My Story
Hey you, let me introduce myself
My name is Daniel Peters and I am Movement teacher and practitioner born and raised in Northern Germany.
But I am not just that. I am also an engineer and a little bit of a nerd. I have diverse passions and expertises that make me who I am.
I love ice-bathing, but I am not Wim Hof. I enjoy ancient philosophy, but I am not a philosopher. I have a deep appreciation for dance, although I am not a classical dancer. Strength training and acrobatics are also passions of mine, but I also value gentle movement and softness.
I am a person who knows my worth and embraces both my confidence and vulnerability, cherishing love and connection. Teaching is something I thoroughly enjoy and excel in, yet I am also driven by a desire to create and share.
We as humans are so much more than just our professions and interests. And you are too. Like anyone, I have fears, but I strive to be brave. I am many things and never just one.
I am simply Daniel.
How I became what I am today
To forge a personal connection with you, I would like to share my story. My full and honest story.
The story of Daniel, the Movement teacher, the engineer, the human being. This is the story behind my motivations and how all of my offerings evolved over the years.
I'm a mission to inspire and empower individuals through the power of Movement and self-discovery. I want to take a moment to share my journey with you, as it has shaped who I am today and led me to create offerings that can help you navigate your own path.
Suicide, high school years and my first identity crisis
My journey began in August 2006 when I was just 10 years old. Up until that point, I had a sheltered and beautiful childhood in a privileged environment. I grew up in a small village at the countryside in Northern Germany.
However, everything changed when my grandmother committed suicide on the day I started high school. This marked a major blow that shattered the stability in my family.
As the years went by, I became a dedicated student and immersed myself in football, finding strength and confidence in physical training. Parties and teenage experiences became part of my life, and I navigated the joys and challenges of high school. Graduation was on the horizon, with a dual study program in process engineering already secured. Everything seemed perfect.
In May 2015, three major pillars of my life suddenly vanished overnight.
I suffered a serious knee injury (ACL, meniscus and LCL tear) during one of my last football matches in my U19 youth team, finished high school two days later and my ex-girlfriend also ended our relationship. This left me in a state of confusion and I was questioning my identity.
Engineering studies, Calisthenics and another crisis
Starting my dual study program in September 2015, I discovered my determination to succeed and excel in subjects I wasn't naturally inclined towards. I also grappled with lingering feelings for my ex-girlfriend, which took years to heal.
The broad scope of my process engineering program revealed my passion for guiding and overseeing multiple disciplines, rather than specializing in just one.
During my recovery from the knee injury, I stumbled upon calisthenics, a sport that fascinated me with its emphasis on bodyweight training and movement against gravity.
However, life took another unexpected turn in the autumn of 2016 when my parents separated out of nowhere, adding to the internal conflicts and doubts I already carried. Despite this, I continued to juggle university, work, parties, and suppressing inner conflicts.
Then, in summer 2017 I met Jonathan, who introduced me to the world of Movement and who became one of my best friends in the following years.
7 months of sickness - the story behind my habit tracking
In September 2018, during a semester abroad in Scotland, I sought to train and improve myself physically. I had discovered Calisthenics and Movement, but I also craved connection and companionship, which often came with parties and alcohol. A series of illnesses, starting with a cold, eventually left me feeling drained and detached from life. All in all, it took me over seven months to recover from this phase. It was a wake-up call that prompted me to make a pivotal decision.
I realized that the path of excessive partying and alcohol no longer aligned with who I wanted to become. It was a difficult choice, but one I made independently, setting my first true boundary. I stopped attending parties and abstained from alcohol, trying to embrace a new version of myself.
This transformation was not without challenges. Some people struggled to understand my decision, but deep within me, I knew it was necessary. Sometimes, we must follow an internal calling that leads us to make difficult choices and stand by them, even when they clash with others' expectations.
In early 2019, a turning point arrived in my life. I found myself battling sickness for 3.5 months, desperately searching for any sign of improvement. Overwhelmed by external stimuli - smells, noise, light, and even the presence of others - I was physically drained by the smallest of activities, like riding a bike or climbing stairs. I lost around 15kg of weight over the timespan of seven months.
