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Transform Your Life with Kriya Yoga and Hariharanandaji

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Embark on a journey of transformation with Kriya Yoga. Discover healing, inner peace, and spiritual awakening through my experience with Paramahansa Hariharanandaji.

Picture: Swami Yogananda (Nepal Yoga Home)

Miracles may seem like far-off wonders, but for many, they manifest in profound, life-changing experiences. I found myself captivated by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda through his book, An Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda (Yogananda's famous quotes), originally named Mukunda Lal Ghosh, was a remarkable figure who introduced Kriya Yoga to the Western world.

The Impact of Yogananda

Born in 1893, Yogananda was instrumental in bridging Eastern spirituality and Western thought when he arrived in the United States in 1920. His teachings not only changed individual lives but also contributed to a broader understanding of yoga as a spiritual science. During his years in the United States, Yogananda returned to India in 1935 after fifteen years of dedicated work, meeting influential spiritual figures along the way.

Meeting Great Souls

During his 1935 visit to India, Yogananda encountered several significant figures, including Ramana Maharshi, Anandamoyi Ma, and Mahatma Gandhi. He recognized the universal significance of Kriya Yoga as a scientific foundation that transcends religious boundaries. Notably, he initiated Gandhi and several of his followers into Kriya Yoga, further solidifying the practice's importance.

The Legacy of Hariharanandaji

One of Yogananda's close disciples was Paramahamsa Hariharanandaji, who continued to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga after Yogananda's passing in 1952. Hariharanandaji was a remarkable spiritual master committed to the path of Kriya Yoga. His teachings emphasized inner transformation and the pursuit of divine connection, guiding countless seekers on their spiritual journeys.

A Personal Connection to Kriya Yoga

My own journey into Kriya Yoga began in the 1990s when I was part of the Bangoer family from Suriname, descendants of Indian contractors who had migrated to Suriname. My girlfriend's parents were passionate followers of Yogananda’s successor, Hariharanandaji. They were eager to share this spiritual legacy with me and informed me that Hariharanandaji would soon visit the Netherlands for an event. This felt like the right time for me to embrace Kriya Yoga through initiation.

Picture: Swami Hariharanandaji (Hansavedas Fellowship)

The Initiation Ceremony

The initiation ceremony took place in a sacred Hindu temple in The Hague, just days before Hariharanandaji's visit. The cost of the initiation included five fruits, five flowers, and one hundred Dutch guilders, a currency still in use at that time. I remember walking into the temple, a sense of reverence filling the air. The initiation, guided by Peter van Breukelen (Swami Petronella), was conducted in a serene atmosphere, with several aspiring participants present.

The Atmosphere of Reverence

The ambiance in the temple was thick with a calm silence, setting the stage for a profound spiritual experience. During the initiation, Peter pressed his fingers gently on my eyelids, inviting me to behold the holy light. As we engaged in the sacred ceremony for several hours, he shared that Hariharanandaji would be visiting the Netherlands soon and wished to meet our group. I felt both excited and nervous at the prospect of meeting such a revered figure.

A Warm Family Welcome

When I returned home that evening to a warm dinner with my girlfriend’s family, they expressed their enthusiasm about Hariharanandaji’s imminent visit. Their excitement was infectious, and after much encouragement, I decided to attend the gathering. The following Saturday, we arrived at the assembly hall in Houten, near Utrecht, filled with eager participants.

The Gathering in Houten

As I entered the hall, I was struck by the sight of hundreds of people dressed in white, sitting cross-legged in devotion. Suddenly, a diminutive figure in an orange suit and a red woolen hat appeared on stage. To my surprise, I struggled to suppress laughter at this “little man” in his colorful attire. Yet, as he took his place at the podium, a deep sense of reverence enveloped the room.

A Light-hearted Encounter

The swami began his sermon, which Peter translated into Dutch for the audience. In the midst of his talk, he playfully asked, “Peter, shall I go? They won’t see me if their eyes are closed!” The audience erupted in laughter, and in that moment, he transformed the atmosphere from serious to light-hearted, creating a warm sense of community.

