Barbara Schriek (de Boer)
That question has shaped my entire life.
It led me into forests before I could explain why I felt so at home there. It led me to study energy work, yoga, herbal medicine, shamanic traditions, plant medicines and ceremonial practices from different cultures around the world. It led me to facilitate thousands of transformational experiences and educate practitioners across Europe.
But somewhere along the way, I realised something.
Beyond Methods
Over the years I've studied countless traditions. I've learned from teachers, indigenous wisdom, modern science and lived experience. Each path offered something valuable. But none of them felt complete on their own.
Because ceremony has never belonged to one tradition. It's a way of being. A way of listening. A way of leading.
That realisation became the seed of everything I teach today.
Why I Created The Ceremonialist
The Ceremonialist wasn't created to introduce another method. Or another certification. Or another trend.
It was created because I believe the world needs people who know how to hold meaningful transformation. People who lead with presence instead of performance. Who understand that the medicine is never the whole story. The person holding the space matters just as much. Perhaps even more.
That's why The Ceremonialist exists. To educate a new generation of ceremonial leaders. Not simply skilled facilitators. But people who carry this work with integrity, wisdom and deep respect for the traditions that came before us.
What I Believe
I believe ceremony is not something we perform. It's something we embody.
I believe leadership begins long before anyone enters the room.
I believe nature is still our greatest teacher.
I believe transformation doesn't happen because of complicated rituals. It happens because someone feels deeply seen, deeply safe and deeply connected.
And I believe this way of leading is more needed than ever.
Today
Today I spend my time writing, teaching and mentoring facilitators from around the world.
Through The Ceremonialist Foundation, Business by Nature and The Ceremonialist Leader, I help practitioners grow from learning individual modalities to building meaningful businesses, bodies of work and lasting movements.
A Personal Note
When I'm not teaching, you'll usually find me outside. Growing food. Working with cacao. Walking through the mountains. Studying plants.
Or dreaming about the community we're building in Central America, where education, ceremony and nature come together in one place.
Because long before The Ceremonialist became a company, it was simply the way I wanted to live.