What Makes an Afternoon with the Transformational Presence Community So Special?

On November 5th, more than 30 of us gathered for an afternoon of interaction, experience, and exploration—and I loved every moment of it! Over the past week, I’ve been reflecting on what makes these gatherings so unique. What is the essence that allows each participant to come home to themselves in their own way?

One key element is that the experience is always exploratory and forward-looking. It’s never about the past, nor about what you’ve already figured out or think you know. There’s no need to convince anyone of anything—the topic on your mind simply sets the stage for your own exploration. You’re invited to be fully curious, open to new insights with genuine interest and receptivity. There are no expectations—none about what you “should” discover or what you want to achieve. And no expectations of each other either. There is no right or wrong, no performance to meet, and no standard to adhere to. You are free to explore in the presence of others.

The exercises create an embodied experience; attention naturally shifts from the head to the heart, the belly, and the whole body. You tune into the flow of life itself—what life wants to tell you. You listen, sense, and stay open to new information that can reach you in different ways. For me, that often comes in the form of words or images, but it can also be a feeling, a sound, or something else entirely.

By slowing down and becoming still, time seems to expand. I’m always amazed by how little energy the afternoon costs (in fact, my energy rises), how calm and gentle the pace feels, and how much we experience in such a short time. And how situations suddenly become clear in a surprisingly simple way.

As a group—this time under the loving and skillful guidance of Magali de Rooy and Eline Filius—we created the conditions for inner shifts to happen. Shifts you didn’t see coming, sometimes ones you didn’t even know were possible. But afterward, you feel lighter, calmer, quieter in your mind. Sometimes there’s more inner space. Or you may feel more grounded in your body and more confident.

It’s the magic of switching off your head, accepting what is, opening your heart, and being open to what wants to happen—exploring without judgment. The result? A sense of truly coming home to yourself—reconnecting so that clarity emerges from within about who you are allowed to be and the steps you naturally (and courageously!) take.

There is tremendous power in being allowed to be who you are in the presence of others—being seen and heard without conditions. And in giving yourself that same space: to see and listen to yourself and to be yourself, for yourself. That is coming home to yourself.

So, to what extent do you allow yourself to come home to yourself? And what might you need for that?

Take a moment this week to reflect on these questions and be curious about what arises within you. Let your inner wisdom tell you what’s important for you to know. Then ask yourself:

·         Who am I being asked to be in this? In other words, how can I allow myself to show up more fully?

·         What is the first step I’m being asked to take?

I wish you much joy in this discovery!

P.S. A heartfelt thank you to Sascha Krijger for the excellent organization of the afternoon and to Magali and Eline for their powerful and playful guidance!