The Blessing of Initiation

After his sermon, Hariharanandaji invited attendees to approach him for blessings and to kiss his ring. Then, he called forward those of us who had been initiated just days before. I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me; I wasn't sure if I had the courage to step forward. But when our eyes met, something shifted within me. Without fully understanding how, I found myself walking toward the stage and sitting cross-legged on the rug in front of him.

A Moment of Transformation

As I settled on the rug, I felt as if the swami had taken hold of my will. He approached me, looking directly into my eyes with a warm smile. “How tense you are! Let go of that tension,” he said playfully. I admitted that it was challenging for me to relax due to some physical discomfort. He laughed, then placed his hands on my hips and shoulders, and in that instant, something miraculous happened. A wave of relaxation washed over me, and the pain I had been holding onto dissipated completely.

The Ongoing Influence of Kriya Yoga

This profound moment left an indelible mark on my soul. I realized that the swami’s presence alone had the power to heal and uplift. It was a reminder of the transformative potential of spiritual connection. After our encounter, I felt lighter, both physically and emotionally. My initiation into Kriya Yoga and my encounter with Hariharanandaji became pivotal moments in my life.

A Lifelong Journey

Since that day, Kriya Yoga has been a guiding force, providing me with tools to navigate life’s challenges and deepen my connection with the divine. I believe that there are many paths leading to our ultimate destination, and each person’s journey is unique. While I have explored various spiritual practices, the teachings of Kriya Yoga continue to resonate with me profoundly.

Gratitude and Reflection

My gratitude for the experiences and teachings I have received remains strong, and I often reflect on that day with Hariharanandaji. In sharing my story, I hope to convey the beauty of spiritual encounters and the transformative power of practices like Kriya Yoga. Whether through moments of laughter, profound healing, or the simple act of sitting in the presence of a holy person, miracles can manifest in myriad ways.

Conclusion: The Power of Connection

My connection to Hariharanandaji and the teachings of Kriya Yoga will forever be etched in my heart, guiding me on my journey toward spiritual awakening. If you have had similar experiences or moments of transformation in your own spiritual journey, I would love to hear about them. The beauty of these stories lies in their ability to inspire and uplift others, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that enrich our understanding of the divine.

Woodland Retreat Rich in Historical Heritage, Royal Neighbours, and Anna Paulowna’s Legacy

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Picture: Anna Pawlowna: Bron : Historiek

My loyal readers will know by now that I live with my wife Monique and our two kittens, Rose and Joey, and our puppy Pip in the beautiful, wooded area of princely Baarn. This is a place in the Netherlands where part of the Dutch royal family also resides. It is a picturesque, wooded area nestled between the more famous Dutch cities of Utrecht and Amsterdam. In the past, the old nobility who lived in these big cities liked to retreat here to escape the stresses of urban life. These wealthy individuals preferred to travel by horse and cart, turning a journey of thirty kilometers as the crow flies into a trip that could sometimes take days.

Do you ever take a trip to green nature?

Baarn boasts many colossal houses and castles from this affluent past, where these noblemen used to reside. Practically speaking, we are almost neighbors with Princess Beatrix, the former Queen of the Netherlands. Just one garden away lies the world-famous Soestdijk Palace. In earlier years, King William II lived here with the beautiful Russian Grand Princess Anna-Paulowna (1795-1865), whom he was allowed to marry by the Russian Tsar Nicholas because he had outwitted the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. Did you know that her father, Paul Romanov, died when this beautiful princess was six years old? His brother Alexander was part of the assassination plot.

Indeed, a great Romanov in the beautiful Baarn nature. The landscape looked very different in earlier years. Many of the forests around Baarn were planted to provide timber for building large galleys for naval battles. Nature, in my eyes, is our greatest treasure. The oxygen factory that we, as humanity, so desperately need to survive on our insanely beautiful Earth.

Do you ever worry about oxygen deprivation?

