Learning Moments

Still a Facilitator, Just Unhurried

About the Joy of Going Slower

Still a Facilitator, Just Unhurried About the Joy of Going Slower

This is a bike.

Yes, the outlines are a bit blurred — but you can still see it for what it is. I came across this street sign on one of my unhurried strolls through Alkmaar. I paused, drawn in by its fuzziness, unsure at first what it was. And then I saw it.

A bike. Still a bike. Just a little less defined. A little more open to interpretation. And wonder.

It reminded me of myself.

At heart, I’m a facilitator, a teacher, my very first profession, a role I’ve embraced for over 30 years. That hasn’t changed. But how I show up in that role has softened. Now, as I begin to consider doing less — whether that means partial retirement or simply a shift in rhythm — I find myself reflecting on my role. Who am I becoming in this new chapter?

Still a facilitator.


But perhaps a quieter one. More grounded. With more pause. Unhurriedness has become not just an ambition, but a practice — a way of being. Less agenda, more curiosity.

This is the essence of Unhurried Conversations. The heart of a Street Wisdom walk. And, perhaps, the path forward for me.



It’s about being present while constantly evolving. As my friend Tenneson Woolf puts it: “Becoming and Belonging – the essence of inner leadership.” We never stop growing, yet we need community to flourish. Roles change and titles shift, but your core remains. What you’ve been shapes who you are now.

So I am still a facilitator. The journey continues.

What about you?

How do you know when it’s time to shift rhythms in your (professional) life?
I’d love to hear—share your thoughts in the comments! ✍🏽

The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

  • Interested in an inspiration walk through Alkmaar? Join the Street Wisdom Walk on June 4 at 14:00. Details and sign up here (for free).
  • Wander the world without leaving Amsterdam — join the World Wide Wonder adventure at Vondelpark, Friday, June 27th. It’s free, just book your spot!
  • Join the next Unhurried Conversation—a space to slow down, listen, and connect. We meet every 2nd Monday of the month. It’s free, and you’re warmly welcome. Sign up here.
  • For more Learning Moments, subscribe to my newsletter and get timely updates straight to your inbox.

Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.

Nadia von Holzen
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2 responses to “Still a Facilitator, Just Unhurried”

  1. Carsten Schulz

    Dear Nadia,

    I always like to read your blog posts, as you bring up interesting topics with a lot of reflection. I get a lot out of your metaphor of the quiet, seemingly unhurried facilitator. I sometimes observe that, in the role of the quiet and relaxed facilitator – without this teacher-like attitude – when I give a new instruction to the group, it initially causes chaos and uncertainty. However, very quickly, a calm returns to the room as people apply the instruction to each other and rely on each other instead of seeing the facilitator as the most important person. Unhurried creates a sense of community and collective problem-solving!

    Thanks and best wishes,

    Carsten

    Reply
  2. Nadia von Holzen

    Dear Carsten, Thank you for your thoughtful reflection — I’m glad the post resonated with you. I really appreciate how you describe those brief moments of confusion that shift into calm collaboration, and how “unhurried” creates space for something deeper to unfold. Thanks again for sharing and enriching the conversation. Best, Nadia

    Reply

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