Teachers and Persons that inspired me
Acknowledging the Diversity inside me:
In a world that constantly encourages specialization and categorization, I often find myself drawn towards a neatly defined paths and methods that align with my preconceived notions. However, I believe, the beauty of human nature lies in its inherent diversity – not just externally, but within ourselves as well. This is especially true when it comes to learning and personal growth, as we navigate through the intricate tapestry of our own minds.
Embracing diversity within myself doesn't merely refer to the unique combination of my interests and talents, but also to my capacity to learn and grow from approaches that may appear incompatible at first glance. It's the fusion of seemingly contrasting ideas that lead me to the most profound insights and innovations.
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Francis Weller
Francis Weller is a psychotherapist and author who has written extensively on the topic of grief and healing. In his work, Weller often refers to the concept of the soul as a way of understanding the deeper, more spiritual dimensions of human experience.
For Weller, the soul represents the part of ourselves that is most authentic, alive, and connected to the wider world. It is the aspect of ourselves that is not limited by the ego or the demands of the material world, but instead exists in a more expansive and connected state.
According to Weller, the soul is often obscured or buried by the traumas and wounds that we experience in life. These wounds can create a sense of disconnection and isolation from ourselves, from others, and from the natural world around us.
However, through practices such as grief work, ritual, and connection with nature, we can begin to access the deeper dimensions of the soul and cultivate a sense of wholeness and connection in our lives. By reconnecting with the soul, we can find a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and vitality, and navigate the challenges and struggles of life with more resilience and grace.
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Elke Leopthin-Gerweth
Elke is the founder of Circlewise and has developed the connection culture concepts that form the heart of the Circlewise Institute. As a kind of "culture engineer", she combines current scientific knowledge with a world view inspired by indigenous cultures. In this way, she has been researching, developing and practising the art of weaving connections in their many different facets for over 15 years.
Much of her life's work is reflected in the content and methods of our trainings and our approach to grief work - a whole package of learning experiences for pioneers of connectional social design.
An important part of her own education was a training in "Cultural Mentoring & Regenerative Community Design" at the Regenerative Design Institute and 8 Shields Institute in Northern California and at the international Gaia University.
Elke has had the great good fortune over the past decades, in addition to her intensive study of the findings of modern psychology and social research (for example, through the Greater Good Science Center at the University of Berkeley, California), to be able to learn again and again in intensive contact with people like Sobonfu Somé, who themselves grew up or were educated in nature-connected and community-oriented cultures.
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Sobonfu Somé
Sobonfu Somé was a prominent West African teacher and author who specialized in the traditions of her native Burkina Faso. Born in 1950, Somé was raised in the Dagara tribe, and from a young age was trained in the spiritual and healing practices of her people. She later emigrated to the United States, where she became a highly respected teacher and lecturer, known for her work in the areas of spirituality, healing, and community building.
Somé was best known for her work in promoting the traditional wisdom of the Dagara people, which emphasized the importance of community, connection, and ceremony in fostering individual and collective healing. She believed that many of the problems facing modern society, such as loneliness, disconnection, and anxiety, could be traced back to a loss of connection with these fundamental human needs.
Somé was also an advocate for the role of grief in the healing process, arguing that grief was a necessary and valuable part of the human experience, and that it could be harnessed as a tool for personal and collective transformation. She believed that by honoring our grief and allowing ourselves to fully experience it, we could gain greater insight into our own lives, deepen our connections with others, and find new meaning and purpose in the face of loss.
Throughout her career, Somé wrote extensively about her experiences and teachings, and published several highly influential books, including "The Spirit of Intimacy", "Ritual: Power, Healing, and Community", and "Welcoming Spirit Home: Ancient African Teachings to Celebrate Children and Community". She also conducted workshops, retreats, and ceremonies throughout the United States and around the world, sharing the wisdom and teachings of the Dagara people with a global audience.
Somé passed away in 2017, but her teachings and legacy continue to have a profound impact on those who seek to deepen their connection to spirit, community, and the natural world.
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Marshal Rosenberg
Atma Kaur und Atma Singh
Gabor Mate
Elaine Young
Louise Claire
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What do I mean ....its still in a process of defining....;)
Grieving
Grief and grieving are related concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the experience of loss.
Grief is the emotional and psychological response to the experience of loss. It is a complex and multifaceted process that can involve a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, and despair. Grief can also involve physical symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, and loss of appetite. The experience of grief can be different for each person, depending on factors such as the nature of the loss, the individual's personality and coping style, and the support available to them.
Grieving, on the other hand, refers to the process of adapting to the experience of loss. It involves the various coping strategies and behaviors that individuals use to adjust to their new reality after a loss. This can include seeking support from others, engaging in self-care activities, or finding ways to honor and remember the person or thing that has been lost. Grieving is an active process that can take months or even years to complete, and can involve different stages or phases.
In summary, grief refers to the emotional and psychological response to loss, while grieving refers to the process of adapting to that loss. While the terms are related, it is important to understand the differences between them in order to navigate the experience of loss and find ways to heal and move forward.
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Soul
The concept of the soul has been explored by various cultures and religions throughout history, and its meaning can vary depending on one's beliefs and worldview. Generally, the soul is considered to be the non-physical essence of a person, which is often associated with their consciousness, personality, and innermost being.
In many religious and spiritual traditions, the soul is believed to be immortal and eternal, existing beyond the physical body and continuing on after death. It is often considered to be the seat of one's emotions, thoughts, and willpower, and is believed to be the source of one's innermost desires and aspirations.
The idea of the soul can also be understood in psychological terms. Some psychologists and philosophers suggest that the soul represents the core of a person's identity, which is shaped by their experiences, values, and beliefs. It is the aspect of a person that gives meaning and purpose to their life, and is often associated with their sense of self-awareness and personal growth.
Ultimately, the concept of the soul can be understood in many different ways, depending on one's cultural, religious, or philosophical perspective. Whether it is seen as a divine or spiritual essence, or as an aspect of human psychology and identity, the soul is often considered to be a fundamental part of what makes us human, and is a source of inspiration and meaning for many people.
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Spirituality, Nature and Art
Ritual spirituality and art have been intertwined throughout human history, as both have played a significant role in expressing and connecting people to their spiritual beliefs and practices. Rituals are a set of symbolic actions, often involving music, dance, prayer, or other forms of artistic expression, that are performed to create a connection with the divine, with nature, or with a particular community.
Art can be a powerful tool in ritual spirituality, as it provides a means for individuals to express their spiritual beliefs and experiences through creative forms such as painting, sculpture, dance, music, or poetry. Art can also be used to create sacred spaces, such as altars or shrines, that are used in ritual practices.
In many cultures, art is seen as a means of connecting with the divine or with the spirits of nature. For example, in traditional African religions, art is often used to represent deities or ancestral spirits, and is believed to contain spiritual power. In Hinduism, intricate mandalas and other forms of sacred art are used in meditation and prayer to help practitioners connect with the divine.
Ritual art can also play a role in healing and transformation, as it provides a means for individuals to express and release emotions and experiences that are often difficult to put into words. For example, in many indigenous cultures, healing rituals often involve music, dance, and storytelling, as a means of expressing and transforming grief, trauma, or other forms of suffering.
Overall, ritual spirituality and art have a deep and profound connection, as both provide a means for individuals to express and connect with their spiritual beliefs and practices. Through the use of creative forms of expression, individuals can deepen their connection to the divine, to nature, and to their own inner selves, and can experience healing, transformation, and growth.
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