Today is the first day at work after a week off from the craziness. During my time off, I tried to wind down from the world that I work in; get plugged back in to a sense of calm and get recharged without distraction.
Suffice it to say that although my kids got sick, and work beckoned a few times during the week, prepared for my presentation in December for an upcoming Law Conference in Europe, and we even traveled to family for Turkey sharing etc I was somehow able to turn the volume way down and took a "pause". If anything it gave me a new perspective in how I perceive myself, in a lesser important sort of way. Although I have been involved with more responsibility at work and consider many more issues a day, some of which get Executive level attention; I was reminded that the job is a job and the job is not all that I am. I also remembered what my role is; and that is to do my best and to let go if things do not always go as planned.
When I am deep into work however, it is easy to get carried away, rolled up in the pressure, determined to do really well and to execute flawlessly etc. Even though this may be a good thing, it can overwhelm the sense of purpose I have and then I forget to breathe.
But the recharge helped.
I think the recharge moment happened when I was chatting with my husband, in our library when the candles were lit; book in hand, green tea in cup where I just enjoyed the quiet, the "non-activity" the solitude of not having to do something. There is much more excitement, happiness, life, energy, inspiration, dreams, hope and goodness beyond work. So much to be thankful for and even more to reflect on. We also caught up on a few films, met up with friends and caught up with Carla, Pieter's Mom and Bella's Oma (currently referred to as Aba by Alec who somehow refuses to call her anything else) is visiting us for a few weeks.
So despite the other issues I had to address during my week off, I woke up this morning ready for another day at work, and very cognizant that it is just that, not any more, not any less. I think that a vacation just needs that extra moment or two; when we realize stuff will happen with or without us and when we get back, it will be continue and still keep going...So why not look at it for what it is and keep things in perspective.
Peace
Monday, November 27, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Increased capacity during challenges
Recently, I have been traveling weekly to DC and work on several new responsibilities as my job has expanded as of October of this year. Apart from being Area Counsel to the "Mid-Atlantic" area of the US consisting of 8 states, lots of dollars and contracts to negotiate, the area is now twice the size and include responsibility for the legal management of the"Federal" area of the business, and all that it implies.
This new area is not completely foreign to me, since I worked in a heavily regulated area before going to my current job, and I was used to the government cultures which is starkly different from the commercial arena, with laws, regulations and public policy issues laden in every action, contract and issue.
When I took over this area, I was not sure what to expect; and even hesitant to dive deeply in the waters of the surrounding issues encompassing this Federal area. However, with utter support and confidence by my colleagues, some how I did not or have not yet drowned. Instead, I am making progress, trying to advise on improvements and almost feel strangely at ease. I do not believe however that this confidence or calm is stemming from me. Instead, I believe firmly that I am getting a lot of assistance from prayer, meditation, humility and trust in something way beyond me.
In a wonderful book by Dr. Youness Afroukhteh, called Memories of Nine Years in Akka, there are many inspiring words which come from the recently translated work by the author's memoirs who served Abdu'l Baha (son of Baha'u'llah founder of Bahai Faith) as his secretary and interpreter from 1900-1909. There was a point when the author was guided to change his profession from banking to medicine; at an age of mid 30's when he was sure it was going to be an impossible feat; and highly unlikely that he would succeed. However, through prayer, advice and consultation within own self-reflection; as well pearls of wisdom from Abdu'l Baha, he completed his studies and accomplished this difficult task.
One concept that was held close to his heart while attempting the new studies, was based on how to access assistance and Divine confirmation. Reciting the advice by Abdu'l Baha directly:
"In any and all endeavors, divine confirmation is wholly dependent on action. Persevere, so that the hosts of divine bounty may assist you"; "The hosts of divine blessing are poised behind this very window waiting for you to act. If you do not enter the arena of service, of what use are the hosts of heavenly confirmation? If the commander of the army remains idle and passive, how can the army achieve victory?"
Thursday, October 19, 2006
How You Tube connects to the heart
Recently, I was at a business lunch and the conversation touched upon the recent You Tube phenomenon. Why did Google pay 1.6 Billion dollars for a company that enables mass sharing of video clips?