Oxygen seems to be becoming increasingly rare within our draughty circle. Listening to this beautiful Earth, which can take such good care of us, is often foreign to us as human beings. We have cultivated this world further and further according to our desires. If you pick up a history book on a beautiful sunny summer day, you can read that through the influence of you and me, and our "beloved" ancestors, much has been adapted to this beautiful planet in practical ways.

Does survival come at a price?

Currently, new insights are constantly emerging about humans and our Earth. The latest insights tell us that there were not very few people living on Earth as always thought, but that the people on Earth simply did not know of each other's existence. In many cases, "primitive people" "just" lived alongside each other. There is evidence that ancient man could pass each other without noticing. They lived in places where they could hunt well. Hunting was a way to survive. When the game became scarce in the place where they were staying at that time, they simply moved on to another spot.

Yes, that was the way of survival until a certain group discovered how to grow crops. As a result, they had to settle in a certain place to maintain these crops. These places became stopping points where more and more people settled. These people, in turn, cultivated these environments. The cultivation and development are still ongoing, because we, as humans, are driven to reproduce further and further. Why? Probably because our parents said so. So, man continued with his self-serving behavior. You know the rest: "Man adapted the earth more and more to his wishes."

Has man taken too much from the earth?

Man had to and wanted to survive according to his own ideas and had no time, and probably no insights, into what he was causing. The earth was deteriorating without these people from prehistoric times and those in the further development of time consciously noticing this. But you and I, currently? Well, the "economic powers-that-be" tell us through the best marketing messages that we must eat and live differently. The Catholic Church still believes that having children is one of the most important things in life. So, the world's population is expanding, and no one outside the Catholic Church knows why. The stock market is partly about turnover, but people mean more turnover, and rising shares.

"The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer." Healthy and "well" grown vegetables are becoming more and more expensive, and the food-producing companies based on the African mainland produce for the West. Contraceptives are also forbidden by the church there, so humanity continues to grow. Humanity continues to bend everything to its own will; it cultivates the earth according to its desires. I always learned from my parents that you must be content with what you have, but does the rest of humanity feel the same way? Survival and cultivation seem to be in our genes. We shape the earth according to our wishes, but was the earth ever meant for this? And is having children one of the most important things on our planet?

The Netherlands’ New Cabinet: Challenges and Controversies in Dutch Politics?

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The Netherlands' recent elections have resulted in a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, featuring the VVD, the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), the Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB), and the New Social Contract (NSC). This coalition faces intense opposition and controversy, particularly over past anti-Islamic remarks by PVV members.

The initial debates have been marked by heated exchanges and revisiting old disputes, raising questions about the future of Dutch governance. Can this new leadership navigate the country's challenges and deliver on their promises, or will new political movements need to emerge? Discover the evolving dynamics and prospects of the Netherlands' political landscape under this contentious new government.

The big question remains: will this political upheaval succeed?

In the initial days of the newly installed cabinet, opposition from unelected parties was fierce, aiming to undermine the new government. The first debate under the leadership of Prime Minister Dick Schoof was less about governance and more about addressing the grievances of the other parties in the House of Representatives. The debate was marred by mudslinging and revisiting old controversies, particularly targeting the Party for Freedom (PVV), the largest party in this far-right cabinet. Criticisms of PVV's past were rampant, highlighting the deep-seated rancor from other political factions.

So, who stands to gain more freedom in the Netherlands under this new regime?

The Party for Freedom, founded and led by Geert Wilders, has emerged as a dominant force despite its controversial stance. Wilders, who exerts significant control over the party, has a history of vehemently opposing the Muslim community, portraying them as a threat to Dutch society. His rhetoric has consistently emphasized the perceived dangers of a growing Muslim population in the Netherlands.

Picture:: I am Expat

Will Wilders and his party live up to their contentious promises?

The new cabinet includes ministers from the PVV, who have not escaped scrutiny. The new Minister of Asylum and Migration, Marjolein Faber, has particularly faced backlash for allegedly using the term "Omvolking," a term with heavy Nazi connotations. This controversy overshadowed much of the initial political discourse, diverting attention from substantive policy discussions. The focus on such a term indicates the fraught nature of the current political environment.

