I believe the time of trying to fix the old has gone.
We are now being called to embrace a co-creative way of living,
rooted in the timeless laws of nature, as a matter of urgency.
I have a vision. The first time I saw it was in my early twenties. I am now well into my fifties. It has informed and inspired me quietly in the background all these years, shaping my life. Now it wants to be shared.
My name is Ingrid Groot-Zwaaftink and I am the founder of ‘She of the Stones’. It is my passion to help people open their hearts and minds to the unseen, more subtle aspects of life and to so remember our inherent beauty as human beings and our intended place in the web of life as guardians and co-creators.
How it all started…
It was the late 1980’s, a time when I was nearing the end of my biology studies and was asking myself whether I actually wanted to work as a scientist. I was sitting on a bench at the entrance to a small derelict estate, taking in the light and warmth of the late spring rays.
As I sat there, I was gently transported to a most beautiful place, which I recognised as somewhere I had been before, almost like a memory. It was filled with trees, undergrown with a myriad of flowers in the most amazing colours; the air was delicately scented and I saw people of light walking around, tending to the plants and the Earth. The whole impression was one of peace, cooperation and exquisite harmony.
As I came back to the bench and the spring rays warming my face, I felt wonderfully refreshed and I knew then what I wanted to do: To bring the beautiful quality of this vision into my work: To offer sanctuary, in a down to earth, practical way. I wanted to be part of creating that paradise here on Earth.
I believe that for real change to happen,
we need to acknowledge and embrace the more subtle layers of life,
what I like to call the Spirit of Nature,
and make it integral to our lives, to our decisions
and most importantly, our actions.
What happened next…
Setting out to create sanctuary, I learned to teach, to facilitate healing and to work with Spirit in a direct way. It has been the driving force and inspiration behind more than 20 years of working with people with the nature inspired disciplines of Tai Chi, Zen-shiatsu and Crystal-and-Sound healing, both in private practice and for local organisations.
Looking back, I realise that this vision early on in my adult life lead me along the path of becoming sanctuary, so I could offer sanctuary for my clients and students and inspire them to become it too, in their own way. I was, and still am, planting seeds for the beautiful world I saw in my vision.
In 2020 the vision returned with a difference: Still the same beautiful place, but now people of Light from every corner of the Earth and beyond were gathering, joining the ones that were already there. It made me wonder:
How can we, as human beings, come together and change our way of living with ourselves and with all of life around us without resorting to yet another ‘war against…’?
This is my invitation to you….
I believe that for real change to happen, we need to acknowledge and embrace the more subtle layers of life, what I like to call the Spirit of Nature, and make it integral to our lives, to our decisions and most importantly, our actions.
It is in nature where the worlds live hand in hand; where trees are teachers, stones and crystals allies, sound sacred. I believe that this most recent vision shows that now is the time to come together and to work our awakened Light in harmony with all life, seen and unseen.
It is my sincere hope that the offerings of She of the Stones will uplift and inspire you and help you discover, explore and deepen your own connection with the Spirit of Nature and put it to work as only you can. Please have a look around and see if there is anything that may be of help to you. If you have any questions, get in touch with me via the contact page or on Facebook.
To stay informed about future offerings, including courses and community events, I invite you to sign up to She of the Stones’ monthly newsletter.
In case you are still here and want to know more:
A few more things that float my boat
- Nice cup of tea and a biscuit
- Roaming the countryside with my dog
- Gardening, with wildlife in mind
- Photography
- Stories well told, either in person, in novels or films
- Quality time with friends and family
Other things I have done:
Student psychiatric nurse; spiritual development group leader; teaching practical environmental skills; designing and creating gardens for friends; volunteer motorcycle instructor.
Qualifications
- BSc Biology, specialising in Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Studies (Universiteit Nijmegen)
- Shiatsu diploma (School of Shiatsu Liverpool)
- PGCPE (Post Graduate Certificate in Post 16 Education (John Moores University Liverpool)
- Crystal and Sound Healing Diploma (Atlantis College)
- Life Tracking Certificate (School of Creative Kinesiology)
- Creative Kinesiology Practitioner Diploma (Way of the Tracker)
- Sound Healing Certificate (Healing Sounds)
Professional Memberships
I am a member of and adhere to the codes of conduct from the following professional bodies.
- Sound Healing Association
- Teacher member of Atlantis College
