Why Substack?

Welcome to SHOU, where the timeless wisdom of Tao meets the art of touch.

I created this Substack to share my journey and insights beyond the confines and clutter of Instagram. This space allows me to develop as a writer, keep a journal of my path, and build an archive where Tao, touch, nature, and art connect.

Here, I can exchange my experiences with massage, bodywork, and the ever-winding path of Tao. I hope to inspire you how to integrate these practices into your daily life

Here I create, explore, wander, and share my musings, and resources. I write about our human condition, touch & the senses, and the interplay between our natural ecology that surrounds us and the nature that resides in us.

Here I connect with y’all, building a community of individuals who value holistic health, personal growth through resilience, and contemplative moments in life and art.

Hello to my readers

As a child, I was already a budding all-natural Taoist, captivated by the wonders of nature and the sublime: from watching drifting clouds to bustling ants, mesmerized over the growth of plants. When sending postcards, I consistently wrote on the envelope: city, country, continent, earth, Milky Way, cosmos, universe... I sensed that I was part of a myriad web that was much bigger and more complex than I could ever imagine! For me holding onto that poetry, cherishing childlike wonder for our surroundings, and connecting with the infinite intelligence of nature form the essence of my bodywork practice. We are the microcosm in the macrocosm.

With a background in Social Work and years in the art world, I sought a path that combined these experiences, allowing me to work more intimately with people and with my hands. I wanted to leverage my understanding of human interaction and empathy from social work and bring it to diverse groups that welcome the therapeutic potential of touch. Born to a Chinese father and a Dutch mother, I've always been fascinated by the interplay of different cultures. Growing up navigating these sometimes opposing perspectives shaped and enriched my outlook on the world and informs my practice today.

Just like science fiction, author Ursula K. Le Guin has often expressed how Taoism deeply influences her writing. I find resonance in how I want to experience the world. It provides me with a framework for exploring the complexities of human nature, society, art, and the body. In my practice, I strive to create a space where my clients can experience the profound benefits of this integration. Inspired by Taoism's focus on the interplay of Jing, Qi, and Shen, I work to facilitate energetic harmony and promote self-awareness in my clients.

Why Subscribe

My content is designed to enrich your understanding and practice of various aspects of well-being and the art of living from a Taoist perspective. Like you, I’m constantly learning and experiencing.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Insights on Taoism: Articles and essays exploring the principles of Taoism and how they can be applied to modern life.

• Massage and Bodywork practices: inspiration on various bodywork techniques, therapeutic touch, and body awareness.

• Nature and Wellness: Tips on how to connect with nature to enhance your physical and mental health. Inspiration to connect, care, and be part of nature.

• Mind-Body Connection: Musings on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and how to cultivate harmony between them.

  Thank you for being a part of SHOU. Together, we can explore the path where Tao and touch meet, discover the profound benefits of harmonizing with nature, and rekindle the connection with our natural state.

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives. Please note that I’m starting as a newbie on the stack, so watch me and my archive grow 🌱✨

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Why pay

I believe in the importance of paying creators if we believe in their work and gain something insightful. I’m aware this isn’t always possible, which is why I have the monthly connection letter.

• For paid subscribers, your monthly contribution supports me in creating sustainably. 50% of your contribution goes towards SHOU’s Pay it Forward program, where I offer my therapeutic touch to communities and individuals who can truly benefit from massage but who don’t always have the means or ways to bring this into their lives.

If you really cannot afford this subscription, but feel it may benefit you, do get in contact.