Is "repopulation" really on the agenda for the Netherlands?

The term "repopulation," likely used impulsively by Faber, played an outsized role in the early debates, highlighting the hypersensitivity and historical anxieties within Dutch politics. Given the significant challenges the Netherlands faces, one would hope for more disciplined and constructive debates from the House of Representatives. The country has navigated numerous crises in recent years, and effective governance is crucial for its future stability.

Can this new cabinet make the Netherlands "healthy" again?

When new cabinets are formed, there's usually an optimistic outlook among voters. They hope their new leaders will address past shortcomings and usher in positive changes. This optimism, however, often meets the harsh reality of political inertia and the complexities of governance. Hope springs eternal during elections, but the actual outcomes frequently fall short of expectations.

Picture: The new kabinet: NU.nl

New elections, new hope?

Historically, the gap between electoral promises and governing realities can be wide. Politicians in prosperous countries like the Netherlands face immense pressure to deliver on their commitments. However, the political cycle, including the lengthy process of cabinet formation, often leaves limited time for actual governance. This reality can lead to a focus on short-term gains rather than long-term solutions.

Are politicians already thinking about their post-cabinet careers?

For many politicians, serving in the House of Representatives or a cabinet can be a strategic career move. The prestige of holding such positions can pave the way for lucrative opportunities post-tenure. A significant proportion of Dutch representatives come from the education sector, where career advancement is limited. Serving in a political role can significantly boost their professional profile.

Are you curious about the future of the Netherlands? Do you know who your next political favorite will be?

As we await the outcomes of this new political era, it's worth considering whether the current coalition can withstand the pressures and deliver meaningful progress. Will the Dutch people experience greater happiness and well-being under this government, or will new political movements emerge to address unmet needs?In conclusion, the political dynamics in the Netherlands are at a crucial juncture. The success of the new cabinet hinges on its ability to navigate deep-seated divisions and deliver on its promises. Voters remain hopeful, but only time will reveal whether this hope translates into tangible improvements. The unfolding political drama will undoubtedly shape the future of the Netherlands, and it remains to be seen whether the current leadership can rise to the occasion and bring about the change the electorate desires.

The Secrets of Faith: Examining Historical Atrocities and Modern Apologies

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Faith, any faith, has many secrets. This article explores our tendency to apologize for our ancestors' actions, questioning if we could have acted differently. It examines historical atrocities committed in faith's name, using "The Sisters of the Good Shepherd" as an example. Ultimately, it challenges whether faith is too easily used as an excuse for such actions.

Faith, any faith, has many secrets. This article is certainly not a complaint against any religion, and I hope that you can still derive much support from your faith. Many of the things I am writing about now are time-sensitive facts that perhaps we should also put in context and leave there! At this moment in time, it strikes me that we as humans increasingly want or need to apologize for our ancestors.

Picture: Omroep brabant

Can we offer sincere apologies for our past?

Our ancestors did many things differently than we might have wanted. But people like us are often very good at judging and prejudicing others outside of ourselves. Imagine you had lived somewhere in the past. What would you have done then? Had no slaves been made, had you not become involved in a war, could you have prevented all torture, had there been no casualties under your authority?

Are almost all of us followers?

Could you have prevented it? Maybe the answer to this question is yes. But would you have wanted to prevent it, and what would have happened to you? Would you have dared to speak to those responsible at that time, regardless of your own fate? The rulers and followers of that time also only had the information that was available to them at that time. The people of that time were also economically driven; they too had to survive under the pressure of others, just like we do now. Of course, many of you will deny this, but what do you do in this world without money, without respect from others, without a job that you must defend repeatedly by listening to others and just doing what they say?

Do humans or gods rule this world?

It is very helpful to blame your faith when it is convenient for you. How often are wars fought in the name of that faith? Whatever religion you profess, was it all worth it afterward, and was what you thought before the war correct? And was it all rectified afterward with the necessary apologies to the victims? My mind created this piece when I saw a broadcast on TV about a religious movement known in the Netherlands under the name "The Sisters of the Good Shepherd."

