ME I was born in 1983 in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Although already interested in Buddhism as a teenager, my initial steps on this path were academic ones. During my education as a cultural anthropologist, I happily took minors in philosophy and religion studies. I picked up my yoga practice during my college years, a love affair that has been going steady ever since. My main interests, both personally and professionally, are rooted in those years: how do we as people make sense out of our lives?

After studying these questions from a safe academic distance, it was time for a more up-close-and personal exploration of what is worthwhile in life. At the age of 21, I met my meditation teacher Dana and went to her drop in meditation classes on many blessed Friday nights. I have been in love with her, the teachings and the lineage of Shambhala ever since. The Buddhist teachings, the dharma, resonated to me on a cellular level. Although I took my steps as a Buddhist student very slowly –remember I was still a critical social scientist- I knew I had found the leading thread in my life.

A longing to live a deeply meaningful, rich and awake life keeps this fire of the dharma burning strong. I was interested in dissolving as much barriers between work and spiritual life, serving others and personal development.

PB Out of this came Potential Buddha, a crazy idea grounded in a group of friends and a longing for being an entrepreneur. Yet behind it, right from the start was the fascination with “Buddha nature”, the idea that all beings are already awake, perfectly capable of living their lives in a meaningful way.

I did all kinds of things with Potential Buddha: events, yoga clubbing, a small organic clothing line to enable people to wear the name ‘Potential Buddha’ on their hearts, blogosphere and more. By 2009, after receiving my first book publishing deal – a dream come true- I decided to not hide behind ‘stuff’ anymore and step into the Potential Buddha light fully, offering myself, my thoughts and my services.

It feels good and it also feels vulnerable and a little naked. Then I remind myself that stand in a long line of several incredible wisdom traditions, and I bow to every teacher –formal and informal, present and future- that I have the privilege to represent.

All my work comes from the continual amazement with life: its deep mysteries that puzzle, hurt, touch and fill me with a joy that hopefully will keep a creative fire burning until the last day I will spend in this life. May it be of benefit.
 
Geertje,
August 27, 2009