It is time for New Year's resolutions and I will confess... I usually don't make them. I am not good at keeping promises to myself because most of my time and energy is spent trying to keep promises to others and that is difficult enough. But if I was to have my way, I would…Read more 2019… what do I see
News
Platitudes of peace and unity in Korea and one Latvian’s view on it
The 2018 Winter Olympics are called "Peace games" but somehow this message does not stick easily. As my blog page tells, I am all for using every and any platform for peace building, common good, diplomacy, solidarity and sports is one of those forms of fun and entertainment which brings people together. Just like kicking…Read more Platitudes of peace and unity in Korea and one Latvian’s view on it
Rohingya and soul searching in Myanmar
Myanmar is making international headlines again and the news is not good. Tragedy for the thousands and thousands of people who are losing their homes, ancestral land, possessions and fleeing to neighboring country Bangladesh... hundreds are also losing their lives and their loved ones. The story of Rohingya ethnic minority has repeated through the years…Read more Rohingya and soul searching in Myanmar
Beware of narrow vocabularies and two-dimensional world
The great "back to school" migration has begun... public transport packed with excited or anxious children, proud or worried parents and other happy or annoyed passengers who observe this happy noise and energy. In fact I am building up my own excitement for continued studies in Latvia University which begins on Monday. In Latvia (and…Read more Beware of narrow vocabularies and two-dimensional world
“This Little Light Of Mine” in Charlottesville and elsewhere
I pondered this post for days. I was in the USA when the tragedy in Charlottesville took place. While many are discussing the statements and views of the current president, Donald Trump, and other political leaders, I have tried to find the 'ordinary' voices. The local people from this university town; the voices of faith…Read more “This Little Light Of Mine” in Charlottesville and elsewhere
Most difficult peace with ourselves
My claim to fame - meeting and talking with Brian "Head" Welch from Korn. I was never a huge fan. I could not relate to their darkness and anger and even less to the destructive lifestyle, but few years ago I heard Head perform his solo album "Save me from myself". Talk about a story…Read more Most difficult peace with ourselves
Zooming in and out this world and life of ours
Bangkok - Moscow - Riga... my flight itinerary the other day. I have been on this route many times before, bridging Southeast Asia and Northern Europe in less than 12 hours. Once I mentioned to a friend that I feel my one foot in Latvia and the other in Thailand. My friend laughed: "That is…Read more Zooming in and out this world and life of ours
Miscounting the bullets and choices that count the most
I have a new morning routine. I am not one of those people who can jump out of the bed once awake. I take my time and try to convince myself to look forward to getting up from the warm and cozy covers. The pillow has such a magnetic pull... So, I tell myself to…Read more Miscounting the bullets and choices that count the most
I don’t want to be another brick in the wall
Few days ago I was giving a lecture on peace building and reconciliation and our group had a very good discussion about some of the issues and challenges that our societies are facing. It was in a religious context but the principles of good and healthy relationships vs bad and broken ones are the same…Read more I don’t want to be another brick in the wall
What I learned from pilgrimage of trust in Rīga
Hope is on my mind. Hope is different from simple optimism or positive thinking because hope is living both in the reality of "now and here" and in "not yet and not there yet". It all depends on the ultimate truth and purpose of life you believe in. Few weeks ago the capital of Latvia…Read more What I learned from pilgrimage of trust in Rīga