Is our lord really that renowned shepherd?

I am giving an example from a particular church, but I think this example could come from any church in the world. If we go back in time, we hear and read many of these things. Many believers will then say that it must have been "God's will" and that the almighty apparition must have had a purpose with it that we, as wretched people, will never understand. But we must accept it because he is the Almighty, our creator, and according to many, we must always be submissive out of respect.

Does this mean that in religion everything should remain possible?

What shocked me so much was a broadcast on television about "The Good Shepherd," a religious movement that had many monasteries all over the world, with many hundreds of thousands of believers. The nuns who were active in these convents behaved as educators. They said they helped children find the right direction in their lives. In my opinion, these children were treated almost the same as former slaves. They had to work from early to late in manufacturing companies such as laundries, but who got the profits? Which popular well-to-do companies did profit optimization on this? Which companies were so sacred that they made work available to help these children?

Is faith too easy an excuse?

In my youth, my parents and others constantly pointed out to me that young women who had become pregnant unintentionally were taken care of in that monastery in my village. According to the stories, the children born to these mothers would be dumped in a pit with quicklime and therefore never existed. I don't know if this really happened, but I was shocked this week by the fact that many hidden graves of teenagers or women of about twenty years old have been discovered on the grounds where the monasteries were located!

Were the mothers murdered too?

It is wonderful to believe, but remember that most of the victims on our earth fall in the battle for faith. The belief that no one can really explain anymore, but then again, that's why it's a belief, right? According to many, we must also place this story of these monasteries in the "right context." The Sisters of the Good Shepherd will have received this mission from their god. They will have carried out this assignment with great respect. Even today, there are many people who adhere to a faith, but who tells them what the only correct faith is, and whether there is a possibility of retrospective verification? An apology may also be made for these acts soon, but for whom and what? After the terrible Second World War and the persecution of the Jews, many Germans said: "We never knew." But what if the same people had known? Was it "the will of God" again? This story took place in our nineteenth century.

“Government Staff Shortages in the Netherlands: Rising Crime Rates and Public Safety Concerns”

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Government staff shortages in the Netherlands are raising serious public safety concerns. Despite significant consultancy spending, temporary measures like reduced prison sentences and ankle bracelets are ineffective. High recidivism rates and transferring young offenders to adult prisons worsen the issue. With unfilled government positions, the future of public safety in the Netherlands looks increasingly uncertain.

Picture : NBC News

The persistent reports in the daily news about government staff shortages in the Netherlands and surrounding countries keep triggering my concerns. It’s disheartening to see the careful planning of our civil servants and their advisers for the future of our country seemingly fall short. Despite millions, possibly billions, spent on consultancy fees, the current staffing situation in public administrations makes me increasingly worried. The narrative presented in the press fosters uncertainty about a potentially unsafe future for many Europeans.

Are criminals taking greater risks because the chance of being caught is smaller?

Today, the newspaper explicitly stated: "The lack of available prison cells as a result of the staff shortage at the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) has hardly decreased in recent months." According to the outgoing minister, Franc Weerwind, the government’s “temporary” measures, such as not imprisoning those with shorter sentences, using ankle bracelets instead of prison terms, or even releasing prisoners early, should soon have an impact. However, many argue that these measures currently do little to alleviate the pressure on the existing staff in detention centers or prisons.

Won't these measures lead to more crime?

It's clear that what’s happening now should have been brought to the attention of the responsible officials and their advisers long ago. Firm measures and agreements should have been taken to prevent the current situation. Did policymakers see this coming for a long time? According to the press, the recidivism rate is quite high: 47% of ex-prisoners reoffend within two years. Even after community service or probation supervision, the rate is 34%. These figures suggest that criminals do not fear prison sentences or cannot reintegrate into society properly.

Shouldn't penalties be much stricter to prevent recidivism?

