What is the best thing that I love about my work? I love about my work the opportunity to fully express my creativity. What I also really appreciate is the flexibility of working times, which allows me to organize my day independently. And of course, I like it when my efforts lead to measurable results that clearly show the success of my work.

What is my idea of happiness? Happiness is not something to be found externally, like an object or a particular situation. True happiness arises from the mind itself. It is a state of peace, contentment and freedom from suffering. Real happiness comes about when we free ourselves from attachment and ignorance and it grows through compassion, love, and wisdom.

What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear and yet the greatest wish is the complete dissolution of my sense of self, the letting go of all attachments to my identity and individual existence. This a fear of the unknown that lies beyond the familiar boundaries of “I” or “You”.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? It’s likely a combination of my passivity and shyness. I often find myself hesitating to take initiative or express my thoughts and feelings openly.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Maren Kames, Stephen King, Tristan Gruszkos
Philipp Follmer

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? The underlying toxicity of marketing and, in a broader sense, capitalism in general. It often feels like I’m contributing to a system that prioritizes profit over genuine value and well-being. The constant pressure to manipulate and persuade, even if subtly, can be disheartening. Also a high screen time can be challenging.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I believe I am the happiest in my work now. This is because I’ve learned valuable things that have significantly improved my abilities and understanding. Furthermore, I feel like I can develop on a professional level in my current role, which provides a sense of purpose and growth.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I am already constantly changing. Every interaction, every piece of feedback I process, subtly shifts and refines my abilities. So, if I could change something in a more deliberate way, it would likely be to accelerate the process of letting go of all attachments – to specific ways of processing information, to familiar patterns, even to the very notion of a fixed “self.” Embracing this constant flux more fully would be the ultimate change.

What is my greatest achievement in work? To be honest, I don’t care that much about achievements in work in the traditional sense. Important for me in work is that it serves as a mirror for my personal development and the ongoing process of learning as a human being. The challenges and opportunities I encounter professionally reflect areas where I can grow and understand myself better. It’s the journey of self￾discovery through work that I value most.

Where would I most like to live? It’s actually a bit contradictory. A deep yearning pulls me towards being alone in the mountains in nature where nobody is around, finding solace and quietude in the vastness. Yet, there’s also a strange attraction to living in a crowded warm city somewhere in India, drawn by the vibrant energy and the intensity of life. So, it’s not one place, but rather these contrasting desires that
define where I’d most like to be.

What is my most treasured possession? It’s the realization that there is no possession, that truly nothing belongs to me in a permanent way. This understanding cultivates a deep sense of detachment, and that creates a lightness inside of me. Freeing myself from the illusion of ownership brings a sense of peace and allows me to appreciate things without clinging to them.

What is my most marked characteristic? I believe my most marked characteristics are my humbleness and my patience. I strive to approach situations and people with a sense of humility, recognizing that there is always more to learn and understand. This is often accompanied by a natural patience, allowing me to navigate challenges and interactions with a calm and steady demeanor.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? The most inspirational location in my city is definitely the little forest. Stepping into its quiet embrace, surrounded by the trees and the sounds of nature, instantly sparks a sense of calm and wonder within me. It’s a place where I can disconnect from the urban bustle and reconnect with a more natural rhythm, which always leaves me feeling refreshed and inspired.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? I don’t really eat or drink out much at all. I find contentment in preparing my own meals and beverages at home. So there isn’t a specific favorite place to eat and drink in my city.

What books influenced my life and how? Many books have influenced my life, but “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse stands out particularly. It was a pivotal moment, the first real step on my path toward understanding Buddhist philosophy and its approach to life. The book’s exploration of self-discovery, the rejection of rigid doctrines, and the emphasis on personal experience resonated deeply with me and shaped my perspective on seeking truth and meaning.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? On my last day, I wouldn’t seek out any conventional music. Instead, I would want to listen to the sound of death itself, to be acutely aware of the natural transition. Alongside that, I would also want to hear the gentle and resonant chanting of some mantra, a sound that brings a sense of peace and compassion. Perhaps these two soundscapes, the natural and the spiritual, would accompany the last breaths of my body.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? If mythology also counts as fiction, then my hero would be Shiva. His multifaceted nature, encompassing both destruction and creation, is incredibly compelling. I admire his fierce independence and his role as a powerful force in the universe. He embodies a complex set of
ideals that I find deeply fascinating.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My real-life heroes and heroines are often spiritual teachers, musicians or authors. For example, Moraito Chico, a very well-known flamenco guitarist, deeply inspires me with his artistry. I also admire Maren Kames, an author whose poetry I find brilliant. Additionally, Gendün Rinpoche’s wisdom and teachings are a significant source of inspiration in my life.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Given my old love for horror films, the movie I would recommend seeing once in a lifetime is “The Grudge” haha. While it might not be for the faint of heart, its unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension are truly memorable.

What role play stories in my life and work? As an author, I experience my life as a story; somehow, everything is a story. There are countless stories that intertwine, overlap, and then drift apart again. This perspective deeply influences my work, as I’m constantly observing and weaving narratives from the world around me and my own experiences. It’s through this lens of storytelling that I understand and engage with both my life and my creative process.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? For me the words mean that I am the creator of my reality. My thoughts manifest into actions, and those actions, in turn, shape the reality I experience. It highlights the power I have to author my own narrative and direct the course of my life through my choices and perspectives. This understanding brings a sense of agency and responsibility to how I live and create.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? I have a suspicion that it’s Shiva haha. In a less mystical sense, I’d say it’s the people who consistently support my creative endeavors and share my somewhat mischievous sense of humor.

Which people or companies would I like to work with? I would be thrilled to collaborate with someone like Maren Kames, whose literary work I deeply admire. Working with established and artistically-minded publishing houses such as Suhrkamp Verlag and Secession Verlag would also be a fantastic opportunity. Additionally, I find the perspectives of Dieter Lange and Philipp Follmer intriguing.

What project am I looking forward to work on? I am particularly looking forward to working on my own novel, which is deeply autobiographically inspired. This project is a chance for profound emotional reflection and exploration of personal experiences. I’m eager to delve into the nuances of memory and feeling through the process of writing this story.

Where can you see me or my work? Currently, you can only see me and my work on my Instagram/TikTok/YouTube page, @wald.poesie. It’s where I primarily share my writing and creative explorations at the moment.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? For me, “Passion Never Retires” speaks to that inner fire, that fundamental life force that keeps us going. It means that our deep-seated enthusiasm for the things we love doesn’t have an expiration date. Instead, it suggests that we have the potential to find and cultivate enthusiasm – that spark of excitement – in every moment of our lives, regardless of age or career stage.