In this episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria engages in a captivating conversation with Kirien, a seasoned traveler of migration across six countries. Kirien reflects on his journey from his birthplace in Beijing, China, to his current home in Utrecht, Netherlands, sharing the profound experiences that have shaped his identity along the way.

The discussion delves into Kirien's early memories of moving to Australia at the age of four, the complexities of growing up in Canada, and the emotional ties that have drawn him to various places throughout his life. He candidly explores the challenges of navigating visas and the feelings of grief that often accompany migration, as well as the impact of geopolitical changes on his perspective of belonging.

Listeners will find inspiration in Kirien's resilience and his quest for a sense of home, as he discusses the evolution of his career from the tech industry to exploring alternative healing practices. With a focus on mindfulness and relational presence, Kirien shares his vision of helping others find their place in the world through his new business, Reclaiming Belonging. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of identity, connection, and the search for belonging in an ever-changing world.

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Here is Kirien's Website

https://reclaimingbelonging.com/

https://www.instagram.com/reclaimingbelonging/

If you want to be a guest on my Podcast send me an email to Worldscollide123pod@gmail.com or check out the website www.worldscollidepodcast.com

Here are a previous episodes with similar experiences:

Worldwide Moving Around

Steph's Expat Story - Moving Around within the US

A Tale of 2 Expats - Unpacking Life in Amsterdam with Monica and John

Keywords: Migration, Expat Life, Identity, Belonging, Mindfulness, Alternative Healing, Cultural Adjustment, Emotional Resilience, Personal Growth, International Living, moving abroad.

(00:00) World Collide is a podcast about moving abroad with guest Kirien

(02:09) Right now I am in Utrecht in the Netherlands

(03:45) Kirien was born in Beijing in China

(10:20) You chose highly skilled profession that allows you to move to other places

(12:13) At age 18, you fell in love with San Francisco

(16:09) You were in San Francisco for one year before moving to Portland

(19:27) How did you feel about Portland?

(22:24) Norway is much different from Vancouver in climate and weather wise

(23:55) How long did you stay in Norway?

(28:37) You spent three years in Norway on permanent resident status

(34:09) There was this emotional breakdown and then there was recovering from surgery alone

(38:44) You started your own business together, Reclaiming Belonging

(45:23) Once we go, we will be separating our businesses more clearly

(46:19) So did you already figure out all the logistics about your moving back

(48:16) There are lots of things I can share from mindfulness practices

(50:03) M uses tarot as a way to get to know myself better

(56:05) All right. Thank you so much for being on our podcast

(57:15) All right. Tell everyone about it, and I hope you tune in again next week