The inherent motivation

This week, Whole Institute celebrated its anniversary. It’s a big deal. Actually – it’s a VERY sincere, moving big deal. What do I feel and want to share?

With my heart as my compass, a couple of years ago I took the step of building something of my own, without any entrepreneurs in the family or a large team of experts. I consulted those who were available and had some insight. And I got started.

One step at a time. It was based on a conviction that has long guided me: that people’s genuine well-being (not the toxic positivity that it is often mistaken for in today’s world of misleading information sources), inner balance, and attitude are crucial for a better world—not only for us as individuals, but also for employers, organizations, and our entire society. Because one person makes a difference. Not only individually, but also collectively. From the inside out.

The core is, and has been from the very beginning, and will continue to be, the desire to contribute to a profound, truly benevolent change in society, with a focus on humanity, mental presence, inner anchoring, non-judgmental communication, kindness, and the courage to actually care. Whether it’s regarding or towards yourself, your inner demons, your inner child, your family, your health, abuse, headaches, your psychopathic boss, your fantastic team, the world – or something else.

💭 PERSONAL REFLECTION
What I carry with me most are the encounters. The conversations. The open, extremely vulnerable moments with someone who discovers something new in themselves. Or in a situation. I have “only” been allowed to be a guide, support, or mentor. It enriches me deeply and makes me incredibly reverent towards life. To be allowed to share other people’s inner landscapes, to be invited into their honesty and longing – that is a privilege. I have learned that profound change happens in the small things. In trust, in continuity, in the courage to dare to face oneself.

💛 GENUINE JOY
There is a special kind of joy in working with what is closest to one’s own core. To talk about individual rhythm, team strength and sustainability, recovery, the wisdom of the body, the needs of the intellect, personal direction, the influence and potential of society – and to see how this creates motivation, insight and can catalyse inner movement in others. That joy is quiet, captivating, and free from envy.

The wise Asians call this kind of joy “mudita.” In a society where comparison, competition, and achievement are often at the center, mudita offers a radical counterforce. It trains the heart to be open, free from envy, and in harmony with the well-being of others. It strengthens community, alleviates loneliness, and builds bridges of warmth between people. It is a kind of inner celebration of others’ progress and actual happiness. It reminds me of why I started this business and awakens in me every day a sense of wonder at how valuable it is to accompany someone’s development and the beauty of life.

🙏 DEEP GRATITUDE
To you amazing, wonderful people who believe in me without asking for anything in return. To my senior conversation partner who has advised me, my close friend who has listened without judgement and without any underlying selfish motives. And of course to you – my clients. To you who have said, “What you do really makes a difference. Thank you!” These are words that go straight to the heart and are truly meaningful.

So in this gratitude lies a promise: to continue to accompany, work for, coach, educate, lecture, hold courses, advise, project manage, and communicate as long as my heart says yes to a more humane, sustainable, and hopeful society and world. A prosperous you and me. Because how we are in the small things creates the world in the big things.

I wish you a truly wonderful, relaxing, and restorative summer. Take care of yourself. I am currently working on this fall’s offerings, which include courses, retreats, and workshops, and I plan to devote myself more to the vital rest I need than anything else in the coming weeks. If you would like to take advantage of my services, please get in touch.

Recommendation: Be as kind to your inner critic as you are to the cashier at your local grocery store. Goodness spreads. Always. Our inner sustainability and attitude are the foundation for all external change.

#mentalhealth #sustainablework #human sustainability #empathetic leadership #self-leadership #organizational culture #job satisfaction #healthier working life #inner sustainability #humanity #long-term thinking #social responsibility #wholeinstitute