Apart from the market segments and analysis of people's trends and views etc. that it may generate, I think the value goes even further. On a grassroots level, it has the potential to connect people with each other thru an easy media, accessible and available to anyone.
This new pipeline enables the sharing of ideas with visual candy for the eyes. Great for an MTV generation that connects through music, action clips and reality TV. Since it is not however driven by corporate ownership, sponsors of commercials etc, it is grass roots, people sharing with people. And as our deeper connections with each other gets lost through our frenetic paced lives, perhaps something as simple as sharing a video clip can get us back to a more civilized, closer humane way of life. These 2 videos will help explain what I mean.
The 1st one is about a quest for Free Hugs, and a true story about a person who found ways to hug humanity. And all for free! (the clip seems to be sometimes available and others not, so try again soon!!)
The 2nd clip is a great insightful story about a person's path towards understanding why we should care about today's world, in today's time, and seek more answers than just what we are fed or witness. This completely sheds light on exactly why critical thinking about the "Why" is life can be too strong to ignore.
19 years from tomorrow, the path he took also became my own...and I am still finding new dynamic truths everyday.
Apart from the market segments and analysis of people's trends and views etc. that it may generate, I think the value goes even further. On a grassroots level, it has the potential to connect people with each other thru an easy media, accessible and available to anyone.
This new pipeline enables the sharing of ideas with visual candy for the eyes. Great for an MTV generation that connects through music, action clips and reality TV. Since it is not however driven by corporate ownership, sponsors of commercials etc, it is grass roots, people sharing with people. And as our deeper connections with each other gets lost through our frenetic paced lives, perhaps something as simple as sharing a video clip can get us back to a more civilized, closer humane way of life. These 2 videos will help explain what I mean.
The 1st one is about a quest for Free Hugs, and a true story about a person who found ways to hug humanity. And all for free! (the clip seems to be sometimes available and others not, so try again soon!!)
The 2nd clip is a great insightful story about a person's path towards understanding why we should care about today's world, in today's time, and seek more answers than just what we are fed or witness. This completely sheds light on exactly why critical thinking about the "Why" is life can be too strong to ignore.
19 years from tomorrow, the path he took also became my own...and I am still finding new dynamic truths everyday.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Learning about my Dad
Today is my father's birthday, he would have turned 72 had he lived. But he passed on when he was 58, during my first year of law school. I spoke to my Mom about him and found out interesting stuff about his history, my history.
I have been reading In the Line of Fire, a memoir Pervez Musharraf, the President of Pakistan, which is the place where my parents are from.
In the beginning of his book, he describes his family's journey from India to Pakistan during the bloody partition which was deadly for both Muslims and Hindus, Indians and the newly formed Pakistanis. The President was about 4, and somewhere on that train or a train just like was a 13 year old boy named Tajammul Gill. My father was 13 when he joined thousands across the new border transferring into new land, hopefully to a new home. To avoid being killed, he was hidden under a carpet basket so that no one would notice, and luckily he escaped harm. How scared he must have been, wondering each moment whether it would be the end. Perhaps as a 13 year old, he was not in fear, but happy to leave India to go to Pakistan with his family, or perhaps he was angry or so terrified at what he witnessed on that ride. I will perhaps never know, at least not for a long while.
Apparently, my Father's family had not always been Muslim. A few generations back (Great grandfather I think), a Sikh family with the name "Gill" had several children, including boys and girls in a family of landowners.
Since there was a family near by of Muslim faith, and that family could not have children, one of the sons was provided with love and trust to the Muslim family. That boy was raised Muslim, and began my Father's heritage to end up in Pakistan.
