Welcome to my project collection...
Most of the projects here connect sustainability and health with mindfulness and meditation - in different educational, counseling and research contexts and traditions. In retrospect, it is probably correct to describe my work here as a kind of translation work between these worlds.
More information about me can be found here. If you are interested in a collaboration or would like to support this work here, I would be very happy to receive an e-mail from you. If you would like to take part in one of the practical courses or would like personal advice, you will find more information on the relevant pages below.
News
International conference on environmental mindfulness (ICEM)
In November 2023, the first international scientific conference on environmental mindfulness was held in Rome, Italy. I enjoyed many new contacts, informative talks and rich exchanges on inspiring new research ideas.
It was a great opportunity to present for the first time the ideas I have been developing with my co-authors since 2018, entitled 'The self: A blind spot in our mindfulness-based approaches to sustainability".
The abstract can be downloaded as a pdf here.
www.environmentalmindfulness.org
TEACHING, LECTURES, WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES
Sustainability from the perspective of psychology, mindfulness and meditation - an introduction
For university teaching context and in collaboration with dear colleagues I have developed a 4 day workshop that sheds light on the cross-links among sustainability (science), psychology and the emerging field of contemplative psychology and practice. Information is available here.
Mind Environment Talks
Since 2016 I have been involved in the MindEnvironment project for the exchange and dialogue between experts in the fields of sustainability, mindfulness and Buddhist psychology, among other things. A list of contributions can be found here.
Science
Forrest Ecology and Climate Change
Forests are a symbol of life for a reason. Understanding the ecological connections in these complex, living systems is inherently fascinating. However, most of my work and what it says about the future is rather sobering. I have seen, measured or modeled the effects of climate change and, in particular, our human actions in a number of remote places on around the globe. In order to enable a life-saving change in our 'self-understanding' and our actions, for me the forest or environment and meditation or psychology belong together. Currently I am working here.
Contemplative Psychologie and Sustainability
An important basis of my practical work is the theoretical, scientific analysis of old texts on Buddhist psychology in combination with modern scientific work on mindfulness, health, environmentally conscious behavior and sustainability. More information about the current project can be found here.
Practicing Meditation
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) is a program to gradually learn the so-called mindfulness meditation. For many people, for the first time in life, turning their attention inward and listening to their body and mind and their real needs is the first step. A first step to truly BE with yourself. Ultimately, this also helps to deal with stress or stress-causing situations more constructively or to prevent them from arising at all. This leaves more room for balance, joy and creativity. I also teach MBSR courses as a basis for openness and consideration for other people and the environment. More information is available here.
ShiZen 自然
ShiZen (自然) is the Japanese word for nature. ShiZen is my personal collective term for a modern contemplative way of life that is oriented towards the proven traditional path descriptions in Tibetan Buddhism (which are very similar to Zen in aspects) and also integrates insights from contemplative sciences, MBSR, (environmental) psychology and sustainability sciences. Under development. More information is available here soon.
Previous Partner Organizations
