A blog by Frits Koster

The drastic climate changes are obvious. Shifts are being observed all over the world. In general, future life does not look favourable for humans, plants and animals. We need to change, based on concern for future generations, we can commit to a better climate in various ways. I have a lot of respect for people who work at, for instance, Greenpeace and other NGO’s or campaign at Extinction Rebellion and protest and set up actions for sustainability and a better climate.

Our neighbour has followed a different path. She completely reversed the work bow several years ago and trained and immersed herself in organic agriculture and horticulture. Out of love for nature and concern for the future of our planet and the ever-widening gap between man and nature, she and a friend started a new initiative this spring. She set up a ‘self-harvesting garden’ in the North of the Netherlands under the motto: ‘Grown by us, harvested by you.’ Tasty, fun and educational.’ Others – like ourselves – do this by supporting projects like the one above and, above all, exploring how to reduce our own ecological footprint. For example, we have started flying less often and try to take the train more often.

We can all do a bigger or a smaller bit as generosity to current and future generations. But how do you deal with the inner climate? How do you look at yourself when you have made a mistake or done something stupid? How do you deal with someone towards whom you have fallen short so that you feel guilty or ashamed towards that other person? How do you (inwardly) deal with someone who has hurt you or holds very different beliefs?

Joyce Cordus and I started developing the Mindfulness-Based Training in Forgiveness (MBTF) in 2022. It is a training for if you are already familiar with the practice of mindfulness and are looking for a life with more space, respect and forgiveness in relating to yourself, others and the world around you. Forgiveness is included as one of twenty-four core qualities in contemporary positive psychology and has been shown by various research to clearly contribute to health and well-being.

See our website www.traininginforgiveness.com for more information and various activities, live and on location. Under the following motto: ‘A sustainable climate, in ourselves too.’

– Frits Koster, August 2024