I never knew these details, nor the path that my Father took to bring himself over to Pakistan. I often wish that he could tell me stories to answer the hundreds of questions I have for him. As a Mother, a wife, a lawyer, a woman of Pakistani/Sikh and actually Afghan heritage (that part was from my Mother's side), I discover new questions everyday that I would love to ask him. A long time ago, when he was around, I often sat with him and chatted about how I believed the world would be a world of peace one day, and that my life would be one of hope. He was a happy man, and despite his many sufferings, he could always find a smile and find time to take a walk with me and just chat, as a Father and as a friend. But when I was younger, I knew so little about what life would become, and I often miss his great advice, and he was so reasonable!!! At least in my eyes, he was just, considerate and very funny, always full of charm.
Well, it is his birthday today, and I think he is listening. I love you Dad and miss you all the time. My family, Pieter, Isabella and Alec would have absolutely adored you, but for what they do know, I think they already do. Bella even said a prayer for you this morning to remember you! : )
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Becoming Fruit
I have recently subscribed to Oprah Magazine, a magazine that has more content than advertising, at least it seems that way. It contains multi-generational/racial images that seem more positive and inspiring that most other "female" oriented magazines.
Anyway, inside are random poems, quotes etc. that sometimes strikes the perfect chord.
I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance,
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom,
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
---Dawna Markova
The woman who wrote this has a site called: smartwired.org it is a very smart website aimed to help each parent find the gems hidden in each child/which really relates the children's best qualities which are sometimes not always visible or apparent under our current educational system. I completely support this and actually Pieter and I are beginning to find new ways of spreading this notion to others in our community.
We started "fruit classes" a class that aims to help children find their noblest selves through games, stories and activities on virtue training. This was originally developed and based on RUHI 3, a book on spiritual education that was developed originally by a grassroots organization in Colombia (the country, not Ohio) but is now translated and used through out the world. Ruhi classes (so far there about 7 different themes) are based on a new type of learning, not by a standard "teacher-learner" model but rather a facilitated program provides a method so that each person can learn as you go, actively and organically with everyone involved. This is very cool when this is applied to children since they have amazing imagination, an untapped potential and great energy.
Bella already told me that she will be a MANGO in the fruit class. The "fruit class" name is based on thinking of a seed of a wonderful fruit and finding our true and best selves through these activities which will last every other week besides holidays etc. until May of next year (a total of 15 in all). We have invited Bella's friends and I hope that some of them will join us, share, learn and grow together so they can find what fruit they can become too.
Anyway, inside are random poems, quotes etc. that sometimes strikes the perfect chord.
I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance,
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom,
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
---Dawna Markova
The woman who wrote this has a site called: smartwired.org it is a very smart website aimed to help each parent find the gems hidden in each child/which really relates the children's best qualities which are sometimes not always visible or apparent under our current educational system. I completely support this and actually Pieter and I are beginning to find new ways of spreading this notion to others in our community.
We started "fruit classes" a class that aims to help children find their noblest selves through games, stories and activities on virtue training. This was originally developed and based on RUHI 3, a book on spiritual education that was developed originally by a grassroots organization in Colombia (the country, not Ohio) but is now translated and used through out the world. Ruhi classes (so far there about 7 different themes) are based on a new type of learning, not by a standard "teacher-learner" model but rather a facilitated program provides a method so that each person can learn as you go, actively and organically with everyone involved. This is very cool when this is applied to children since they have amazing imagination, an untapped potential and great energy.
Bella already told me that she will be a MANGO in the fruit class. The "fruit class" name is based on thinking of a seed of a wonderful fruit and finding our true and best selves through these activities which will last every other week besides holidays etc. until May of next year (a total of 15 in all). We have invited Bella's friends and I hope that some of them will join us, share, learn and grow together so they can find what fruit they can become too.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Bella's little painting adventure
Bella was almost in trouble last Saturday morning. I got up and Bella was already downstairs. Usually she waits for us and plays computer games until Pieter and I slowly wake up. It is one of the only days we can kind of sleep in...till 8:30. (oh the days of waking up after 10...) Anyway, I saw her come to my room and happily tell me that she had painted a flower and wanted to show it to me. I kind of brushed aside her statement since I thought that "painting" must be the wrong word she used, since she couldn't possibly know where the supplies are, how to make sure the paint would not spill and get all the prep she would need. Plus I was still waking up and trying to get my toothbrush and get Alec dressed at the same time.
