Dutchbuzz blog of September 2nd 2025, a 3 minute 1 second listen to. OR…read the text below:

Which booklet tells a story that only takes a few hours to read in one go, has been translated into more than 40 languages, and inspired millions of people to break away from conformity in search of a deeper purpose?

Richard Bach’s timeless parable Jonathan Livingston Seagull tells the story of a seagull who refuses to live just for survival. Instead, he dares to explore what is possible in full flight.

When it first appeared in the early 1970s, the book became an international phenomenon. Today, its message feels even more urgent: we are more than the routines that keep us alive — each of us carries a soul longing to live in freedom, authenticity, and meaning.

Over 30 years ago Jonathan Livingston Seagull was one of my first wake-up calls. I recognised myself in the young seagull who wanted to break away from the material things that seem to carry such importance in our present-day culture. Most of all, I could feel the yearning of Jonathan’s soul to explore the world beyond what we are told and instructed to do.

Learn nothing and the next world is the same as this one

I guess this gives me away as a bit of a rebel back in those days  and perhaps I still am. Rebels, however, aren’t necessarily bad news. They can bring about positive change and inspire people to explore and follow their own path.

After re-reading the book a little while ago — as it “accidentally” crossed my path again — I decided to revive my explorations into what inspired Jonathan. I would like to invite you to join me in this quest.

On the Friday evenings of September 19th and October 10th, I’ll be hosting a two-part soul writing journey at the Natural Health Centre in Scheveningen, centered around the famous seagull. With the book translated into so many languages, it will be an international gathering where everyone can either bring the book in their own language or simply themselves, and the Jonathan that lives within them to share insights on this visionary novel from their own cultural perspective.

Together, we will read passages from Jonathan Livingston Seagull, explore its themes of freedom, purpose, and flight, and engage in guided soul writing exercises. The common language will be English, yet the diversity of voices will enrich our exploration with each participant bringing a unique “wingbeat” to the shared flight.

To book your ticket for the evenings of September 19th and October 10th at the Natural Health Centre click here

I look forward to seeing you at this special seagull gathering.

Already in full flight,

Ingrid Schippers