«Peace is created collectively», Marina Abramović
Awaken your heart to inner peace and true connection
Last Sunday, I was a guest in an exciting series of talks with Jeannette Fischer, psychoanalyst and author. Her guest was Marina Abramović, the most influential performance artist of our time. The discussion centered on the question: How can peace succeed? Abramović explained her vision of peace with a simple but impressive action: at the Glastonbury Festival, she invited 250,000 visitors to “7 minutes of collective silence”, in which each participant turned to their neighbor, placed their hand on their shoulder and remained in silence. This symbolic gesture is intended to remind us: “Peace is created collectively and through unconditional love.”
Acknowledging difference as a unifying element
Peace, emphasized Fischer, begins with the acknowledgement of differences, which is the only thing that unites people. This difference creates a tension that must be emotionally held. The key is to acknowledge this difference between humans and to overcome our own fear of vulnerability. This creates a basis for real peace - within ourselves and in the world.
Our natural need for belonging
We are all familiar with this experience of feeling different and the emotions and challenges that come with it. What initially manifests as inner tension we later experience in the relationship and communication with other people. As humans beings we have a natural need to belong, which is reflected in our longing for harmonious connection. If we are unable to create it, our well-being and our interpersonal relationships suffer. However, this desire to belong is often in tension with our longing for authenticity. We want to be seen and acknowledged in our entire being, including our differences. At at core, we want to feel loved and to return this love. YOU ARE LOVED, no matter what.
How we think about the difference creates separation
What is it that makes it difficult to deal with this difference and separates us from each other? It is usually our fear of showing vulnerability. Based on thoughts and conditioning we judge ourselves and others on what is right or wrong, good or bad. Hence, it is not the difference as such, but our judgement of this difference - our thoughts and feelings about being different.
True connection through non-judgemental acknowledgment
What does it need to free from our judgmental behaviour? It all begins with you. A loving and appreciative relationship with yourself strengthens your heart. A courageous heart is not afraid to open up - it meets others with compassion, presence and genuine love, which can lead to inner peace and true connection.
We can cultivate the courage to open our hearts through certain practices. Buddhism calls it the heart practices, aiming to cultivate compassion, gratitude and loving kindness. Scientific research impressively demonstrates how this practice can change our inner attitudes and with them our brain structures and behaviour. These exercises help to develop compassion for oneself and others, as well as deeper emotional qualities that strengthen inner peace and true connection.
Our Workshop YOU ARE LOVED
In our workshop YOU ARE LOVED, you can expect inspiring impulses on how you can learn to tap into the power of compassion and inner peace. The combination of keynote speech, yoga and meditation will enable you to anchor this inner peace not only mentally and emotionally, but also physically.
Treat yourself to a unique opportunity to give yourself space for your body, mind and heart. Take the time to immerse yourself in an appreciative attitude that can enrich your life.
Experience how empowering true connection can be.
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