After getting ready, she kept on pushing me to come down and see what she did. I was getting slightly worried. If she did actually PAINT, she would have definitely made a mess. Each time she does we go through a long process, finding some old newspaper, getting some water to wet the brush, opening some paints from the higher shelf in the closet, etc.
I came downstairs, saw her table and to my surprise, her desk was covered with paint stuff...not paint all over on the table as I would have suspected, but a neat pile of newspapers underneath some drawing paper, about 5 different types of paint open but not spilled, a small container of water to wet the brush, and a paint brush.
I was speechless, confused and almost angry. Part of me wanted to let her know that this was not acceptable behavior and that she KNEW she should have asked first. But the other part was amazed at her neatness, consideration and intelligence around creating her little masterpiece. Her picture speaks for itself.
I did remind her that next time, she should really ask us before she does this again. But I did thank her and tell her I was proud that she remembered all the steps all by herself, and that her flower was very beautiful.
Lets see what she comes up with tomorrow morning.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Children's classses the REMIX
Recently, things have gotten very BUSY, people staying over, house issues to fix, school transfers (public school to Montessori for Bella), new responsibilities, a paper to prepare for, and classes to start (2 that I am actually teaching, and this is outside of work) etc. I am getting tired.
The "teaching of classes" is getting a bit daunting, as one of them starts tomorrow morning and the otherin a few weeks. Part of my struggle lies in learning how to teach children and find the unique potential "gems" in each child and enable them to help see themselves as special, unique beautiful individuals that can be empowered to take decisions that assist others and themselves. This is particularly challenging when this society does not recognize that spiritual education and moral leadership is as essential as reading, writing and math. There are no "exams" or school ratings based on how they teach values in humanity or diversity training, multi-cultural respect, service to others etc.
A recent initiative by the global communities of the Bahais is to multiply these "spiritual education" classes in as many places as possible, so that all children are educated in this light, regardless of religion, creed, economics or politics. It is a wonderful initiative and I am proud to be a part of it in coordinating growing classes in our "central jersey" area.
Around the world, I have read stories from Columbia, Russia, UK, Senegal and even Nicaragua (HI BRAD AND CYN!!) that have inspired me where these initiatives have been successful, and children and parents realized that these classes actually impacted the way their kids acted on a day to day basis...for the better.
So, back to my little goal for Hillsborough NJ.
We decided to launch locally (from our home) a class called "Raising Peacemakers" a Bahai inspired conflict resolution class which has been modified by a great resource called Ruhi Book 3 "Teaching Children's Classes". The class materials are great, and includes art, music, stories and inspiring quotes so I am assuming, with a little luck the class will be fun, and an attractive learning experience for children from our neighborhood. The class will hopefully provide practical measures that children elementary school aged (from 5-10) can take and apply in the playground, at school etc. to assist them in becoming learning how to act like moral leaders. One practical example is sharing with others, preventing bullying, realizing that not getting your way is really okay...etc.
We hope to get enough interest to actually sustain a class. We will be launching it here in a few weeks. The results will be interesting. (Stay tuned)
Anyway, I am also preparing for a Bahai education school that starts tomorrow morning in Somerset (and kind of I am delaying preparing by writing this blog entry) I had to listen to something that might help me find more inspiration and found a great song by MERZ that hits the point perfectly... (go to Merz.co.uk.com for a download, or ITUNES for more great stuff from them)
MYSTIC TRANSFORMATION (by MERZ)
teacher teacher do us a favour
not sure we are getting any cleverer
the kind of knowledge taught to us at school
be the death of me and the death of you
take a look at what is happening to
the children of us just look at what they do
we need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation
trip of the time is that we're not all here
all messages collide into an oval sphere
there's something in there there's something without
dreams are reality that's what times about
all of natures not natural i love you then i don't
i'll be there when you need me but then again i won't
how did it happen? who can he be?
if life is worth living then show me
philosophy's recycled does that make it green?
