I share here a variety of resources for inspiration and remembering.
- Words and Understanding
How easily we fall into the trap of believing the words for what seem to mean on the surface. - On the Subject of Discourse
In this paper I wrote for a university seminar I explain the Lacanian discourse theory – four structural ways in which we misunderstand each other. - Walter Wink – Nonviolence for the Violent – The Third Way (1987)
Hearing and reading this paper given by Walter Wink many years ago, has opened my eyes for the empowering and inspiring message in the actions and words of Jesus Christ. I can connect with this kind of Christianity, which – from my experience – had been lost in the Christian culture I grew up with and which I see being practiced in many instances around me – one that is focused on a morality of right and wrong. - Marshall Rosenberg – Full presence (Intellectual Understanding and Empathy)
Marshall Rosenberg shares about this most important element of empathy and a key distinction between two kinds of understanding that can be alive in us – intellectual understanding and compassionate understanding. Being aware of this key distinction empowers us, when our intention is to connect to the life energy in ourselves and others. - Allan Rohlfs — My history with Marshall Rosenberg
Allan shares from his knowledge and memory in a workshop held in 2015 in Darmstadt, Germany.
Transcript of the English portion of this session, held with instant translation to German. - Martin Luther King — Loving Your Enemies (1957)
I find this sermon contains insights that meets my needs for hope, that we can move towards healing and reconciliation of humankind on all levels. From personal relationships, families, communities onto the reconciliation between nations.
- Thich Nhat Hanh – On Compassionate Communication and Loving Speech
I see nonviolent communication and the mindful communication approach of the Plum village tradition of Buddhism completing and enriching each other. Includes a link to a Dharma talk on communication by Thich Nhat Hanh. - Thich Nhat Hanh – Surrender Yourself to the Present Moment
On the basics of meditation – I find this dharma talk very nourishing and inspiring. Thay points to the most important moments of the practice of mindfulness – stopping and looking deeply. - Miki Kashtan – How Martin Luther King can help us respond to the election of Donald Trump (2017)
“For me violence is what happens when people have no options, and they act for their own needs without regard for the effect. […] Nonviolence is about responding in a way, that cares for the whole, and is willing to confront what prevents the outcomes that we want, but confront it in a loving way.“
Shortly after the election of Donald Trump for presidency, Miki Kashtan gave a radio interview on how Martin Luther King could help us to respond to the challenge of this shift and how the liberal democratic part of society might have contributed to the outcome of Trump being elected. - Steve Schwartz – Compassionate Practice in the 1980s
“Compassionate Self-Care is a path which allows us to be so respectful of our longing that we recognize it to be a spontaneous and natural prayer.”
Meet Stephen Schwartz, an early practitioner of compassion work, very close to the work of Marshall Rosenberg and, even more so, Robert Gonzales. - NVC Tree of Life
This tool was developed by Inbal Kashtan and I share the original version here, as I translated the manual into German and because I would like the larger NVC community to be able to find it and use it. - Four basic feelings
Fast lane to my feelings? - What are three true powers?
Read a transcript of a dharma talk by Sr. Dang Nghiem. - Honoring the Sacred
A wonderful talk by Kathleen McTeigue held on February 24, 2013 - Don’t make a front, make a circle – There are no enemies
Intense emotions habitually present themselves to us as enemy images.
Practice more intensely to own those emotions and see that the other is not different from me.
“I know that I am able to steal, to lie, to torture and kill – in my mind – for sure – and I can do it in reality too.”
Hold those intense emotions with care: hate, jealousy, deep pain of being torn to pieces, stabbed in my heart for being shamed, having your most valuable things being stolen, losing all hope, etc. Breath, go towards the pain, not away from it. Alternate with turning to joy, to not overwhelm.
Nourish myself from joy, return to the intense pain – practice to calm those strong emotions, let the pain flow through. - How the United States created Vladimir Putin
A refreshing perspective from an independent mind – Vladimir Pozner
A talk at Yale University, September 2018