Author and Transformational Life Coach

Saskia walks her talk. She teaches what she naturally knows: how to let the soul lead the way. In her Amazon-bestselling book A Suitcase Full of Faith: How One Woman Found Her Dream Trusting the Compass of Her Soul, she shows how it’s done, using the stories of her own rich life as teaching tools and thus making the learning fun.

Through Illuminated Transformation – her Transformational Life Coach practice – Saskia helps people get to the nitty-gritty of what’s in the way and discover which way to go by using the powerful tools of faith and courage. She’s a master. And she firmly believes you’re a master, too.

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In what way are you most successfully sensitive?

I’ve danced my way through life as a feeler, sensing my way into every decision. I ask myself, “How do I feel about this or that?” My logical mind has not been in the way. I’ve dreamed big and thought everything was possible as long I followed the compass of my soul. That deep place of inner knowing has guided me safely and, indeed, has led me to the fulfillment of many dreams. I traveled through Africa, Asia, Egypt, Japan, Israel, China, and Europe in my quest to understand what life was about. My life’s path is a reflection of me following the bigger journey of my soul. Now I take great pleasure from helping others tune in to and trust their own deep feelings and find their own life’s path.

What or who has inspired you to embrace your sensitivity?

As a young girl growing up in a family of seven in Holland I was blessed with parents who stimulated and praised my uniqueness. They placed very few limits. I had a lot of freedom to express myself in the way I wanted. Growing up, I thought everyone was like me. I didn’t know I was unusually sensitive until I was older. The more I’ve acknowledged myself for who I am, the more I’ve learned to care for my own sensitivity.

I learn a lot about what I need to do to support my sensitivity by noticing contrasts. For example, when my family and I first moved to America seven years ago, our summer was filled with guests from Holland. The house was full for three long months. Guess what? When everyone finally left, the house drifted back into serenity and I could hear the sounds of the ocean again. I realized I had ignored my yearning to be with Me, and therefore lost myself. I realized that I need to be alone for some part of every day in order to feel connected with the divine in me.

I need to be aware of when I become overly dramatic and remind myself not be caught up in a story, but to focus on the true Me instead. To be so deeply in touch with my feelings is a challenge and a blessing at the same time.

What are your eternal fascinations?

The journey of the soul. How can I embrace and express my divinity full-force in this life? I’m fascinated by the idea that my purpose is not about me, but about the divine within me. The last phrase of my book A Suitcase Full of Faith, is “living on the bare feet of my soul, fearless and free,” which is about saying, “Yes. Here I am,” and expressing my unique purpose, no matter what.

What else? How our inner world always reflects the outer world. How faith bridges the gap between our aspirations and the manifestation of our dreams. That fear is a figment of the mind and faith is a virtue of the soul. How my five children have such a zest for life, how they live with an endless amount of faith and trust in the goodness of life. How gratitude brings us into the highest vibration.

What quest currently captivates you?

To follow the deep Yes within me. To see what happens when I let go and let God. When my faith is strengthened there is no need to have control. Things flow as they will and I flow with them.

What is your favourite kind of help to give?

Through my writing and coaching, I help people connect with their joy, passion, and purpose. I teach the art of shedding baggage: How to let go of the past and step into your own spotlight. I love to ignite courage to help people make extraordinary choices, which are key to letting go and moving out of the comfort zone, for only then can we grow. When I give someone that final push to fly into their own greatness and they dare to take a leap of faith, my heart is fulfilled.

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Photo from Saskia.

Related reading: Successfully Sensitive | Dr. Judith Orloff, Interview | Carrie McCarthy