Maarten is on beach in Bretagne, France with his wife Hester and dog Nelson, when he receives a call that will usher in a kidney transplant...and heart attack. After regaining his strength, he is able to finish writing this book and offer help for those seeking a way out of their suffering and problems. Relating from his diary and blogs make this book exceptional and, for the reader, an 'in the moment' experience of dramatic disease and healing.
From an early age, Maarten is aware of an unease that separates himself from everything around him. He suffers from both mysterious and physical health complaints which he finds hard to express to his family, friends and doctors. When his kidneys start to shut down, and with illness penetrating, he withdraws from his social life, experiencing a cut-off career, lying in hospital beds, and going through one medical problem after another.
In a life full of tension and movement, he experiences a humbling awakening in Mozambique. Now he is consciously aware of mental anguish, negative emotions, and physical suffering. He realizes that he must rise above debilitating illness and a life of isolation and loneliness. When in the moment, and in the mountains, he finds himself in an empty and unknown space, free of symptoms and struggles. He goes through a rejection of the kidney he receives from his sister, and serious heart problems. Emerging from the depths of his life he discovers an indomitable will to be free from medical care and to live in natural health.
He is tossed between his own cultural and scientific beliefs - and the ancient methods of self-healing Qigong from China. As beautifully described in this book, he holistically unites both. Trusting his own life energy - Qi - to heal naturally, wonderful things start to happen, bigger than he can imagine, revealing great secrets that life has to offer.
We all have a unique chance to consciously merge and unify with a life of joy, openness and integration. Our energy is indomitable. Being alive gives you the greatest difficulty, but above all, the most intense joy.
Maarten van Opstal: At present he is reaching out to many people through coaching, presenting, and instructing self-healing Qigong, knowing he is safe by continuing to open himself and to connect to others from his heart. Maarten lives with his wife Hester in Belgium. They run a Shiatsu and Qigong center, and have a Labrador Retriever dog named Nelson.