leaves during springtime. If you follow the natural movements of this source, work and life also become much easier and brighter, despite the darkness around you.
The problem arises when you want to continue clinging onto forms that no longer serve you or no longer align with your essential growth as a soul. A job, a belief, a partner, or whatever. That's our own ego, which can make life hopeless because it doesn't go the way you wish or what's naturally expected from you.
Sometimes it's time to stop something because its natural expiration date has passed: a product or service, an organization, a business or personal relationship.
Sometimes you have to accept the loss of something you were deeply attached to, with the emotional processing required of you because you had committed your heart and soul to it.
Because, if everything comes and goes, why hold on to it? The moment you let go of old forms that no longer serve you or hinder your essential growth, embrace the pain of letting go with a deep sense of purpose (and don't choose comfort and rigid security), space is created for the new and a better form can emerge. Then life becomes hopeful, more enjoyable, and meaningful again. New energy is released that you previously held captive. Then, naturally, new forms will appear within you that fit you better as a new coat.
"If everything comes and goes, why hold on to it?"
Consider this:
Give it a try and see what it ultimately brings you.
Want to know how working from that universal energy source, or "spirit," can give you even more hope and joy? Then see here how professional spirituality can further enrich you:
I wish you a wonderful and hopeful 2026! Martin
© 2026: Martin Thoolen
#spirit #synchroniciteit #synchronicity #persoonlijkinspirerendleiderschap #persoonlijkleiderschap #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #personalleadership #spiritedpersonalleadership #leiderschap #spiritueelleiderschap #spiritedleadership #executivecoaching #leiderschap #leiderschapsontwikkeling #teamcoaching #collectiefleiderschap #professionalcoaching #coaching #businesscoaching #psychologyofselves #voicedialogue #egozielspirit #egosoulspirit #awarenessatwork #martinthoolen
Dear all,
Thank you for our contact this past year.
And dear customers/clients: Thank you for your trust in serving you last year. It was truly a pleasure.
However, I love to keep innovating my work. Because in addition to existing services such as team coaching and various types of coaching for career development, re-integration, grief processing, and mediation, something entirely new will emerge in 2026. Specifically for directors, leaders, and managers who want to contribute to a better world for which new developments are currently being forged under ground.
In addition, I will continue to share my experiences and inspirations with you through new podcasts, blogs, articles, and interviews.
I sincerely wish you a very healthy, prosperous, peaceful, and innovative 2026!
Warm regards, Martin
Here we go again. The Christmas dinner is on the horizon, but how do we keep it really fun?
Odd, isn’t it? Christmas, a time of peace, but we can still argue at the dinner table – before, during and after. But things can be different, and you can help to make this difference!
You already start walking on eggshells during the preparation. After all, you start thinking:
These mindsets, which you cling to and can last for years, come from somewhere. They are ego roles and family roles that you have known in yourself and each other for a very long time. And sometimes they have been reinforced over the years.
However, it is precisely these familiar old mind-sets that ensure that we are more likely to start a war than cultivate peace at the Christmas dinner table. Sometimes simply in in our thoughts about each otherbut sometimes also in words and gestures.. A self-fulfilling prophecy to which you contribute by continuing to think in that way. Pity, because things can be done differently. And you play the leading role in this. Contributing to peace on earth, right where you are. Take a look.
Look at your own mindsets and simply ask yourself the question: ‘Is that so?’
Like: ‘I have known him/her my entire life.’ Is that so? No, of course not, because you don’t see them every single second. You simply don’t know what someone else says, does or shares in another way, without your involvement. You have always only seen a part of your father, mother, brother, sister or child.
However, experiences in families quickly lead us to stick ego labels on each other, such as them always being difficult, egoistic, antisocial, cynical, insolent, rude, etc. And there were undoubtedly reasons for this. But do you want to stay in the same place? A place of conflict? And can you see and approach the other part of your family?