If criminals become even less reluctant to imprisonment due to shorter sentences or alternative measures like ankle bracelets or community service, will crime increase? For instance, shouldn't a criminal wearing an ankle bracelet also be banned from communicating with certain people? It seems insufficient to restrict their movement alone. If they can still enjoy food, drinks, sex, and contact with their "criminal" friends, the punishment doesn’t seem severe. Yes, they must stay at home, but given that many are addicted to computer games, this might not be a significant deterrent. They can divide their time between games over the available twenty-four hours a day, only needing to check in occasionally and step out for groceries.

Do you agree that tougher penalties do not work?

I often think that slogans like "stricter punishments make no sense, it only makes the criminal more criminal" are deliberately propagated by policymakers to hide their powerlessness or ignorance. The improvement seen by Minister Weerwind can never encompass more than forty percent of the punished criminals in our country. Adding to this, the fact that these criminals represent just the tip of the iceberg, reveals the depth of the issue.

Is the tip of the iceberg being expanded by current policies?

With more criminals being released early or enjoying leisure activities during their sentence, it raises concerns. Additionally, young offenders are being transferred from juvenile detention centers to adult prisons due to a lack of space in their designated homes. This will likely have a detrimental effect on the rehabilitation of these juvenile criminals. Just like any other institution, the policy in these institutions will adapt to the target group being "treated." Will these relocated young people still receive the appropriate treatment, or will this lead to further increases in crime?

Will "wrong" punishment break us down?

The message was delivered "neatly" by the outgoing minister, but does he believe it himself? Fortunately for Mr. Weerwind, he is outgoing, and a new cabinet will soon take over in the Netherlands. We must wait and see whether the new leaders understand how to deal with criminals and delinquents. As I mentioned earlier, there are increasing unfillable vacancies in the government in the Netherlands, including in the police, prison staff, fire brigade, hospital staff, and other civil service positions. I am very curious and look to the future with suspicion. How safe and well-cared-for is our welfare state? Can the people in the Netherlands, who must increasingly fend for themselves due to government staff shortages, manage this, or is our government inadvertently fostering a new peak in crime in our history?

How is this situation in the countries where you live? Do you find yourself asking the same questions?

“Why Lifelong Learning Matters: Balancing Career Growth and Personal Fulfillment”

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"Lifelong learning" is increasingly being promoted in the Netherlands. This concept stems from the rapid pace of global developments that are constantly rendering old jobs obsolete and creating new ones requiring new knowledge and techniques. Thus, continuous learning is the future. But who determines when, how, and what you will learn, and who covers the costs?

Are there subsidies?

Since I know I am now writing for a broad international audience (thank you all), I will briefly explain how it works in the Netherlands. In simple terms, like in many other countries, there are subsidies available for employers and employees to pursue education and training. This means that the costs do not always fall on the shoulders of employers and employees alone. Often, there are arrangements for employees as well. If the education or training is entirely relevant to the employee's work for the employer, the employer often covers these costs, which can then be deducted from their taxes.

Are the costs fairly distributed?

If the education is something from which the employee might personally benefit, they may have to cover part of the cost. Typically, if the employer contributes to these activities, the employee must sign a statement obligating them to stay with the employer for a longer period. Employers can refuse to cover costs if the benefits of the training or education are solely for the employee. Many employers adhere to this method, thus helping their employees advance in their careers. Of course, there are many exceptions, and many of you may not recognize these situations in your own countries. All these arrangements are designed to ensure that the employee grows, which in turn helps the employer's business grow, generally leading to more profit for the owner.

What does the average employee do with all these growth aspirations?

Often, employees are happy to be able to follow training and education, as it usually means continuity in their work and income. However, some employees find this "driving force" challenging. They prefer to continue their work in the "normal" way and will look for another job if necessary. They are not chasing more knowledge, power, and salary. They prioritize their home, family, and personal life. These exceptions are often the ones who ask their overly ambitious colleagues, "Do we live to work, or do we work to enjoy this beautiful world?"

Why do we live?

