KABI·RA
A NAME THAT EVOLVES

KABIRA; originally given to Karlijn in 2014, the name Kabira was inspired by the Arabic root KBIR, meaning “the vast one” .
The name Kabira marked a turning point and a commitment to surrender to life’s unfolding. It anchored awakening beyond limitations, and a full expansion of self.
In 2025 the name evolved into KABI·RA, creating even more space to our offerings, referring to both mystic traditions as well as embodied experience.

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KABI·RA

The word KABI covers several meanings:

  • Poet, seer, or sage - one who gives voice to deeper universal truths · Sanskrit / Hindi (कवि – Kavi)

  • Stability or steadfastness - standing firm in one’s truth · Akan (Ghana)

  • Song of the day · Japanese (歌日 – Kabi)

The word RA, besides being the Egyptian sun god that embodies light, creation and divine life force, also refers to movement, giving and illlumination in Sanskrit. In Tantric traditions RA is the bija mantra (seed sound) representing fiery, transformative energy, fueling growth and awakening.

Together, KABI·RA speaks to you as a seer of light, a poet of truth and one who channels clarity and presence into the world.

It reflects our mission to support you in aligning to your essence - clear, embodied, and deeply alive.

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KARLIJN KOUWENHOVEN

Hey, my name is Karlijn Kouwenhoven,

I am the founder of KABI·RA. Together with a wonderful team, we facilitate self-development retreats, events and private coaching for individuals and couples.

My work bridges modern Psychology, ancient wisdom, and real-life practice and I like to think of my approach as integrative, grounded, and transformational. I create experiences that combine trauma-informed tools, movement, breathwork, movement, energy awareness and radical honesty to bring body, mind, and soul into alignment.

Human behaviour has always been of interest to me. I studied MSc Social & Organisational Psychology in Leiden, Amsterdam and South Africa. Continued an ambitious career in global consulting, working across organizational structures, companies and countries, until my soul yearned for more depth. I chose the unknown and got trained in Tantra, Yoga, various meditation techniques and somatic bodywork modalities. I have led transformational retreats across Europe, Asia, and Australia, taught at international festivals, and currently offer regular classes in Amsterdam and Haarlem.

Now, with almost 15 years of experience in personal transformation, Tantra, intimacy, mystical practices and embodied leadership, I bring a unique blend of mental insight, consciousness, and embodiment.

People often describe me as intuitive, joyful, clear, and catalytic. I love combining softness and precision to create spaces that are both safe and deeply transformative.

Outside of my work, you can find me at the beach or in nature, dancing contact improvisation, practicing CrossFit, ice skating, at the sauna, or learning about cultures and human expression.

I am looking forward to meeting you!

BACKGROUND

    • Somatic Movement Educator Training (250h) –  SomaticBody – Netherlands (est. completion 2026)

    • Transformational Breathwork Facilitator Trainer – BreathCompany – Netherlands (2024)

    • Darkness Immersion – Bremen (2024)

    • Circling Surrendered Leadership – Netherlands (2021)

    • Access Bars Practitioner Training – Access Consciousness – Netherlands (2020)

    • Radical Honesty – Radical Honesty Europe – Netherlands (2019-2021)

    • ISTA International School Temple Arts (Level 1, Level 2, Assistant L1) – Thailand (2016)

    • Awaken as Love Level 1 – New Delhi, India (2016)

    • Love, Sex & Awakening Retreat – Margot Anand – Ibiza (2016)

    • Tantra Yoga teacher training - Heart of Shiva – Australia (2016)

    • Hatha Yoga teacher training – Yogpeeth – India (2014)

    • Tantra Massage training – Ronja Sebastian – Netherlands (2014)

    • Workshop Facilitation – Deloitte – Amsterdam, Netherlands (2014)

    • Dialogical Leadership – Deloitte – Amsterdam, Netherlands (2013)

    • Deep Democracy Level 1 – Jitske Kramer – Netherlands (2013)

    • AIESEC board member & exchange program – Leiden & Amman, Jordan (2010-2011)

    • MSc Social & Organisational Psychology – Leiden University – Netherlands (2009)

    • Social & Political Sciences minor – Stellenbosch University – South Africa (2008)

    • BSc Psychology – Leiden University – Netherlands (2008)

    • Awaken as Love Tantra Festival – Netherlands (2017 - 2025)

    • Tantric Joy Festival – Netherlands (2018 - 2025)

    • Tantra Festival Amsterdam – Netherlands (2017 - 2022)

    • Couples & Women workshops – Yogaschool Noord Amsterdam (2020–2022)

    • Tantra Festival Rotterdam – Netherlands (2018 - 2022)

    • Intimacy Festival Festival – Odessa Amsterdam (2022)

    • Tantra Festival Tulum - Mexico (2022)

    • Touch & Play Festival – Intensive Teacher – Germany (2018)

    • Tantric Dance Teacher – Ecstatic Dance – Berlin (2017–2019)

    • Tantric Awakening Classes – Bewustzijnschool Amsterdam (2018)

    • Tantra City Retreat – Lead Facilitator – Odessa Amsterdam (2017, 2018)

    • Tantra Festival Portugal (2017)

    • Tantra Festival India (2016)

    • Eigentijdse Jongeren Festival – Netherlands (2015–2017)

    • Young President Organisation (YPO) - Leadership Retreat - Prague (2016)

    • Ernst & Young - New Hire Programme facilitator – Amsterdam (2019)

    • Municipality of Amsterdam - Workshop Facilitator –Amsterdam (2018)

    • Deloitte Human Capital - Leadership Development & Change Management (2012-2016)

    • Ahold Europe – Coordinator Internship – Netherlands (2012)

GUEST PODCASTS

Listen to all KABI-RA podcasts

MEDIA

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Kabira in &C Magazine

Let’s connect.

And book your free Discovery Call with Karlijn.