dying to live

Why learn about ancient rituals? Why fast in the wilderness? We live in a world in which people constantly feel lost. The reasons are manifold: digitalization, economic crises, war, personal tragedy, physical and mental illness, demographic change…. Many are also struggling with a luxurious problem: They are facing too many options. They know, they could do so much, but they end up doing nothing because they are constantly afraid of choosing the wrong thing. On top of everything, the world appears to be becoming more diverse, more tolerant, more open-minded. At the same time, the Insta and TikTok world leads to more social pressure and conformity. And the bottom line? People, including the young generation, are full of fear, frustration, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation to turn all these fascinating opportunities into lived experiences.

“I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” (Ware, Bronnie. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.)

Who is hungry of living? The question of how to live a good life, a fulfilled life, a meaningful life is as modern as it has ever been. It is an individual responsibility. And it is at the core of any spiritual tradition – whether you believe in Jesus, Buddha, Allah, or any other religious or non-religious path. We are all facing this question of meaning at some point; some earlier in life, some later. And this is exactly where the mission starts: Empowering people in their societies to follow their inner voice, to hear the call of their inner purpose, and to create a space for them to act and unfold their talents…

Who can benefit from learning about ancient practices of transformation? Everyone, especially those who are professionally accompanying personal or institutional transformation processes.

Just talking? Projects!
At online and offline discussion events and readings, we offer a space for interdisciplinary and intercultural exchange. We address different topics around individual empowerment and change. If the discussions and new connections lead to hands-on projects and collaboration of any kind – be it in the arts, academia, the social sector, or elsewhere – this is even better.

Want more?
If you are interested in booking a workshop, seminar, talk, or individual consultation – get in touch. We offer tailor-made formats according to your situation and the needs of your target groups.

“All that you touch
You Change.
All that you Change
Changes you.
The only lasting truth
Is Change.
God Is Change.”
Butler, Octavia E. “Parable of the Sower.”

Dr. Silke Schmidt (*1983) was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, where she still lives. She has worked in multiple professions and traveled extensively. She considers herself a border crosser, bridge builder, and interventionist. She is fascinated with liminal spaces and transformation processes. The Vision Fast experience in South Africa was crucial for her growing engagement with mental healthcare and spirituality. It extended her understanding of empowerment and experiential learning. Since childhood, writing has been her passion and anchor. Since 2018, she also writes professionally. More

“When I tell people about the Vision Fast, they usually look at me and say: ‘This is crazy.’ Well, the word crazy is by far the most common one that people use when describing me. I am not saying this because I want to pat myself on the back. This type of life between the extremes is in my nature. It is not just fun. But to be honest: I often wish that more people were a bit more crazy. If they left their self-made prisons and just did what their hearts long for. I know that this is not for everyone. But I want to encourage those who feel this urge. My calling is to trigger this longing in people that there is more to be explored in life and that there is more to believe in than previously encountered. I am really not a fan of church but if you want to use that label – I am a missionary when it comes to pushing people to ask questions they are afraid of asking because they somehow know, the answers might change their lives. If you are ready to open up to this, a companion helps. Seekers attract seekers. It has always been that way…” (Silke)