The two V’s

I contacted the lovely Monserrat, who runs the first approved IAYT European School of Yoga Therapy in the Netherlands, to enquire about the module of yoga for cancer. I did choose this institute because it provided a certification backed by an international organisation, IAYT. What is more, I ended up finishing the module and decided to embark on the whole diploma certification. It took me 5 years to complete, but I would not change anything. I am forever thankful that I came across that course, where I learnt so much and I got to meet some fantastic people – professionals that really care about health, helping others and an innate flair to serve others. Some of my favourite modules – teachings as part of the certification – were trauma-informed practices, biology, Ayurveda, and anatomy, among others.

Additionally, I started a second degree in psychology to complement my work and my expertise so that I can help others on a larger scale even more.

But healing is not a straight line.

Since 2017, now 8 years had passed since my remission (the medical term for cancer after it was cleared). I learnt that the cancer is never completely gone; it is dormant. It took me years to accept that; with that, I also developed anxiety and some form of depression.

The truth is: cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes your identity, your relationships, and your beliefs. You will never be the same person. I applied the yoga therapy tools almost every day. I learnt to take breaks and slowdown, which helped me immensely. I had to unlearn patterns, create space from toxic dynamics—even some close to me—and reclaim my life on new terms. I embraced change. I accepted that sometimes change is for the better and that everything passes, even happiness, sadness and suffering.

I learnt to live more and not to just survive and that life is a constant journey. I remember the following phrase constantly: there are two V’s, the position of becoming only a victim of the circumstances or the position to thrive from the circumstances, feeling victorious. And always asking, ‘Which one are you?’

Holding onto my previous good eating habits and exercise plus now adding Yoga therapy and psychology didn’t just help me heal. They became my path.

Now I guide others through their own journey, not only on cancer. Whether they’re facing illness, burnout, trauma or emotional overwhelm, they find their own path of healing. Since then, I have imparted yoga therapy on a one-to-one basis, in small group settings and in wellness programmes that integrate the biopsychosocial approach through psychology, yoga therapy, other somatic and movement disciplines and my own experience.

I don’t believe in quick fixes. I believe in coming home to yourself, one breath at a time.

What I’ve Learnt so Far:

• Healing is not about going back to who you were but becoming who you’re meant to be.
• The body holds deep wisdom—if we learn to listen.
• Everything—pain, joy, loss, even fear—passes.
• Hope is a practice, not a feeling.
• You don’t have to walk alone.