In memoriam Klaus Karstadt

Participants in our Connecting Communication training have probably heard me talk about my training in Germany in “Gewaltfreie Kommunikation”. Over a period of several years, I followed a trainer certification programme and numerous advanced courses with Klaus. Nobody could explain the many themes within Nonviolent Communication as clearly and concisely as he could. He was himself a direct student of Marshall Rosenberg. I found Klaus’s way of explaining and living the principles at least as clear as Marshall Rosenberg’s own. I also first encountered the concept of Connecting Decision-Making through Klaus, together with Erik Van Etten in Dusseldorf. Klaus called Connecting Decision-Making “Schnellkonsensieren”.

What a shame that Klaus has left us so soon. He passed away in early November from a cancer that was diagnosed too late. I received an email from him in which he said goodbye. I read joy, gratitude and acceptance in it. I had been wanting to take a refresher course with him for a while… Never postpone what is dear to you… With gratitude and sadness, Klaus will live on in my memory but also in my work as a trainer. Many of the exercises and explanations come directly from the workshops with Klaus.

I also think of Frederike. She was often present during the longer training programmes. The way she and Klaus related to each other, warmly and genuinely, has deeply inspired me.

Rest in peace, Klaus, and be welcome in my dreams and meditations.

Lieber Klaus, von herzen dank fur die viele schone Tagen, die Inspiration un die Bereicherung. Lass es dir gut gehen, das tut es bestimmt!

Erwin