Let go of that place for a while at Christmas. Try approaching your brother, sister, father, mother or child from a new place with a fresh, new mindset and try the following 10 tips below. And don’t make any prejudgements.
Try these tips and I predict that you will feel much happier during the Christmas season.
Would you like to learn other ways, big or small, to contribute to a better world?
At home or at work? Take a look at this Christmas present – the book ‘Personally Inspiring Leadership.’ For more effective work, a meaningful life and a better world. View or order a copy here:
I wish you a truly Merry Christmas! Martin
©2025: Martin Thoolen
#spirit #synchroniciteit #synchronicity #persoonlijkinspirerendleiderschap #persoonlijkleiderschap #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #personalleadership #leiderschap #spiritueelleiderschap #spiritedleadership #executivecoaching #leiderschap #leiderschapsontwikkeling #teamcoaching #collectiefleiderschap #professionalcoaching #coaching #businesscoaching#psychologyofselves #voicedialogue #egozielspirit #egosoulspirit #vrede #peace #awarenessatwork #martinthoolen
It seems unlikely when you look around today. Actually, not just today, but any time in the last five millennia. However, I am still a dreamer who believes it certainly is possible, which gives life meaning.
Especially if we don’t wait for others but take independent action. Not waiting for a redeemer but becoming our own redeemer. Everyone in their own world. With your colleagues, suppliers, and customers, but also with your neighbors, fellow road users, fellow citizens, and fellow human beings. With everyone around you. Here are a few pointers:
A worldwide divergence is currently taking place. One that is inevitable and necessary. Two environments are being created. By those who choose ego, and those who choose (self)consciousness/spirit. These are two incompatible paths that were predicted long ago and are clearly illustrated on the Hopi stone that I visited with a Navajo-guide in Arizona, the USA, in 2018.
Ego-focused environments, societies and organisations are typified by preferential treatment of some groups at the expense of others. Rich over poor, men above women, white above non-white, non-native above native, etc.
Countries can even be in the grip of an extreme collective ego guided by their ego-driven leaders. They are typified by one of the eight ego-coup roles into which you can fall and remain one of which is the ruler, as I discuss in my book on Spirited Personal Leadership.
In this case, a leader cares for his people, according to a ‘personal diktat.’ He does whatever it takes to be on top, because then he will have more power and influence. They put themselves above others, who must obey their will in order to meet their needs. To achieve this, they use a wide range of power resources, not just the aforementioned position of power. But strong powers of persuasion (which is sometimes expressed as literally screaming at ‘your people’), charisma, strategic traits (including lying) expertise or knowledge, income or status or networks can also be employed to impose their will on others.
If the people ‘under them’ are not obedient, they condemn them and try to get rid of them. The driving force is the fear that they, or their group, will be inadequate or enjoy less prestige. They consistently communicate this fear by means of threats issued to those who think differently. By intimidation. For instance, when the chairman of the board gives you hell, while it is not you but several incumbent administrators who are incompetent. Or threatening using displays of power – from threats of dismissal to military parades with nuclear missiles.
You make your allies dependent by giving preferential treatment and other privileges. For example, in the Corona policy that was enforced by a great many countries all over the world we saw preferred groups, and others who were free to kick the bucket. Vaccines first went to the rich, and then the poor.
If the ego of a leader or government wants to dominate even more, you expand your territory of personal authorities and have them – if possible – laid down in statutory provisions, sometimes even in the constitution. This enables you to accrue even more power. Just take a look at some of our current dictatorial government leaders. And it doesn’t stop there, because ideally they expand their territory in the literal sense and rob other people of their land in order to serve themselves and their preferential group. At the expense of others.
These more spiritually underdeveloped (ego-focussed)societies, governments and organisations spread fear, exercise power and commit manipulation or even torture, genocide, systematic indoctrination, concealment and distortion of information or provide one-sided information despite, or sometimes because of, the precepts of their religion.
But things can be different if ‘Spiried Leaders’ rule the world.
