How did you become aware of euforia and why did you join?
I’ve always enjoyed thinking about profound topics and what is happening around me, constantly asking the question "Why?".
In 2015 I met a girl and we had a deep conversation about our society. She then told me about euforia and imp!act, suggesting that I join. She said it would provide me with the opportunity not only to talk about these topics but to develop solutions. I joined straight away with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement.
What role do you have at euforia? What did you learn thanks to euforia?
I started off as an imp!act participant and then proceeded to organise an imp!act myself. This was an amazing experience but I must admit that it was also a struggle. I was absorbed by the euphoric atmosphere and the feeling of infinite possibilities. We had a vision of this amazing, inspiring workshop we would create. However, we underestimated how much hard work was required.
I had to learn to hand over control. I was unaware that I was such a control freak! I had this image in my head of how everything should be, this perfect imp!act where everyone is happy and super enthusiastic. And I wanted the actual event to mirror this image. I ended up doing a lot of work myself rather than delegating it. I was overwhelmed.
At the imp!act workshop I realised how much pressure I had put myself under and, ironically, I was not in the right mindset to enjoy it. Of course it was an amazing workshop, but I could only see the imperfections.
Through this experience I acquired experience in conflict solving and communication. I’ve also learnt to listen to others and to understand others, and realised how important it is to be honest to oneself.
At the moment I’m training those who are organising imp!act Bern this fall.
What do you believe is euforia’s key to success?
Its holistic approach. You can be who you are and instantly feel accepted and significant.
Could you put your experience at euforia in one sentence?
Everything is possible for those with the courage to try.
What do you do outside the scope of euforia?
I discontinued my studies in international management a while ago, as I wasn’t happy with them. I felt I was consuming random information that was not valuable to me.
At the moment I am doing an internship with a start up called We Act. We Act is a platform that, through gamification provides people with valuable skills to live sustainably. Companies or universities form teams and enter a 3-week competition, during which they set sustainable goals for themselves. These can be eating vegetarian, going to work/uni by bike, taking shorter showers, or avoiding food waste. The winner gets a prize and everyone receives a certificate stating how much CO2 they reduced.
When people think of saving our planet they tend to imagine huge, insurmountable steps, but we can actually achieve a lot by changing our lifestyles. And these changes need not be radical.
How do you see your career path proceeding after your internship?
I am in a reorientation phase at the moment. Aside from my internship I do self-studying – I love reading – and want to experience different fields because everything is connected and I find it important to have a holistic view.
In order to find solutions to the problems we face we need to gain understanding, acceptance and tolerance for others, and find a way to collaborate in order to tackle today’s challenges. In fact, while it’s easy to point fingers and blame others, it’s on us to find solutions.
You mentioned that you enjoy reading. What books do you enjoy?
I mainly read non-fiction. I like to read on psychology, economics, evolution, biology, physics, and spirituality. At the moment I am reading Ken Wilber’s book ‘Logos, Eros and Cosmos’. It addresses several different topics and cites many other authors. I would highly recommend it.
Which global issue are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about the well being of human beings. I believe you have to start from within, with your personal well being. The most destructive thing is externalised frustration, anger or hatred. If we are uncomfortable with ourselves we may well end up starting destroying our environment. Our reality reflects how we feel inside. If we feel despair, despair is what we will perceive and project around us. Therefore, if we want to create a loving, peaceful environment we need to start from within.
Currently, I am building my ‘muscles’ through reading and varied experiences so that hopefully in the future I can contribute to this passion.
Do you have anything to add?
Keep going and believe in the good. Then everything will be all right.