Danielle van de Velde tells us about her life and what she has created in the fields of energy healing, psychic mediumship, development and meditation in Singapore.
Where are you originally from? What do you miss?
I’m from Sydney’s northern beaches, but have spent most of my adult life outside of Australia. I have a small cottage in the Blue Mountains, west of the city and deep in the wilderness. What I miss most is Sydney’s untouched nature. The beaches, the wild national parks that surround the city, the wildlife and seasons, and especially the fresh food markets, which are incredibly diverse, with seasonal harvests and very short ground-to-plate times. times.
What made you come to Singapore?
We originally moved here 10 years ago for my husband’s job, but like many expats, we only planned to stay for a few years. But we all had success in Singapore, so we decided to stay here.
Please tell us a little about your business and projects.
We help people live a vibrant life. Services for this come in many forms, from personal energy healing and coaching in Singapore, to psychic mediumship, energy healing instruction, psychic development, and meditation. Additionally, there will be corporate workshops, keynotes, retreats, and more.
Last year, I launched my first membership called Spirited Living with Dani. This is a growing community of like-minded people who explore different practices and content together towards transformation.
I also create a lot of content that inspires people to perceive themselves, their lives, and their potential in positive and expansive ways. I have a podcast called ‘The Modern Crone’ (ranked number one in this genre in Singapore and abroad) and a book called ‘The Modern Crone’. Spirited – A guide to your innate spiritual design to transform your life, the InsightTimer app and Spotify have a large portfolio of guided meditation tracks and instrumentals. My community is primarily adults, both men and women, locals and expats, who are on a journey of self-discovery. And they are growing worldwide.
Are there any particular surprises or challenges you have found living and working in Singapore?
I have lived in many large cities around the world and have found Singapore to be one of the easiest cities to live and work in. I decided not to have a car when I came here, but public transportation and taxi services are convenient. It’s better than any country I’ve ever lived in, and it’s also relatively cheap compared to Australia. The safety aspect for teenagers is great! They have learned to be independent and not have to worry about me staying out late. Money!
The work permit situation has proven to be a bit difficult when it comes to dependent passes, but I have always had permits approved in a very quick manner. There is some uncertainty because the workload is full, the waiting list of clients is full, and I have to reapply if my husband’s EP changes. With the advent of OnePass, this concern has been greatly alleviated.
In terms of surprises, this island continues to amaze me even after 10 years. I’m always discovering new little corners, deeper history, and great places to eat, shop, and explore. And the green areas are also great.
Please tell me about your neighborhood in Singapore.
We still live in the same apartment we rented when we first arrived 10 years ago. It’s a big old condo in the embassy district. The floor to ceiling ratio is very large and it’s a duplex with lots of living areas, so it’s great if you need space from each other. Our house has a large covered balcony with a beautiful view of the botanical garden, and since the front and back of the apartment can be opened, there is always a breeze coming through, so we rarely use air conditioning. It’s a low-density condominium with a very modest and caring community of neighbors.
Sometimes we talk about trying a landed home or another area, but we never do it because it works so well for us. This place is in the heart of nature, work and school, and because it’s inside an embassy, the neighborhood is not built up and is full of big old trees, hornbills, and eagles.
What do you like to do in Singapore when you’re not working?
Most days, before work, I bike down the river to the port, meditate while watching the sunrise, and on the way home I grab an early coffee and write in my journal at a cafe. I listen to lectures and audiobooks along the way. It’s bliss.
On other days, I do strength training early in the botanical garden or gym, depending on the weather. This is another blissful time, but usually after the session, not during the session.
I love going to the 1880 Club for lectures, stopping by to meet friends from the East Coast for pizza, and browsing vintage shops. Tiong Bahru is another favorite place. If not, you’ll find me on a jungle trail. Green Corridor and MacRitchie are my favorites.
What are you most looking forward to this year? Do you have any new goals?
The children have graduated from Australian International School and are going on to university. I’m already feeling that old “empty nest” feeling, but both are “ready to launch” and are doing very well academically. My son plans to go to university in the UK, but I don’t know yet where my daughter will choose.
My husband is retiring from his corporate life in late 2024, so I’m really looking forward to a different pace of life with him. Personally, in June Arthur and I are planning an exciting trip to Findlay College of Psychiatry. This has become an annual trip. I look forward to growing the Spirited Living community this year and surprising them with great new content. I’m also currently beta testing a second membership, Spirited Business, for business founders focused on the well-being of others. If all goes well, we plan to put it on the market in September.
I’m writing my first novel. Young adult fiction with environmental and shamanic themes. My goal is to have the manuscript ready for pitching by October. The next season of The Modern Crone podcast is popular and another season (6) will be released this year. I’m thinking about the theme and going into the recording studio every week to create new and amazing guided meditation tracks for meditators around the world. It was a very creative period in my life and I am very grateful for it.
Quick questions about living in Singapore and other parts of the world: What is your favorite thing…
A casual restaurant? Picotan – Katong
bar? 1880 Terrace
local cuisine? Lotus, Royal Square – my new discovery and the best vegan food on the island!
Natural space? Always popular botanical garden
nearby vacation destinations? Java, Indonesia
Daniel Vande Velde Energetic Living with Dani.com
This article about meditation in Singapore with Daniel van de Velde was first published in the May 2024 issue of Expat Living. You can purchase Latest issue or subscriptionnever miss a copy.
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