More spiritually developed societies are typified by a number of characteristics, including a genuine and effective democracy in which all voices are actually heard. With no secrets and hidden agendas, but complete transparency. Where equal rights, such as equal pay for men and women, apply to everyone. Where all groups and countries coexist peacefully, living and working with each other. Where there is enough water, food and housing for everyone and starvation is banned. Where we respect the foundation of our existence, the earth, in everything we do. An utopia?
Current development of the world In any case, right now the world is suffering a collective ego regression led by ego or ego-disturbed leaders who feed low ego societies. Current economic and political interests prevail above human dignity and equality. Even the United Nations, which should promote a peaceful world and care for everyone, displays a number of fundamental shortcomings. Injustice has even been given a seat at the UN. Just look at the UN human rights council, which refused to debate on the report on human rights violations in China. A report that had previously been concealed despite the proven use of systematic torture, detention and brainwashing amongst the Muslim Uyghur minority.
Every country that voted no or abstained contributes to this universal injustice. They lack the guts to choose universal justice. And this is simply due to the fear of sacrificing too much political, economic and personal capital, status and privilege. Consequently, fear and power are the dominant factors, not love of your fellow human beings. Qatar’s no vote, based on economic interests, clearly highlighted its own human rights abuses. But ok, football entertainment trumps everything. We most likely have enjoyed watching that World Cup. For the record, I am a massive football fan and I used to play my self in clubs, but this just isn’t right.
And injustice is ubiquitous. In my own country too. No different to other countries. The leadership in recent years has allowed the rich (mostly men) to get richer and the poor to get poorer, so now even food banks can no longer cope, on top of the immense growth of policy implemented on the basis of lies and egoism.
And as I already mentioned, some governments and leaders deliberately utilise control to impose a regime where torture, systematic murder and indoctrination are portrayed as normal and responsible. Sometimes even in the name of God, Allah or whoever. Because this gives you licence to do whatever you want. But what if your own child, father or mother is the one having their human rights contravened? What if the situation is reversed and you or your partner or relative are indoctrinated, tortured or killed? Tell me, what is the difference? A great deal from the ego, and nothing from the spirit. Because then we are all equal. All people with the same wishes, fears, pains and desires. There is no difference because at our core we are all equal.
“At our core we are all equal”
What injustice have you experienced? How did it feel? What if you were also let down by your own government or the UN? Or even tortured or killed? This is not how we’ll make a better world.
Fortunately, there is also a natural development underway. New generations are increasingly intolerant of these unjust ego societies. Look at Iran. Patience is running thin with the reign of terror imposed by patriarchal white-man-power (fed by a distorted use of religion). It is just a matter of time. The fresh spirit-awareness of younger generations no longer accepts it, and the revolt is growing of its own accord. Simply because people’s hearts can no longer bear it.
It is also time for beloved leaders to cultivate a better world, as you can read in another article: https://martinthoolen.com/en/openstaande-vacatures-voor-de-wereldde-geliefde-leider/
Besides new leaders and the natural development of ego resistance, you can also make a personal contribution to a better world. You don’t have to wait for others. Dare to choose. Dare to be a dissident in your ego environments. Choose for or create a better world around you, however hard it may be. Are you aware of your own ego, soul and how (self)consciousness/spirit can enrich you? See yourself with new eyes and approach everyone around you in a truthful, sincere and peaceful way, even when you do not agree. Look at how you treat your family, neighbours, customers, team-members, board-members, shareholders, employees at work yourself. Thus creating a better world around you daily. In the book ‘Spirited Personal Leadership’ you’ll find insights and tools as how to do that: https://www.amazon.com/Spirited-Personal-Leadership-effective-meaningful/dp/9090368027/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T35YC0885VAQ&keywords=spirited+personal+leadership&qid=1689054493&sprefix=spirited+personal+leadershipaps225&sr=8-1
Or would you like to personally receive and experience the tools for a better world? Maybe some of these services may support you: https://martinthoolen.com/en/service/.
