Farewell as a Beginning: The Transformative Power of Life Stages

Life is in constant flux—a continuous process of farewells and new beginnings. In Farewell as a Beginning: Life Is Transformation, psychotherapist Verena Kast shows how letting go of the old opens new doors. Inspired by Hermann Hesse’s poem Steps, we gain a powerful approach to navigating life’s transitions with courage and mindfulness.

Verena Kast: Farewell as a Beginning

Verena Kast, a pioneer in grief research, describes farewell as a necessary precondition for new beginnings. Every loss—whether of a life phase, a relationship, or a role—carries an opportunity. Kast encourages us to live "in a spirit of farewell": to accept impermanence, to live in the present moment, and to step into the new with trust.

Hermann Hesse’s Steps: A Poetic Guide

Hermann Hesse’s poem Steps (1941) is a timeless plea for courage in life and transformation. The famous line “And every beginning holds a special magic” captures its essence: every change brings new strength. Hesse portrays life as a journey where we must leave familiar spaces behind to enter new stages. The poem’s three stanzas (10, 8, and 4 lines) symbolize life's transience and constant evolution.

Excerpt from Steps:

As every blossom wilts and youth gives way to age,

So too each stage of life must bloom and fade,

Each virtue and each wisdom has its time,

And must not last forever.

The heart must be ready at each call of life

To let go and to begin anew,

With courage and without sorrow

To give itself to other new commitments.

And every beginning holds a special magic

That protects us and helps us to live.

Farewell and New Beginnings in Coaching

Farewell does not only mean loss but also the liberation from old patterns that no longer serve us. Three approaches in coaching:

1. Conscious Letting Go: Inspired by Verena Kast, we work on actively embracing farewells. Mindfulness techniques help to release what holds us back—whether it’s an old belief, a professional role, or a relationship.

2. Discovering the Magic of Beginnings: Hermann Hesse’s words remind us that every new beginning is an opportunity. In coaching, we develop new goals and strengthen the courage to embark on new paths.

3. Reflecting on Life Stages: Together, we review your previous life stages and the wisdom gained from them. This reflection reveals how past farewells can empower your future.

A Coaching Impulse for You

Take a moment to reflect:

• What farewell are you currently experiencing?

• What might you gain by letting go?

• How might you already feel the "magic of a beginning" today?

Conclusion: Life Is Transformation

Verena Kast and Hermann Hesse remind us: farewell and new beginning are two sides of the same coin. Those who learn to "live in farewell" and embrace the magic of beginnings open themselves to a life full of growth and possibilities.

Sources: Verena Kast, Farewell as a Beginning – Life Is Transformation, Patmos Verlag, 2024; Hermann Hesse, Steps, 1941.