Embracing the Flow: The journey of Pauline Gispen
The essence of adventure
Pauline Gispen is the embodiment of joy and growth. At the helm of Touch of Flow, she transforms healing into an exhilarating expedition. With a blend of coaching and the joyful teachings of water, Pauline offers vibrant online and in-person courses. These are your gateways to transmute fears into gleaming self-confidence and worth, steering you from mere survival to full-throttle flourishing. Through her own trials in childhood, Pauline unlocked water's mystical power to reflect our emotions, fortify our resolve, and spur transformation. Her philosophy crystallized during the World Championship of Rafting in Japan, where for the first time, she embraced the rush of fearlessness.
A Lifetime of Navigating Currents
With 33 years of navigating diverse waters since her first kayaking course in Slovenia at 18, Pauline's life has been steeped in adventure. A veteran of countless canoeing courses across Europe and a fierce competitor in international rafting contests, she embodies the spirit of the water.
Captain and Pathfinder
As a certified IRF wild water raft Guide, Pauline has steered many through the rapids of Tasmania and Costa Rica and across the undulating waves of Dutch shores. She's not just your guide on the water; she's your compass in the quest for self-discovery.
An adventurous spirit
Adventure is etched into Pauline's very being. Her life is a tapestry of new dreams and plans, woven as she travels Europe in her camper van with her canine companion, engaging in work that fuels her soul. The mountains call to her, and riverside camps are her sanctuary. Whether she's sailing Dutch waters, hiking, or just basking in the beauty of Terschelling, nature is her stage for reflection and rejuvenation.
Journeys of growth through the currents
Choosing life was Pauline’s vow the day she faced profound loss of her mother by suicide. This choice brought her face-to-face with her essence, revealed on the banks of Slovenia's Soca River. It's where she confronted her deep-seated fears and found solace in the river’s embrace. Yet, her journey is not without challenges. Even as a seasoned paddler, the heart-pounding passages of European or World championships remind her that fear is part of the course—each victory a celebration of life.
Rediscovering the Natural Flow
Life's trials can eclipse the heart’s desires, but Pauline's path is marked by the courage to reclaim her natural flow. The river her journey, the water her teacher. From solitude and doubt, she’s emerged with clarity, embarking on a life marked not by ease but by joy. The river to self-discovery is seldom straight, yet with each falter, she's found her footing, turning introspection into celebration. To live without fear, embracing each day with a zest for life, that's the gift she desires to share with all. Pauline's journey is an invitation—a call to discover your flow, to embrace life’s tapestry with both hands, and to dance to the rhythm of your dreams.
The Compass of Credentials
Pauline's compass of life is calibrated by a wealth of knowledge and experiene
Singing on the slopes: my perfect winter adventure
Since I started skiing at the age of 5, it's been all about speed over technique for me. Though I may not have perfect form, I always ski fast and with the heart of a champion, earning a golden medal in the guests competition ! One of my favorite thrills is racing through the narrow paths in the woods, feeling the rush of the wind and the crisp mountain air.
And what makes it even better? Singing at the top of my lungs as I carve down the slopes. There's nothing like the joy of blending my love for skiing with the freedom of singing. It's my perfect winter adventure!
Shower ritual: a moment of cleansing and clarity
In every new place I visit, my shower ritual is both a practical and almost meditative moment. The moment the water is running, I take a moment to connect with this new showerhead. With the tip of my nail, I carefully clean it, a small but meaningful gesture that helps me feel at home and let the water flow free again. Each pass of my nail not only scrubs away physical grime but also prepares the space for new experiences, ensuring every shower I take washes away more than just the day’s stress—it rejuvenates the soul and refreshes the spirit.
A passionate, yet perplexing, relationship with water
Water, a source of passion. However, our relationship is marked by moments of both awe and annoyance. For instance, I've embraced a nomadic lifestyle with a charming van that, amusingly enough, comes with its own miniature rainforest inside, thanks to a persistently leaking roof.
Once, while attempting a minor fix, I inadvertently drilled a hole in the water plumbing, adding an unintended fountain to my list of water wonders. Even my choice in rainwear seems jinxed—I consistently end up with jackets that promise waterproof protection yet seem to attract leaks as if by magic.
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