Furthermore, it can also fundamentally promote a more effective, balanced, sustainable and dynamic working life and add meaning to your personal life.
A better world. Is that possible? Yes! If this all happens more there really could be a burgeoning paradise on earth in just a few decades. You can go for that instead of complaining and feeling victimised by a world you can’t stand.
The choice is yours. Every year, every month, week or day and every minute.
#spirit #synchroniciteit #synchronicity #persoonlijkinspirerendleiderschap #persoonlijkleiderschap #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #personalleadership #leiderschap #spiritueelleiderschap #spiritedleadership #executivecoaching #leiderschap #leiderschapsontwikkeling #teamcoaching #collectiefleiderschap #professionalcoaching #coaching #businesscoaching#psychologyofselves #voicedialogue #egozielspirit #egosoulspirit #vrede #peace #awarenessatwork #martinthoolen
© 2025: Martin Thoolen
Quote from the book ‘Spirited Personal Leadership’. More info up here: https://martinthoolen.com/en/publicaties/.
During my travels around the world, I find inspiration in unexpected encounters that I'd love to share with you. Sometimes you even have to move away to get closer. This time: 'A Network of Lights'.
Some places and times give you more meaning than others. This time, I'm taking a little trip closer to home, to a park near where I live in the Netherlands. Not far away, still it brought me a miracle. How close travel and a dull (natural) place can bring you light and inspiration. Take a look:
Sometimes I like to sit alone in nature. And sometimes something miraculous happens, like yesterday. Imagine it's December, cold, seven degrees Celsius above zero. I'm sitting opposite a patch of withered grass, slightly illuminated in the dark by lampposts further away. Nothing special, you might think. Until I see something I never thought possible: I see a light slowly coming on on the withered blades of grass, then briefly going off again, only to come on again for a while. This continues for several minutes. Later, I see the same thing happening 40 centimeters away. Fifteen minutes later, the two original lights have moved ten centimeters apart.
In fact, they turn out to be two glowworms that only appear in the South and East of the Netherlands in June/July. But for once, they're across from me in the cold West.
I sat there, stunned, and my mind began to wander and ponder. Suddenly, I realized that, just like glowworms, we carry light within us. No matter how dark, cold, or artificially lit our surroundings, the original light shines within us as soon as we think, feel, and act from our hearts: from kindness, curiosity, compassion, forgiveness, equality, and community.
If we consciously live this more, we radiate the consciousness and light that makes ourselves and our immediate surroundings happier. One light ignites another. Before you know it, we unconsciously create a network of positive energy. Your immediate work or living environment becomes brighter, more enjoyable, and more effective.
What would you do differently in your immediate work environment if you practiced 10% more of these spirit values? Would you work more collaboratively and with kindness, curiosity, compassion, forgiveness, equality, and community, even if you encounter resistance?
If you do that, your light will shine more brightly.
Want to know how you can further shine your light and put it into practice in your work? Then download the free promotional book "Spirited Personal Leadership" (in PDF): https://martinthoolen.com/en/publicaties/
I hope you'll let your light shine more, so that together we can build a new network of light that makes the world around us a little brighter, more fun, and more beautiful.
© 2025: Martin Thoolen
#wereldinspiraties #worldinspirations #reisverhalenmartinthoolen #travelstoriesmartinthoolen #spirit #synchroniciteit #synchronicity #firstnations #persoonlijkinspirerendleiderschap #persoonlijkleiderschap #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #personalleadership #leiderschap #spiritueelleiderschap #spiritedleadership #executivecoaching #leiderschap #leiderschapsontwikkeling #teamcoaching #collectiefleiderschap #professionalcoaching #coaching #businesscoaching #psychologyofselves #voicedialogue #egozielspirit #egosoulspirit #healer #healing #shaman #awarenessatwork #martinthoolen
