Meet the people behind Weaving Wisdom

Weaving Wisdom is carried by people who share a deep commitment to belonging, ancestral wisdom, systemic awareness and meaningful contribution.

Today Ria, Petra and Evelyne serve as stewards of this growing community.

We do not see ourselves as owners of this community, but as stewards of a living field of learning, connection and wisdom. Together we nurture spaces where people, cultures and generations can meet, learn from one another and discover new ways of being in relationship with life.

The Weaving Wisdom Community grew from the vision and work of Ria Verlinden and continues to flourish through the dedication of many participants, partners and friends across the world. Today, Ria, Petra and Evelyne steward this growing community with gratitude, curiosity and respect for the wisdom that emerges when we walk together.

Ria Verlinden

“You cannot paint white on white or black on black. Everyone needs the Other to be seen.” – Manu Dibango

The professional years to come I wish to dedicate to Sawubona — “I see you.”

To truly see one another and to learn to see through a systemic perspective, informed by ancient wisdom, rituals and lived experience. The knowledge is abundantly available; the courage to act from the right place is what continues to grow and develop.

I offer my experience in service of what life is asking from us today. These are big words that require small courageous steps — nationally and internationally — making more room for “We” and less attachment to “I”.

Petra van den Dragt

“Life is not waiting for the storm to pass; it is about learning how to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene

Creating spaces where people can reconnect with the deeper resources within themselves and with one another is at the heart of my work.

My deepest wish is to build bridges between traditional wisdom and the challenges of contemporary life. I believe that reconnecting with our roots and honouring those who came before us helps us grow healthier, more soulful relationships with ourselves, our communities and the world around us.

Supporting this journey brings meaning, joy and inspiration to both my personal and professional life.

Evelyne Debeuckelaer

“The authority that is worth following lives within your own soul.” – Inspired by Bert Hellinger

I am passionate about creating the conditions for life energy to flow more freely through individuals, teams and organisations.

My work is dedicated to supporting leadership development, particularly among women, and helping people reconnect with their authentic source of strength and wisdom. Having lived and worked in different countries, I carry a deep respect and curiosity for cultures, traditions and the many ways people make meaning of life.

Siyavuma — this is where I come alive.

Agreeing with who you are, embracing where you come from and standing firmly for what you wish to bring into the world.

Our mission The ‘I’ is a starting point and not an end destination. From I to we is a journey towards meaningfullness. In this community, we walk from the personal to the intergenerational and collective perspective. And on this journey we take new steps that challenge ourselves and others to tread new paths. We organise and inspire. Our commitment is to explore. We take people along in their journey towards their new meaningfulness. And in this we are a place for others. About us The Weaving Wisdom community finds its roots in the Weaving Wisdom Course, that has been an important life changing course for many participants throughout the years. The course was founded by Ria Verlinden. Together with alumni Petra and Evelyne, we now nurture the Weaving Wisdom Community across the globe. We do so by partnering up with valuable resources, people and cultures. We connect, expand and share the wisdom and experiences we gather along the way. Ria Verlinden “You cannot paint white on white or black on black. Everyone needs the Other to be seen.” – Manu Dibango The professional years to come I want to dedicate to ‘Sawubona’, which means: I see you! To see each other en practice to see from a systemic perspective, ancient wisdom and rituals. The knowledge is there abundantly – the courage to act from the right place is developing. To offer my experience in service of what life is asking. Those are big words that ask for small courageous steps, nationally and internationally, to make room for ‘US’ and not only ‘I’. Petra van den Dragt “Life is not waiting for the storm to pass; it is about learning how to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene Creating space and a place for myself and others to explore more profound resources to live our full potential. My deep wish is to connect traditional wisdom with the challenges of modern society. In order to grow into more healthy and soulful connections. Nourishing our roots and respect for those who came before us brings great joy in my personal and professional life. Evelyne Debeuckelaer “The authority that’s good to follow, is in your own soul.” – Bert Hellinger Driven to allowing life energy to flow more freely in organisations, teams and their leaders. And committed in facilitating women in their leadership development. At home in various countries with a deep respect and curiosity for all cultures. Siyavuma – this is the place where I come alive! Agreeing with who you are, with all of it, deeply respecting where you come from and standing for what you want to bring into the world.