Amidst this isolation, I began meticulously tracking my habits and documenting my experiences in a journal. This practice allowed me to regain a sense of control over my daily routines, helping me understand what might be too much for my ailing body and how I could reclaim my strength. It was during this time that I stumbled upon the power of meditation and cold showers, finding solace in the ability to influence even the smallest aspects of my well-being. I immersed myself in books that explored illness, trauma, self-help, and philosophy, seeking inspiration and insights.
In the midst of despair, a documentary about fasting sparked hope within me. With nothing left to lose, I embarked on a seven-day fast and felt a remarkable positive change. From a mere 2/10 on the well-being scale, I climbed to a 5/10, a glimmer of hope emerging from the darkest tunnel.
Despite the doubts, I fasted again two months later, this time for a challenging 14 days. Looking back, it was an unreasonable duration, but hope was all I had. Who could blame me for grasping onto every possibility?
Weightlifting and becoming a member of the 5:00 am club
In May 2019, after months of cautious recovery, I rekindled my engagement in light training. Formerly dissatisfied with myself and constantly seeking to be somewhere else, I had even trained when I was ill because I couldn't stand the thought of stagnation. But I knew I needed something new. That's when Olympic Weightlifting entered my life. Over the course of four months, I painstakingly rebuilt my strength, and in September, I resumed my Movement coaching with Jonathan, but this time, with a healthier mindset and a new intention.
For the following six months, I delved into a routine that involved 6:00 am training sessions, 15 minutes of morning meditation, and the Wim-Hof breathing technique. I became a member of the 5:00 am Club, embracing a vegan diet after my fasting experience. I had experimented with various diets before, from keto to vegetarian to sugar-free, but this new path offered a fresh perspective.
After my training sessions, I indulged in a revitalizing 15-minute cold shower, followed by my work on my thesis for university. Taking a leap of faith, I embarked on my first solo vacation, spending five days secluded in a holiday apartment at the northern tip of the Sylt island. Detaching myself from the outside world, except for an occasional visit to a restaurant, I discovered the immense creative potential that solitude holds. With my phone turned off and no other electronic devices at hand, I devoted my time to organizing my future and nurturing my personal growth. It was during this peaceful retreat and after a few Student Intensives that the idea for the Summer Camp took shape.
In March 2020, I proudly graduated with top honors and began working as a project engineer.
However, I chose part-time employment, eager to dedicate more time to my training and personal development. It was around this time that the world was hit by the pandemic, and an extraordinary year unfolded.
Covid-19, living the monk life and our first ice-bathing community
Working from home provided me ample time, which I eagerly utilized. I devoured nearly 100 books, meticulously tracked every aspect of my life, and engaged in intense training sessions. I recorded in my journal that it was the best year I had experienced in a long time.
Why? Because I finally had control over everything. Stability reigned, as external threats were nullified. No one could impede my park training sessions.
As summer arrived in 2020, while many of my colleagues feared for their jobs, I remained untouched by such worries. My aspirations to participate in an artist training program in Portugal in 2021 were halted by the pandemic, but a silver lining emerged.
In the winter of 2020, in Hamburg, I founded a small ice bathing group. Every Sunday, depending on the prevailing Covid regulations, we gathered at the Alster river. Together, we immersed ourselves in the icy waters, supporting newcomers and enjoying warm tea and cookies afterward. Over the autumn and winter, my friend and I continuously inspired and captivated people with our ice bathing journey, culminating in a front-page feature in Hamburg's largest daily newspaper, the Hamburger Abendblatt
However, my job as an engineer did not fulfill me. I knew, this couldn't be the end of the road.
Goodbye engineering, Hello self-employment
In March 2021, I made the bold decision to resign from my job and relocate to Jonathan's place by Lake Constance for several months. Having assisted him in his work for a year, I yearned to learn and grow. During the next six months, I embarked on a series of travels, forging new friendships and expanding my horizons.
In the summer of 2021, I brought together my years of experiences and ideas to organize my first Summer Camp for friends and acquaintances. The camp was a space devoid of phones and watches, offering an escape from the fast-paced society we often find ourselves in. It was a sanctuary for personal development, where individuals could let go of pressure and fully be themselves. Free from appointments and commitments, they could gather inspiration and gain new perspectives, questioning who they truly wanted to be and how they aspired to live their lives.