does waste apply to our thoughts when we dream
lets deeds not words be your adorning
lets deeds not words be you
need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation
everything you know is wrong i saw that on a sign
i thought that sign's clever i'll make it mine
search should be a sport in the Olympics
people shouldn't have to spend their lives jumping into sandpits
reflection should be our conversation at times
just sit there and listen as time drifts by
there are hidden gems of knowledge stored in our minds
and education can bring out what's inside
we can create we can administrate
we can live our lives in a film script state
it's within human power to let the force shower us
with it's bounties and blessings it's features and lessons
i don't have to spell things out in black and white
cos it's not a jam jar storage kind of life
for the benefit of those who say i've got mine
there's something out there it's moving
it's leaving you behind
teacher teacher do us a favour
i'm not sure we are getting any cleverer
kind of knowledge taught to us at school
be the death of me and the death of you
take a look at what is happening to
the children of us just look at what they do
we need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation
(I'll settle for this area of NJ)
PS: Oh and by the way, if anyone who reads this have started similar children classes in their area, please share any hints, help and feedback you have gotten. I would love to hear...
The "teaching of classes" is getting a bit daunting, as one of them starts tomorrow morning and the otherin a few weeks. Part of my struggle lies in learning how to teach children and find the unique potential "gems" in each child and enable them to help see themselves as special, unique beautiful individuals that can be empowered to take decisions that assist others and themselves. This is particularly challenging when this society does not recognize that spiritual education and moral leadership is as essential as reading, writing and math. There are no "exams" or school ratings based on how they teach values in humanity or diversity training, multi-cultural respect, service to others etc.
A recent initiative by the global communities of the Bahais is to multiply these "spiritual education" classes in as many places as possible, so that all children are educated in this light, regardless of religion, creed, economics or politics. It is a wonderful initiative and I am proud to be a part of it in coordinating growing classes in our "central jersey" area.
Around the world, I have read stories from Columbia, Russia, UK, Senegal and even Nicaragua (HI BRAD AND CYN!!) that have inspired me where these initiatives have been successful, and children and parents realized that these classes actually impacted the way their kids acted on a day to day basis...for the better.
So, back to my little goal for Hillsborough NJ.
We decided to launch locally (from our home) a class called "Raising Peacemakers" a Bahai inspired conflict resolution class which has been modified by a great resource called Ruhi Book 3 "Teaching Children's Classes". The class materials are great, and includes art, music, stories and inspiring quotes so I am assuming, with a little luck the class will be fun, and an attractive learning experience for children from our neighborhood. The class will hopefully provide practical measures that children elementary school aged (from 5-10) can take and apply in the playground, at school etc. to assist them in becoming learning how to act like moral leaders. One practical example is sharing with others, preventing bullying, realizing that not getting your way is really okay...etc.
We hope to get enough interest to actually sustain a class. We will be launching it here in a few weeks. The results will be interesting. (Stay tuned)
Anyway, I am also preparing for a Bahai education school that starts tomorrow morning in Somerset (and kind of I am delaying preparing by writing this blog entry) I had to listen to something that might help me find more inspiration and found a great song by MERZ that hits the point perfectly... (go to Merz.co.uk.com for a download, or ITUNES for more great stuff from them)
MYSTIC TRANSFORMATION (by MERZ)
teacher teacher do us a favour
not sure we are getting any cleverer
the kind of knowledge taught to us at school
be the death of me and the death of you
take a look at what is happening to
the children of us just look at what they do
we need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation
trip of the time is that we're not all here
all messages collide into an oval sphere
there's something in there there's something without
dreams are reality that's what times about
all of natures not natural i love you then i don't
i'll be there when you need me but then again i won't
how did it happen? who can he be?
if life is worth living then show me
philosophy's recycled does that make it green?
