My deepest intention
My deepest wish is for us humans to truly feel again, to become more conscious and connected with our humanness, to learn to connect with ourselves, our bodies, nature and each other again. Because if we do so, it will become impossible to continue all the fighting, destruction of nature or loneliness. That may sound idealistic, but I know it is possible, step by step. We have to start here, in ourselves first, learn to be kinder with ourselves whilst also going for what we truly long for. This is why I do the work that I do.
Today everyone is my teacher, nature is my biggest guide, and I am learning to live and love more. To enjoy life and be with all that entails.
My life as a guide & teacher
Today, I am a holistic guide and mentor. I share from experience. However, I cannot and do not want to tell you what to do. I will offer insights, but my deepest wish and aim is to support you in accessing your own wisdom, to learn to navigate the depths and dark, and to access and trust your own power and gifts. True embodiment.
Oh, and then there’s the love for cooking:
From when I was little, my grandmother, mother and aunt inspired and taught me their ways of cooking. Food can play a wonderful role in our wellbeing, connection and thriving.
Living in different countries, especially in London, with people from all cultures and backgrounds, I started to enjoy and experiment with cooking more. The teachings of Ayurveda introduced me to the healing power of nature and her foods and when in 2019 I got asked to cook for a retreat for the first time, I started to cook professionally.
My own experience from the processes we go through in retreats, sensing the groups I work with and how food can nourish and support their inner journeys is what I bring to each retreat.
When I cook, this is what happens…
Sometimes, ancient mantras come through me, get whispered, spoken or sung to the food. Sometimes an intention arises. And so I dance and love flows through my hands as I touch, clean and chop vegetables.
The meals become a composition. I can taste if the food needs to be ‘lifted’ or more ‘round’, if another note is needed and which ingredient, herb or spice can bring that. I love playing with food and touch people’s hearts and bellies through it.
Hello Love,
welcome to my personal story of becoming an embodied wisdom guide, retreat cook and yoga teacher. Grab a cup of tea and join me:
I’m Annika and I live on the magical island Møn in Denmark. Here, I love to live my own natural rhythm aligned to nature’s cycles.
Chronically ill, nearly burnt out, growing wildly
That hasn’t always been the case. Before coming to Denmark, I have lived in Germany, Ireland, England and even a few months in Mexico.
8 years ago, I worked a successful marketing career in London, yet found myself nearly burnt out, in an unhappy long-term relationship, with chronic IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), constantly sick and anxious .
Then, in a new year yoga workshop, I begged ,I didn’t know back then that it really was a prayer, for life to let me grow.
And boy, did I grow. The relationship fell apart, I quit my job, accompanied my beloved grandma on her deathbed, and left for Mexico for a yoga workshop but ended up meditating in a silent retreat for 10 days.
An unexpected meeting and a new path
Back in London, I changed a lot of things, yet still there was this longing for something else. One day, I happened to randomly bump into a friend who was in London for just one (!) day. She recommended me to learn about Ayurveda, since food and nutrition had always been one of my favourite interests.
So, I started studying Ayurveda nutrition and lifestyle at Ayurveda Pura and later also became an Ayurvedic massage therapist. Plus, I returned to the yoga school in Mexico to become a yoga and meditation teacher in 3,5 intensive months of full-time practice, study and silent retreats.
Diving into the shadows
The past years brought me to India where 6 weeks in Dharamsala brought many initiations. Moving to Møn in Denmark straight after taught me to meet, navigate and love the darkness and dive into the shadow emotions and trauma.
Not easy at all and no, I can’t say I’m done and healed. However, today I experience joy, pleasure, passion and creativity so much more deeply.
These past years, I have become an in-depth explorer of what it means to be human and to truly live love, compassion and spirituality. And this is what I bring to the table with my clients.
Let’s connect
Are you interested in me cooking for your next retreat, event or celebration?
> Then write me below to book a free 30min Zoom call
Or are you interested in working with me 1:1 or in joining one of my courses?
> Then write me below, too! I look forward to hearing from you!