Additionally, in 2021, I decided to share more of myself and my knowledge with the outside world. In late March, I took a monumental step and uploaded my first YouTube video. The process overwhelmed me - video editing, content breakdown, concept creation, all in English, and the challenge of speaking fluently in front of the camera. Seeking support from friends and family, my first video was shared multiple times, and I proudly gained 19 subscribers within the first week. Nonetheless, the critic within me couldn't overlook the one person who disliked the video. It bothered me for weeks, consuming my thoughts.
Rejection. It's something we all face at some point in our lives. And it can be tough. How do you deal with it? Why don't some people like what you do, despite the effort you put into it? These were the questions that plagued me as I set out on my journey to inspire others.
I learned a valuable lesson early on: when you make yourself visible to the world, criticism is inevitable. There will always be people who don't appreciate your work, and that's okay. It doesn't reflect on you as a person.
For the next 15 months, until the summer of 2022, I dedicated myself to uploading one video per week, striving to improve my craft. It wasn't easy, but I soon discovered that things never really get easier; you just get better at what you do. It took me 23 videos to reach my first 100 subscribers. There were moments when I felt demotivated and thought about giving up, doubting if anyone would watch or care. But I was wrong. Life has a way of bringing it all full circle. It was through YouTube that I caught the attention of a participant from the Movement Teacher Training. This was a defining moment for me, a reminder that nothing is ever in vain in life.
In October 2021, I took a leap of faith and ventured into self-employment with my own project, The ComMOVEity. It was a dream come true, a chance to connect with people like me who had trained alone during the challenging times of the pandemic. The goal was to create a community where we could learn from each other, share ideas, and most importantly, support one another on a deeper human level.
Before that, I had the opportunity to explore new horizons. I spent nearly two months in Brighton, visiting my friend Wil Brown and getting to know the London Movement Group. It was an inspiring journey filled with new experiences, connections, and friendships that would shape my path.
The ComMOVEity was more than just Movement and community for me. It was an opportunity to define who I wanted to be as a Movement Teacher, to understand the intricacies of marketing, good communication, and making wise investments. Parallel to this, I started giving workshops and embarked on a transformative journey into ice bathing with the Wim-Hof Method in Poland. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of the right attitude and preparation, and it inspired the creation of an idea for the Winter Camp.
However, amidst the successes, there were moments of self-doubt and internal struggles that I couldn't easily ignore. Thoughts of suicide and depressive moods sought to undermine my progress, but I persevered. I would push those feelings aside, reminding myself of the positive habits that should define me. Cold showers, meditation, training, reading - a continuous pursuit of being better. But better than who?
In the summer of 2021, I allowed myself to step outside my comfort zone. I had my first drink of alcohol in years and went out to party. It felt liberating, but a voice within cautioned against losing control and straying from my path as a Movement Teacher.
Winter depression and and my escape to Spain
The arrival of a cold and gloomy December in 2021 brought with it my first prolonged depressive phase. Doubts crept in as I reflected on my expectations for The ComMOVEity and felt somewhat disappointed in the numbers. It's in moments like these that life tests our resilience.
Faced with both a family crisis and a personal crisis, I made the impulsive decision to escape to Barcelona in January 2022. It was a temporary reprieve, a way to avoid confronting my problems head-on.
Spain welcomed me with open arms. I immersed myself in training, spent time with like-minded individuals, and drafted a concept for Movement Principles. This idea had been brewing since my studies - an exploration of the intricate connection between various aspects of movement and how they impact our practice. From this concept, my Movement Principles Knowledge Base was born - a 100+ page document that continues to inspire my work.
Barcelona brought about a rebirth within me, fueling an idea to organize a Movement Coaches Summit in Germany. Despite having friends in this field, self-employment often felt isolating. There were no traditional colleagues or bosses to guide me. Hence, the desire to create a network of like-minded individuals for exchange, education, and support.
My journey led me to various cities - from Lake Constance to Munich, Hamburg, and Kiel. Yet, after more than a year without a permanent residence, I returned to the tranquility of the countryside for a month in May 2022. And now, a new chapter awaits me in bustling Hamburg come June.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that self-employment is not just about teaching and sharing knowledge; it encompasses marketing, finances, communication, ongoing education, organization, and more. It requires setting boundaries, understanding oneself, and recognizing what truly matters in our work. And perhaps, most challenging of all, it demands unwavering commitment, resilience, and self-belief.
Therapy and finding a home
On Himmelfahrt, a public holiday in Germany, I found myself sitting on a bench in the park, and in that moment, everything changed.