A beautiful philosophical question, but can you answer it for yourself directly? Do you live in a wonderful and loving family, or do you prefer to be at work? Do you work so hard to earn enough money to spend a few weeks each year in a beautiful exotic vacation paradise? Does this mean you only know those exotic places and barely your own surroundings? Are you one of those people who dares to say after retirement that they did everything right? The family is financially well off, the mortgage on an oversized house is almost paid off, your often dissatisfied children’s education is completed and paid for by you, and there's even a nice inheritance waiting for them because you think it's important, and they are looking forward to it.

Do you really go all out?

People who have retired often say, "So, it's done, now we can enjoy." Do you recognize these words from someone who is sixty-seven years old (the retirement age in the Netherlands)? Enjoying with stiff limbs, sleep apnea, poor vision and hearing. Really enjoying, having nothing more to do? Suppose you reach the fantastic age of eighty or older, then you have thirteen years, which is 5.15384 percent of your entire life, left to "enjoy your life." That 5.15384 percent is a lot compared to people in other parts of the world for whom retirement is a concept they will never reach or have. Know that I hold these people in high regard. But also think about those who respond to your comments by saying, "If you wanted to stop working earlier, you should have stopped earlier, started your own business, taken more risks."

Why didn’t you take risks?

After a lifetime of learning and raising several children, and all the tensions that came with it, you can finally enjoy your retirement. You did your best for all those people who were wiser, lazier, and more enterprising than you. As a civil servant or otherwise, the entrepreneurs you worked for throughout your life may have enjoyed and seen more of their surroundings, but you can be proud because you did everything to contribute to the world’s continuous learning and development. Proudly you sit in your senior chair by the geraniums, looking outside. Your children love you for their financial independence. You can barely see, hear, or walk. Your "old" employers were happy with you, and you discovered last month that the nature around your house is beautiful and something you have never seen before. Who is right, the worker or the enjoyer, you keep wondering.

Navigating High Intelligence and Sensitivity: Challenges with the UWV in the Netherlands

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Discover the challenges faced by highly intelligent and sensitive individuals in the Netherlands, specifically in dealing with the UWV. Explore the disconnect between promised support and actual experiences, and learn about the systemic issues that hinder effective assistance and inclusivity for gifted adults.

Are We Welcome on This Earth?

Feeling welcome and valued is fundamental, especially when you're discovering and understanding your unique traits. It can be challenging to find institutions or individuals who truly understand and support giftedness. Your experience highlights the gap between the initial promise of support and the reality of the services provided.

Do They Give Wish Instructions?

Your initial experience with the UWV, where you were urged to use their services, seemed promising. However, the encounter with a coach who lacked experience with giftedness and dismissed your concerns indicates a significant shortfall in the quality of personalized support. This kind of disconnect can be disheartening and counterproductive.

Does UWV Listen to Their Customers?

The issue with the evaluation form and the coach's request for you to alter your honest feedback for their benefit raises ethical concerns. It suggests that some individuals within the organization may prioritize personal gain over genuine client progress. This undermines trust and the integrity of the support process.

Are Only Money Changers Helping in Our World?

Your curiosity about the broader services of the UWV and the realization that they focus primarily on those with lower educational backgrounds points to a systemic issue. It's concerning that your specific needs as a gifted individual were not adequately addressed, reflecting a lack of inclusivity in their strategy.

Do They Want You to Think with Them to Solve the Problems?

Despite preparing a thoughtful presentation and offering your insights and volunteer services, the lukewarm response you received from the UWV suggests a reluctance or inability to incorporate feedback from gifted individuals. This could be due to various factors, including bureaucratic inertia, a lack of understanding, or an underestimation of the potential contributions from gifted individuals.

Did They Want Any Help?

The suggestion to join random panels, without a clear direction or intention to leverage your expertise, implies that they may not fully appreciate the value you could bring. This response could indicate a lack of proper channels or an unwillingness to engage deeply with the issues you raised.

Your experience underscores a significant challenge: many institutions are not equipped to effectively support and utilize the talents of highly intelligent and sensitive individuals. It's essential to continue advocating for better recognition and support for gifted adults, ensuring that their unique abilities are valued and utilized effectively. Your insights and experiences could be invaluable in pushing for these changes.

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