Hanneke Meesters

Introduction

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As a co-lead facilitator with a background in emotional exploration and cultural wisdom, Hanneke brings both personal and professional expertise to her role. Her curiosity about life and existential questions has driven her to study various cultures, philosophies, and spiritual practices. Trained in Applied Integral Psychology and currently pursuing her master's in Spiritual Care, Hanneke helps participants articulate and process emotions, particularly in relation to sitting with discomfort, stress and recovery. With experience in supporting over 500 participants across 40 retreats, her approach ensures participants feel guided as they navigate personal transformations. ​

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Please learn more about my experience and training and explore testimonials of my work below. 

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My Journey

 

Where does the beginning of every journey truly lie? Perhaps it started with my dreams and nightly encounters with shadows, with my dad encouraging me to ask them what they had to tell me. In my twenties, I followed one of my dreams: studying the Mayan culture and herbal medicine in the jungles of Guatemala. It was there that I experienced my first official ceremony with psychedelics.

 

For me, this journey was about meaning-making and finding my purpose. It brought a sense of peace amidst all that had happened in my life. The ups and downs finally made sense. While I’m writing this down I become aware that it might seem that clarity came instantly. However, one of the biggest realizations—the discovery that I could love myself unconditionally—only came seven years after that ceremony. And perhaps it is still unfolding…

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My Work

 

After my first ceremony, I realized my previous studies and work were driving by a longing to understand existential questions like ‘What is it to be human?’, ‘What is life/death?’ and ‘What is the purpose of my own life?’ I pursued Applied Integral Psychology, Somatic and Nature practices and became a certified Psychedelic Practitioner and trauma-informed facilitator. 
 

Enthusiastic but burdened by my tendency to shoulder responsibility without asking for help, I faced stress and burn-out in 2017. To recover, I sought therapy, sat with this discomfort and attended ceremonies, and learned to balance responsibility with self-care. 

This experience led me to learn more about this subject and focussing more on the embodiment. I have worked with professionals facing similar burn-out symptoms through coaching, retreats, and by developing ethics and policies focused on self-care, reflecting diverse societal propositions. Currently, I work with individuals with psychological vulnerabilities and/or immigrants, while studying Spiritual Care and writing my thesis about embodiment and the influence on meaning-making. 
 

During this retreat, I will be there as your peer, understanding the balance of responsibilities, empathy and the need for self-are in the healthcare sector. One of my favourite moments in the retreat space is the moment we can just be and accept yourself, perhaps even giggle about it; we are both beautiful and fucked up in the most glorious way ;)

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Please have a listen to the the song "Shedding Skins" by Fia from the album "Made of Stars".

 

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My Colleagues

 

Odin has been my companion for many years, as we started working at the Synthesis Institute at the same time. Odin is a sensitive, compassionate, and calm individual who remains deeply present with whatever arises in the moment. Over the years, within the retreat space, we've developed our own unique body language and can understand each other with just a glance or a movement. 

 

When I first met Graham, we discovered our shared experiences in the dream world and couldn't stop discussing our mutual interests in existential themes, somatic experiences, and the impact of psychedelics on our journeys. His great laughter, deep humility, and mutual respect made our connection even stronger.

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