Overwhelmed with emotions, I couldn't understand what was happening as I fell into a deep pit of despair. For three weeks, I struggled to function, barely managing to send an email and relying solely on a small training session in the evenings to keep me going. The thoughts of suicide lingered in my mind, and I felt lost, teetering on the edge of checking myself into a hospital. Thankfully, my support network of friends and family stood by me during this challenging time.
Upon arriving in Hamburg, therapy became my lifeline, starting a life-changing process. Although I continued to battle recurring periods of depression, I pushed forward, working as much as I could and staying committed to my training. However, I knew I needed something new, something that would take me to different areas of life and provide me with additional financial security.
In my pursuit of finding a new direction, I began a group training project. While initially excited, I quickly realized that group training wasn't the right fit for me. The desire to serve too many people within a limited timeframe was overwhelming, and I couldn't give my all consistently due to the instability of my own situation. It was a lesson learned, and I embraced the truth that sometimes, taking a step back from the wrong path is a step in the right direction, as Kurt Vonnegut once said.
In July 2022, I took on a side job assisting physically disabled individuals in their daily lives. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of patience and made me recognize the privileges I have as a white, non-disabled, heterosexual man. I discovered that happiness can be found in the simplest things in life.
Though the journey was exhausting, it provided me with a fresh perspective. My second Summer Camp followed in August 2022, and then the Coaches Summit in September. These beautiful events taught me valuable lessons, even though they drained a lot of my energy.
Therapy was both progressive and taxing. It forced me to confront the behavior patterns of my controlling self – the self that acted out of fear, sought security and control, pursued perfection, and constantly sought validation from others. Breaking free from these patterns was a painful process, carrying a heavy burden of emotional pain.
In the fall of 2022, I fell ill from overwork and it took three months to fully recover again. Looking back, it's clear that there was no precedent for me to refer to in order to find a way forward ;). That realization led me to make changes in my business.
I recognized the need to become more professional, despite the challenges I had faced in recent months. This led to the birth of the Movement Teacher Training. Jonathan and I still had much work ahead, but the essence of the training encompassed everything that had defined me over the past few years.
The MTT is designed to help people discover their true selves and find their path in the world through movement. Drawing from my personal and professional experiences, I aim to equip individuals with the necessary tools for their journey. The tools I needed most in times of struggle and disbelief.
In December, I spent Christmas with my sister in Valencia, a place that resonated with me. The laid-back attitude and openness of the people provided the solace I needed. Additionally, I embarked on a language-learning journey, determined to master Spanish and indulge in my love for learning. In January 2023, I organized my first Winter Camp, a truly amazing experience. It reinforced the belief that when we combine the right setting with an open and self-trusting attitude, extraordinary achievements are possible.
During 2023, I began engaging in a significant amount of personal training, bringing me closer to the people and the city of Hamburg. My goal was to show them that change is possible, regardless of age, background, or prior experiences. It filled me with energy.
However, despite my efforts, waves from therapy and the work I had put into it continued to resurface. The old controlling version of myself sometimes clashed with the new, gentle, vulnerable, and needy me, creating resistance to change.
In the latter half of the year 2022, training and movement took a back seat in my life as I focused on other areas of personal growth. It became a period of self-discovery, questioning who I truly am, who I aspire to be, and whether I am brave enough to embrace and show even my imperfect parts.
With the significant reach I had gained through social media, an image of a "perfect" Daniel emerged. Despite being aware that social media doesn't reflect reality, the subconscious often perceives it that way.
The launch of the Movement Teacher Training in April 2023 was a success, relieving me of the burden of months of hard work. Additionally, I had the opportunity to teach a weekend workshop in Barcelona. However, I faced a dilemma – I had injured my ankle while playing football, had not trained or moved much in recent months, and had difficult weeks behind me. Teaching seemed like an insurmountable task. Yet, I realized that the only solution was to be myself, Daniel, and to create an environment where all participants could be themselves too. It was a liberating experience for us all, as workshops often breed competitiveness and comparison.
The workshop was a triumph, allowing me to be my true self, while empowering others to do the same. It was a beautiful reminder that when we accept and embrace every facet of ourselves, incredible transformations can occur.
Life, as we all know, is a rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns. As the year unfolded, I had a realization - I wanted to dance, not just in techno clubs, but truly dance. It was a desire that burned within me, despite the fact that as a Movement Practitioner and Teacher, dancing didn't seem to fit the mold. But why limit ourselves to predefined boxes? I decided to follow my intuition and explore this calling further.
