Finding the Pause Button: Mindfulness, Nature, and the Power of Awareness

At MOYO Training Foundation, our mission is to foster a nature-positive future by connecting people and nature. We believe that true well-being is rooted in our relationship with the natural world—a connection that enables us to move from a state of constant "doing" to one of simply "being".

That is why we are thrilled to collaborate with Sandrijn van der Voort, owner of Soulpower and a dedicated mindfulness trainer. Sandrijn’s journey from clinical psychology to nature-based mindfulness offers a beautiful perspective on how the "power of nature" can help us navigate the stresses of modern life.

From the Practice Room to the Great Outdoors

Sandrijn spent 25 years working in mental healthcare, eventually running her own practice, De Hoofdzaak, in Oosterhout. However, after decades of treating psychological struggles in traditional settings, she felt the work becoming increasingly heavy.

"It cost me more and more energy, and I experienced less and less fulfilment from the treatments," Sandrijn shares. The antidote to this burnout was found in two places: in meditation and in nature.

Walking in nature brought her a sense of calm and a physical reconnection to herself. When her practice’s mindfulness trainer retired in 2023, Sandrijn saw an opportunity to merge her clinical expertise with her passion for the outdoors. She founded Soulpower to help others experience the same restorative benefits she had found among the trees.

Why Nature and Mindfulness are Inseparable

For Sandrijn, the connection between mindfulness and nature is self-evident. The core principles of mindfulness—presence, non-judgment, and acceptance—are qualities already naturally present in the environment.

"In nature, you can experience these qualities even more deeply and more easily feel part of a greater whole," she explains. "Ultimately, we are nature".

Beyond philosophy, there is also the science of silence. Nature is wonderfully low in stimuli, making it easier for our nervous systems to find calm. Furthermore, plants and trees release substances that strengthen our immune systems and actively lower stress levels.

The "Power of Nature" in Practice

Through her Power of Nature training, organised in partnership with MOYO, Sandrijn integrates these elements into a transformative experience. The program focuses on helping participants find their internal "pause button".

By becoming aware of automatic patterns and thoughts, participants can make changes that align with their true values. In a world that demands we respond to every stimulus and have an opinion on everything, Soulpower offers a rare gift: the realisation that the world does not fall apart if we choose to simply be.

A Nature-Positive Approach

Soulpower’s mission extends beyond individual well-being to the health of the planet itself. Sandrijn integrates "Nature Positive" practices by:

• Building Connection: Sharing ecological knowledge during walks to increase participants' sense of connection to the land.

• Reciprocity: Collecting extra contributions from participants to donate annually to nature conservation.

• Self-Reflection: Using group discussions and direct experience to help people discover their own attitudes toward the environment.

Looking Ahead

While the demand for nature-based well-being is growing in the Netherlands, Sandrijn notes that reaching those who need it most remains a challenge. Many people struggle with stress but find it difficult to commit to multi-day courses, often preferring one-off themed walks.

Moving forward, Soulpower aims to expand by partnering with companies to offer mindful walking workshops for employees, bringing the "power of nature" into the corporate world.

What Can You Do?

Are you ready to stop "doing" and start "being"? Here is how you can get involved:

• Join us: Experience the benefits firsthand by joining the Power of Nature training. Sign up here!

• Follow the journey: Stay updated on Soulpower’s upcoming programs and partnerships by following MOYO Training Foundation.