Martin Franken

Speech 

We all need comfort because, as human beings, we are always suffering creatures. Especially when suffering is deep and persistent, we depend on the comfort of others because our existence is affected by something that cannot be put right or healed. Such comfort comes primarily through a deep connection with another person. In this process, the other person is addressed in their deepest potential as a human being: as a compassionate being who empathetically and mindfully takes in the suffering of the other, feels it, endures it and thus allows it to be there with them and carries it out. This comforts, calms and alleviates the pain.In my lecture, I would also like to discuss possibilities for self-comfort through mindfulness, self-compassion, self-acceptance and self-care.

Workshop  

Wenn wir Menschen begegnen, die tief und anhaltend leiden, wenn es buchstäblich um Leben und Tod geht, dann fehlen uns oft die Worte. Wer einen geliebten Menschen verloren hat, wer an einer unheilbaren Erkrankung leidet oder wer an seinem Leben verzweifelt, dem können wir nicht sagen: „Das wird schon wieder.“ Aber wir können diesem Menschen auf eine besondere Weise begegnen: aufrichtig, sein Leiden anerkennend, mitfühlend und mit achtsamer Präsenz. Auf diese Weise öffnen wir einen Raum für den anderen Menschen und ermöglichen ihm, wirklich da zu sein. In diesem Workshop möchte ich anhand einiger Übungen erlebbar und spürbar machen, wie eine solche Präsenz möglich werden kann und wie sie eine heilsame Wirkung entfalten kann, die vom anderen Menschen als wohltuend und als tröstlich erfahren wird.

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How we can open up a healing space for people who are suffering  
When we encounter people who are suffering deeply and persistently, when it is literally a matter of life and death, we often find ourselves at a loss for words. We cannot say to someone who has lost a loved one, who is suffering from an incurable illness, or who is despairing of life: „It will be alright.“ However, we can approach these people in a special way: sincerely, acknowledging their suffering, with compassion and mindful presence. In this way, we open up a space for the other person and allow them to truly be there. In this workshop, I will lead a few exercises to demonstrate, how such a presence can be achieved, and how it can have a healing effect that is experienced by the other person as beneficial and comforting.