In July, I took a leap of faith and flew to Santa Cruz, Portugal, to participate in a Summer Intensive for Contemporary Dance. My anxious, controlling self initially resisted, whispering doubts in my ear. But I pushed through those limiting beliefs and immersed myself in the experience. Two weeks later, I emerged as a transformed person.
During those transformative weeks, I realized that goal-oriented behavior is fueled by three key elements: Exposure, Desire, and Confidence. I had the desire to dance, but I lacked exposure to peers and the confidence in my own abilities. However, surrounded by inspiring individuals and receiving feedback about my talent, I started to believe in myself. For the first time, I bridged the gap between how I saw myself and how others saw me.
A change of perspective - assembling the puzzle pieces
This revelation ignited a fire within me. I knew I had to share my story, my journey of growth, change, and development with others. I wanted to offer them the tools, knowledge, and experiences I had accumulated along the way, to help them lead a meaningful life full of purpose and direction.
That's why I created my offerings, which you can explore here. These offerings are not just about Movement; they are about discovering your true self, embracing your own unique story, and finding the courage to live a life that aligns with your deepest values. Together, we can defy societal expectations and create a narrative that is authentic to who you are.
In November 2023, a new chapter begins for me as I embark on a journey to Valencia.
I will be immersing myself in the vibrant Spanish culture, learning the language, and continuing to write my own story. As I evolve on this journey, I invite you to join me. Let's embark on this adventure together, embracing the courage it takes to take that first step. The step into the unknown.
(Written 20th of October 2023 - please find an updated version of my story down below)
Having spent nearly three months in Valencia, I returned in January 2024. This experience was truly enlightening and served as one of the most significant learning moments in my life, helping me understand what truly matters to me and recognizing my personal needs.
I am often referred to as a "German potato." I found solace in the beauty and tranquility of my home, surrounded by friends and my social circle, and experiencing the changing seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, which I had missed dearly.
Experiencing blue skies and sunshine every day sounds wonderful, doesn't it? However, I found myself questioning why I deserved such joy. I realized that my endeavors, such as organizing Winter Camps and participating in ice-bathing, were not mere obligations but choices that brought me joy and gratitude for the fleeting beautiful days in Northern Germany during spring and summer.
Contrast is a guiding principle in my life. I find satisfaction in training because it allows me to unwind. I can relax better when I engage in physical activities, although I am mindful of setting limits. Quality time with friends enriches me, yet I also value moments of solitude. Embracing contrast is essential for a fulfilling life.
Upon my return, my family faced a sudden and heartbreaking ordeal that necessitated a period of intense work. Amidst this, I dedicated myself to training rigorously with the aim of applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Dance at PERA School of Performing Arts in Cyprus.
Towards the end of March, I went through a period of immense self-reflection where my ego underwent a transformative experience (also known as the Dark Night of the Soul). Despite feeling stripped of my identity, I viewed this as an opportunity for growth. Joining the Movement Archery Intensive in Barcelona by late April, I felt a newfound alignment with my authentic self, reveling in the practice without the pressure to perform, feeling more at ease and skilled in my dance and acrobatics.
Following this ego transformation, I began to sense a weight in my work, with previously effortless projects demanding more effort. An unexplained resistance emerged within me, leading me to contemplate changes in my business and personal journey.
Navigating through a period of self-discovery, I acknowledged the need for a more structured and intellectually stimulating life beyond physical pursuits and teaching. As signs of burnout surfaced, I opted for a period of introspection, seeking balance through minimal activity and exploring diverse interests.
This reflective period led me to rediscover my passion for engineering, ultimately securing a part-time role that offered fulfillment through structure, challenges, teamwork, and variety.
As of October 1st, I aim to integrate my teaching, online coaching, and business with my engineering profession, seeking the necessary contrast and balance. I am eager to embrace this new chapter and look forward to the journey ahead.
My aim here is to support you, to guide you, and to walk alongside you as you craft your own unique story. I look forward to having you on board, as we rewrite the script and create a narrative that unfolds with courage, passion, and purpose.
I am here to share my expertise, create a connection with you, and help you uncover your own unique journey.
With warmth and excitement,
Daniel
(Written 18th of September 2024)
