Grammar, feelings, conversations. Motivation, courage, being on board.
And at the heart of it all: The Mysterious Glow.
Lately, I’ve had the chance to witness how The Mysterious Glow unfolded its impact in three very different places: in a classroom, during a workshop with young adults in the telecommunications sector, and as a creative tool in the training of social pedagogues. Each encounter was unique. What remains is a sense of gratitude – and a sense of wonder at how versatile stories can be when we let them.
A Glow at Huttwil Primary School
“May I use images and excerpts from The Mysterious Glow for a workbook?”
This question from Emanuel Hausammann, a dedicated teacher at Huttwil Primary School, marked the beginning of a small miracle. His idea: to weave grammar with emotions. To bring words to life. I immediately agreed. The result was a wonderful project booklet, where not only language but also feelings had space to grow.
A child said: “Fear sometimes feels like a band around your neck.”
This openness allowed the teacher to offer targeted support. Moments like this are precious. The fact that my story found a place in this classroom fills me with deep gratitude.
What could be more beautiful than a heartfelt project inspiring new ideas in others?
A Glow for Young Adults – Sunrise Young Talents Leysin
The Mysterious Glow was also part of a special encounter with the “Sunrise Young Talents” in Leysin.
130 young people, aged 16 to 21. Many of them hadn’t been read to in years. It was a leap of faith – and became a gift.
The reactions were striking:
“During the reading, I kept jumping between the story and my own life.”
“The story felt so alive with the different voices you used.”
“Thank you for talking about emotions.”
These responses touched me deeply. They show how a story can transcend age boundaries – perhaps especially when childhood memories are still within reach.
The illustrations by Alison Stephen also resonated deeply. One young man said:
“The picture of the butterfly expresses so much joy and lightness. I feel that.”
The “Emotional Fit?!” workshop became a space for deep conversations – about courage, uncertainty, and the value of one’s own story.
Together with Simon Hausammann and Dragica Vrhovac, it became a powerful moment of exchange – thank you both from the bottom of my heart!
A Glow as an Experiment – HFS Zizers1
At the HFS Zizers, the day’s motto “Consider everything an experiment” (Corita Kent) encouraged us to let go of certainties. Together with students, I immersed myself in creative processes. “Viewing every step as part of a grand experiment is powerful because, in experimentation, failure does not exist. Experiments are really the ultimate source of certainty because each guarantees a new learning. (…) embracing an experimental mindset accelerates your learning curve enabling you to adapt more quickly and do better.” (Warrell, 2025). In a world that is constantly changing, this experimental mindset helps us to move forward.
The reading of The Mysterious Glow was my personal experiment that day. I wanted to know what benefit the students saw in the story for their social pedagogical work. The answers were inspiring: as an entry point into biographical work, as an alternative to traditional mood check-ins, as a door opener for difficult topics.
At the end, participants chose an image from the book and connected it with their day:
“This image is a symbol for today. I have many ideas and see all the possibilities, yet much is still unclear and unknown. It feels big. Like the wild boar.”
“Joy and discomfort are side by side in the image. I experienced the same mix of feelings, along with impatience.”
“The picture expresses a sense of security. That’s how I feel.”
Pure enCOURAGEment.
What Remains?
Each of these encounters was an experience. Not everything was planned. Little was predictable. And yet therein lies a strength:
When we dare to tell our stories with open hearts – and listen in the same way.
Where in your daily life can something new emerge, even if the goal is not yet clear?
How do you handle moments when joy and uncertainty coexist?
And – where do you recharge?
I’d love to hear your thoughts – as a message, comment, or conversation. Because: stories unfold their power not only in reading, but above all in connection with others.
- Higher Vocational School for Social Pedagogy. ↩︎