05-12 2020 10:43
wrote:
Christof, it has always been fantastic working with you. You have always been the most professional, super creative, great problem solver, a fantastic collaborator and a very caring friend.
The Buddhist expression "a strong back and a soft front" makes me think of you. You always had the strength to stand up for what is right, to uphold yourself and all of us in all circumstances. I could always trust that you did what was right for all of us. You also had the ability to be truly open to the world as it is, to have an undefended heart. To actively listen to and see others' perspectives, reflect with an open mind and still with the strong back find the best solution.
Buddhist teacher Joan Halifax says: “All too often our so-called strength comes from fear, not love. Instead of having a strong back, many of us have a defended front, shielding a weak spine. In other words, we walk around brittle and defensive, trying to conceal our lack of confidence. If we strengthen our backs, metaphorically speaking, and develop a spine that’s flexible but sturdy, then we can risk having a front that’s soft and open. How can we give and accept care with strong back, soft front, compassion, moving past fear to a place of genuine tenderness? I believe it comes when we can be truly transparent, seeing the world clearly and letting the world see into us.”
Brene Brown's addition to the phrase; "Strong back, soft front and wild at heart" is also so much you. The wild at heart is your passion for everything you immersed yourself in and your sense of belonging, which made you always challenge yourself. With new adventures, new achievements. I am glad I got to be on that journey.
I am honestly a better person because I learned from looking at what you did and how you did it. I am very grateful that I got to know you and for everything I had the opportunity to develop together with you. I am also grateful that I got the chance to tell you how much you mean to me. I have appreciated our years together immensely and I will treasure your memory through everything I have learned from you. With a soft front, strong back and wild at heart.
Rest in peace Christof. I miss you so much.
05-12 2020 10:43
wrote:
Christof, it has always been fantastic working with you. You have always been the most professional, super creative, great problem solver, a fantastic collaborator and a very caring friend.
The Buddhist expression "a strong back and a soft front" makes me think of you. You always had the strength to stand up for what is right, to uphold yourself and all of us in all circumstances. I could always trust that you did what was right for all of us. You also had the ability to be truly open to the world as it is, to have an undefended heart. To actively listen to and see others' perspectives, reflect with an open mind and still with the strong back find the best solution.
Buddhist teacher Joan Halifax says: “All too often our so-called strength comes from fear, not love. Instead of having a strong back, many of us have a defended front, shielding a weak spine. In other words, we walk around brittle and defensive, trying to conceal our lack of confidence. If we strengthen our backs, metaphorically speaking, and develop a spine that’s flexible but sturdy, then we can risk having a front that’s soft and open. How can we give and accept care with strong back, soft front, compassion, moving past fear to a place of genuine tenderness? I believe it comes when we can be truly transparent, seeing the world clearly and letting the world see into us.”
Brene Brown's addition to the phrase; "Strong back, soft front and wild at heart" is also so much you. The wild at heart is your passion for everything you immersed yourself in and your sense of belonging, which made you always challenge yourself. With new adventures, new achievements. I am glad I got to be on that journey.
I am honestly a better person because I learned from looking at what you did and how you did it. I am very grateful that I got to know you and for everything I had the opportunity to develop together with you. I am also grateful that I got the chance to tell you how much you mean to me. I have appreciated our years together immensely and I will treasure your memory through everything I have learned from you. With a soft front, strong back and wild at heart.
Rest in peace Christof. I miss you so much.
