During my voyages of discovery around the world, I was inspired by unexpected encounters with people and nature, which I would like to share with you. Sometimes you have to go far away to get closer. This time: ‘How waves of experiences take you further’.
Jaren geleden was ik tijdens mijn eerste sabbatical op een gegeven moment beland in Bali, Indonesië. Ik was al een paar maanden onderweg en ik probeerde een beetje uit te vogelen voor mezelf wat reizen doet en wat het je kan brengen. Kort of lang, reizen kan je werk en leven radicaal inspireren en verder brengen. Kijk maar.
What makes this long journey so different from others? I couldn't really put it into words. But after a few months of traveling in all kinds of countries, the image of a wave came to mind in Bali. Actually, we are always traveling. Whether it's a short or a longer trip, we travel for minutes, hours, sometimes weeks or months. And every journey from one day to the next, from one place to another, from one person to another...
And it felt like a new wave every time. A new wave of experiences. And just when you thought it was over, another wave of experiences would come. And just when you thought that was over, another wave of experiences would come. Unceasingly, like the sea or the ocean that keeps washing ashore. And I didn't have to think about it. It just happened naturally, spontaneously.
So I was actually overwhelmed with waves of experiences, causing the old to fade further and further into the background. My old life and work in the Netherlands at that time, the old situation there, the concerns that preoccupied me there, or rather, sometimes occupied me.
And at the same time, I was overwhelmed by so many new waves, as if the old had become a previous life. I was so washed over with new experiences that I no longer knew how to continue the old in the old way. And that was no longer possible
Scary?
Not knowing how I would pick up my life and work again when I returned to the Netherlands?
No. I trusted that the waves had washed away something old that no longer suited me. I trusted that new encounters with people and nature would give me a new vital impulse to create a fresh life and a new way of working.
It only became scary when I started to think about it. But you don't think about waves, they just happen and do their natural work.
“But with waves, you don't think, they just happen and do their natural work.”
If you follow the natural waves, they will take you further away from what was in the past, what no longer serves you, or what may have hurt you at some point. Especially if you let the waves move through you without thinking about them. Just let them ebb into the background at your own pace. Just as time heals all wounds.
And waves of experiences can take you further. Where to?
To a new, fresh way of living and working. To a deeper version of your true self that fits perfectly right now. Through new encounters with people, new insights that arise spontaneously, new experiences of nature, such as a walk in the woods or a stroll in the park. In short, new journeys, however short or long.
All these journeys and waves of experiences are part of one great soul journey here on earth. From cradle to grave, you can think of five existential tasks or desires that take you further and can make your experiences meaningful. You can find these in my book ‘Spirited Personal Leadership – for more effective work, a meaningful living, and a better world’.
So what are these five tasks or desires?
1. Gaining deeply felt experiences in order to grow into a sincere, authentic, and peaceful person
This happens when you learn from the waves of experiences and apply that learning to your new way of living or working. Otherwise, sooner or later, the cosmos will give you the same or worse experiences to learn from, until you have learned your lesson.
2. Develop your own independence and individuality
Do, say, and choose what you believe in with all your heart and soul.
3. Heal your soul pain
This allows you to leave your baggage behind and move forward more lightly.
4. Live your soul joy
Do what makes you instantly happy and gives you joy in your life and work.
5. Bring your original talents and dreams to life
This will give your work and life more meaning.
If you put the waves of experiences in your life or work at the service of these five life tasks, it will become more enjoyable, effective, lighter, and meaningful.
1. What do you want the waves of time to carry away that no longer serves you?
Think about contact with people who behave negatively; negative thoughts about others; negative thoughts about yourself; or worries about the future.
2. What do you want the waves to bring you that serves you better now?
Think about contact with people who behave positively; positive thoughts about others; positive thoughts about yourself; dreams about the future.
3. Travel more often and sometimes stay away from home a little longer.
Let yourself be surprised by the news that catches your attention or comes to you.
I wish you waves of experiences that naturally enrich your life and work.
Warm regards, Martin
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Martin
© 2026: Martin Thoolen
