So, here I am - living in Asia - and every time I turn on the news, it is a story from Europe that dominates the international headlines. Greece and the debt crisis... Yesterday Gary and I were on a long bus ride and, with lots of time to talk, I started venting. My poor…Read more Greece is on my mind and here is why
Communication
Can we have shortcuts in reconciliation?
I will be honest – I struggle with confession. I struggle with acknowledging the truth that I have hurt someone by my words, actions or attitudes. Even when confronted, I try to minimize, avoid, justify or simply hide the truth. I guess some things have not changed since I was a little girl who was…Read more Can we have shortcuts in reconciliation?
Considering the flowers…
My grandmother is almost 92 and, to tell you the truth, I cannot keep up with her. Yes, she does not hear so well and moves slower, but she has so much zest for life. On her good days her energy is overflowing and I still cannot keep her pace while working in the garden.…Read more Considering the flowers…
Discovering empathy, hospitality and embrace
When I was 18 years old and left home for the first time, I stayed in Oslo, Norway. I went to help some relatives of mine with childcare and they gave me an opportunity to experience the beautiful Norway and its culture. During the week I went to study Norwegian in a class for immigrants.…Read more Discovering empathy, hospitality and embrace
The old man who is still looking for peace
You never know who you may meet while traveling. Last week I spent some long hours on the plane from Riga - Moscow - Bangkok. Sometimes you have an encounter and think, "Interesting timing! Why am I meeting this person here and now?" When boarding the plane in Moscow, I noticed that I would sit…Read more The old man who is still looking for peace
Don’t judge the book by its cover?
In Latvia we like to use another saying “Don’t judge a man by his hat.” It can have different meanings like do not think he is smart or important or trustworthy because he wears a nice hat. Or that a person is not what he wears. Or that we cannot know the hearts of people.…Read more Don’t judge the book by its cover?
When fear drives out love…
Sometimes I look like this. At least mentally and emotionally. Like the little frightened and confused Gollum with voices in my head. One voice that talks about love, trust, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and the other voice – full of fear, mistrust, hopelessness, bitterness, unforgiveness... I talked about being a good listener but there are times…Read more When fear drives out love…
The threat of listening
Are you a good listener? Have you ever felt threatened by listening to someone's story? I have a good friend from Siberia, Russia and she helps me to be a better listener. Here is how... First a little side note: Have you ever been to Siberia? I have and I loved it! Some years ago…Read more The threat of listening
peaceroads 