ABOUT
Thalien Colenbrander
Raised by Dutch/Armenian parents in a remote Italian village, turned city-girl, turned European wild camper, I’ve always been surrounded with a multitude of different cultures and people from all walks of life. All these experiences, in addition to my eclectic collection of past and current jobs and interests, have led me to who I am today: A camper van nomad, Thai massage therapist, sound practitioner, yoga teacher, busker, writer, and retreat organiser, but more than anything a free spirited, soul-searching enthusiast. Seeking out new experiences while guided by my three core values - freedom, connection and purpose - have led me to a colourful life infused with meaning and adventure.
My motto: Life is not happening to us, it is happening for us. This implies an attitude of gratitude and curiosity no matter what the circumstances are — gratitude being a crucial ingredient for happiness and attracting abundance into our life, and curiosity being the perfect antidote for reactivity and fear-based thinking. Yes, appreciation comes easy when things are going our way. But how about when we feel lost, insecure, or lacking a sense of purpose? How to hold space for yourself in dark times? How do you get free and (re)connect? How are self-inquiry, meditation, movement, sharing, sound and singing invaluable tools for self-expression, healing and (re)aligning yourself with your purpose on earth?
For me, the quest for self-improvement started whilst struggling to overcome depression and an eating disorder in my late teens. Through the years I was humbled by many relapses which — painful and frustrating as they were — kept me on the path of self-development and spirituality. I’m grateful for that because I found that the practises and concepts from Buddhism, Vedanta, Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy, and the teachings from people like Willem Glaudemans, Eckhart Tolle, Tara Brach, Pema Chödrön, Mel Robbins, Gabor Maté, Kristin Neff, James Clear, Brené Brown, Jack Kornfield, Joe Dispenza and Byron Katie (to name just a few) stretch far beyond their usefulness for healing gloom and self-defeating habits or addictions. They provide incredibly powerful tools and wisdom for every human to live their full potential. Of course, one's full potential isn't a destination; it's a path. It's a journey of liberation — from your own limitations and the limitations that others (often with good intentions) put upon you.
My search for a happier and healthier mind, body and soul was born out of dire necessity but eventually grew into a passion for human potential and a motivation to help others. It is my great joy and honour to help facilitate the journey of finding inner freedom through yoga, sound, massage therapy, and through my workshops/retreats on personal growth and impact.
If you're interested in working together, contact me via info@thayoma.com or +31616815485. For monthly updates on my activities and offerings, hit the subscribe button below.
EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS
2000-2004 - Language & Culture Studies (Utrecht University, The Netherlands)
2015 - 3 day Outdoor Trainer (Opleidingen2000, The Netherlands)
2016 - 9 day Fitness Trainer A (Start2Move, The Netherlands)
2017 - 2 day Strength Training Clinic (Vondelgym, The Netherlands)
2017 - 1 day Mindfulness for Sports Coaches Clinic (NLcoach, The Netherlands)
2017 - 2 day Assess, Address, Apply Clinic (GMB Fitness, The Netherlands)
2019 - 10 day Vipassana Meditation Training (Dhamma Pajjota, Belgium)
2021 - 200 hr YA-accredited Yoga Teacher Training (with Vidya Heisel @Frog Lotus Yoga, Spain)
2021 - 90 hr Thai Yoga Massage Training (with Cátia Garcia @Suryalila, Spain)
2021 - 30 hr Spine Conditions Training (with Cátia Garcia @Suryalila, Spain)
2022 - 40 hr Thai Massage & Traditional Thai Medicine Training (with Sebastian Bruno @ThaiVedic, Portugal)
2022 - 25 hr Sound Healing Training (with Ângelo Ferreira @Cosmic Gong, Portugal)
2023 (enrolled) - 25 hr Integrative IFS Somatic Parts Work (The Embody Lab, online certificate program)
2023 (enrolled) - 32 hr Relax and Renew® Restorative Yoga Teacher Training (with Judith Lasater, online)
2023 (enrolled) - 45 hr The Healing Voice Training (with Jacomina Kistemaker @Centro Punta de Couso, Spain