This magnolia tree lives right next to the beautiful mudojang of Master Chae, where we train both Taekwondo and Haidong Gumdo. It is in full bloom right now, so I wanted to take a moment to share the view. I marvel at how swiftly nature changes it’s look in spring. Bonus Geekery Did you know… Read More The Martial Magnolia

There are certain places that seem to draw us in – in life, as well as on our walks. Places of power. Places of peace. Meeting and re-meeting old friends kind of has the same effect on me. It’s opportunity to take a moment. An opportunity to re-connect, to re-flect. To be present with oneself… Read More Places of Power

I came across this quote today from Hermann Hesse‘s ’Siddharta’: … the river is everywhere at once, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the rapids, in the sea, in the mountains, everywhere at once, and that there is only the present time for it, not the shadow of… Read More Poetry in Motion

Back to the roots! A few muddy impressions from this weekend‘s family walk in the place I was born – Waterschei, Limburg, Belgium. This was one day after Mr E and I took our TKD black belt test. It was a great way to rebalance again after all the preparations of the past weeks, and… Read More Braving the Elements

A tree for a tree.. Together we recharge for spring. The past few weeks I’ve finally gotten around to spending more time in the woods. I’ve missed it. It feel more calm, more alive, more awake if I can get outside for a bit. And you? What is your favourite way to re-energise?

I love this time of year, when the days (on this hemisphere) start getting longer, and the skies are cool and colourful. Each sunset, moonrise, moonset, and sunrise feels like it’s own reward. Enjoy Every Moment. Let‘s make sure we spend as many of them as possible in full appreciation. This picture – taken at… Read More Sunset and Moonrise

A few environmental impressions from my travels to Holbaek, Denmark last weekend. An ocean of clouds, a view through the reeds, and an actual swan sea/lake. Beautiful nature, good company, breathtaking views, hug-trees and a stiff northern breeze.. Thank you dear Anna Barner for sharing ‘your spot’ with me. PS: Speaking of the North – Today… Read More The Sky and the Sea

It was a snowy day today in Germany, and – like every winter – when snow comes around, we adjust. We get up a bit earlier, clear the boardwalks, break out the winter coat, calculate a bit more time to get from here to there, and drive a bit more carefully. Somehow, there is much… Read More Weather Adjustments

I love walking on fresh snow. Making a new path for myself. No footsteps before me. To boldly go where no one has gone before. (at least recently) I came across the Greek term ‘Euthymia’ in ‘the Daily Stoic’ today. I enjoyed reading Seneca’s description of it, which he used in essay on tranquility; “believing in yourself… Read More Your own Path – Euthymia

One of the greatest joys of traveling (even in, or perhaps even especially in the UK, as I’m not a native English speaker) are the unexpected expansions in vocabulary. Last year’s walking vacation in the UK lake district (where the rescued Alpacas play) taught us many things. Such as: Cairns, meres, waters, becks and tarns will be… Read More Tarns, Cairns and a Scramble