Hi, I'm Jem.
For years, I lived from my head.
At the age of 15, I left home to study abroad on a full scholarship—driven, independent, and focused on doing what was “right”, what society says a kid who excelled in school should do. This continued until university, where I chose to study data science, naively believing that if I could understand the data, I could predict everything and optimize life.
At the age of 15, I left home to study abroad on a full scholarship—driven, independent, and focused on doing what was “right”, what society says a kid who excelled in school should do. This continued until university, where I chose to study data science, naively believing that if I could understand the data, I could predict everything and optimize life.
I ignored the parts of me that were excited about things different from what society deems prestigious. I told myself those things could wait, once I had it all figured out.
Somewhere along this journey, yoga found me. What began as a physical practice slowly became a path inward. Breath by breath, it helped me peel back the layers of pressure, expectation, and fear. Layers that were not even mine, but ones that I held onto for so long.
Eventually, this practice gave me the courage to choose a different life. One that feels authentic, aligned, and in flow. Even if it meant walking away from a promising career as a data scientist in a large multinational company.
Over time, I’ve come to believe that we don’t need to become anything new and that there's nothing to be fixed; we just need to unlearn and let go of what we’re not. Like Michelangelo said of how he sculpted his masterpiece, David, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
To me, yoga goes way beyond the poses and shapes we do on our mat. It's a guide to live a life that fulfills you, by chipping away parts of your life that no longer serve you and aren't yours to begin with. By shedding away the belief that you don't deserve a life that you're truly meant to live: a life full of peace, freedom, and joy.
Let’s chip away at what’s not you, together.
Mindfully yours,
Jem
Certifications
300-hour 'Advanced' Yoga Teacher Training in Bali, led by Kimberley Utama (2025)
Deep dive exploration into anatomy and myofascial release with Michael Henri, Yintelligence with Chris Fox, meditation with Michael Green, arm balances with Paul Teodo, advanced asana with Ade and Dewi Adinata, and philosophy with Vijeth Kumar. Other topics covered include hosting retreats, Ayurveda, kriya, mudra, creative sequencing, theming, bhakti yoga, and trauma-informed yoga.
3-Month Mastermind with Peter Crone, the Mind Architect (2024)
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Bali, led by Restuning Sandini (2023)
Deep dive into asana with Thofan Meninao, meditation with Maitreya Prema, and philosophy with Rohil Jethmalani.
MSc in Quantitative Marketing and Business Analytics, Erasmus University Rotterdam (2020-2021)
BSc in Econometrics and Operations Research, Erasmus University Rotterdam (2017-2020)
Any questions? E-mail me at jem@themindfully.com or fill up the Contact Form