does waste apply to our thoughts when we dream
lets deeds not words be your adorning
lets deeds not words be you
need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation
everything you know is wrong i saw that on a sign
i thought that sign's clever i'll make it mine
search should be a sport in the Olympics
people shouldn't have to spend their lives jumping into sandpits
reflection should be our conversation at times
just sit there and listen as time drifts by
there are hidden gems of knowledge stored in our minds
and education can bring out what's inside
we can create we can administrate
we can live our lives in a film script state
it's within human power to let the force shower us
with it's bounties and blessings it's features and lessons
i don't have to spell things out in black and white
cos it's not a jam jar storage kind of life
for the benefit of those who say i've got mine
there's something out there it's moving
it's leaving you behind
teacher teacher do us a favour
i'm not sure we are getting any cleverer
kind of knowledge taught to us at school
be the death of me and the death of you
take a look at what is happening to
the children of us just look at what they do
we need a mystic transformation
to spread over our nation
(I'll settle for this area of NJ)
PS: Oh and by the way, if anyone who reads this have started similar children classes in their area, please share any hints, help and feedback you have gotten. I would love to hear...
Monday, August 28, 2006
Why not giving in can be so valuable
I had a battle of wits today with my little son Alec. It started at dinner time, where Pieter and I are trying to continue our pattern of sitting around our dining table to have dinner with the kids, without distraction, no TV, and maybe just occasionally jazz or down tempo music in the background. We have done this many times before but in the summer we also eat outside, inside, anywhere to escape the heat and to eat in peace. Usually, despite our best intentions, we all eat for about 12 minutes together, and then Alec wants to depart and play. He is not interested in his food until possibly an hour later and by then Bella is on dessert and he conveniently eats alternative food, peanut butter and jelly, bananas, apple, and or just maybe 2 more spoonfuls of his dinner. Today was different. I made one of his favorites, spaghetti and meatballs, an easy kid friendly meal which I knew he would likely eat at least half of it with no fuss.
When he received a spoonful of plain spaghetti, which he gladly played and then ate, I should have known he would refuse any sauce laden cut up spaghettis in his little dish.
However, I was determined to make sure he would eat. He was a little ill over the weekend and I knew he should eat well, and get some protein in him and not just feast on long noodles with a touch of olive oil. So I asked, I told him, and I insisted that he have his food. Of course, this was not simple. It was interwoven with bouts of crying, spitting out food, coughing so close to vomiting, crying again, catching his breath from crying, yelling, almost pushing his bowl to the floor, and then just some individual noodles to follow...
Over a period of 55 minutes, I endured his crying, screaming and utter misery while I asked, pleaded, spoke to him sternly, and tried every trick to get him to take a few bites. No matter what I tried, he refused, and even just held the food in his mouth and continued to cry...
But no matter what or how he reacted, I just felt like it was not something I could give up... This was not a battle of wills, even though he probably thought it was, it was about love. I did not want to hear him cry another note, no more tears, no more looking at me, or looking away from me to avoid the spoon. How can a little child create so much anguish in me while I know I had to persist. Something was telling me not to give up.
I was not fully angry with him just confused and unsure how to react to his distaste and firm determination to not eat. I used gentle soft words except for once or twice where I just grappled for stronger words, but couldn't find any to take effect. Now to anyone reading this, you have to know that this is a slight departure for me. I usually speak with volume, in a quickened pace and am very determined. Somehow with this little guy, he reacts differently, and focused eye contact, gentle words and piercing sincerity seems to encourage his goodness while anger only seems to upset him.
After hearing his 50th minute of crying and defiance, he looked at me, and as he was catching his breath from crying I think he heard or felt that I was tearing up wondering how to convince this little strong soul that I knew what was best for him.
Maybe he was just exhausted, he leaned his head against my heart and he slowly calmed his rapid little breath and he became quiet.
He just waited as if he knew this could not go on, or else he know that I would not give up, or perhaps he realized that he could defer and trust me. I kept on repeating calmly and gently that I wanted him to eat because it was good for him, that I knew he didn't like it but that he has to eat. As he quieted, my voice slowed and I paused, just wondering what he would do.
I held the spoon with the spaghetti for what seemed like hours, but was probably 10 seconds, close to his mouth wondering if he would voluntarily just take it. His mouth stayed closed, so I tapped his mouth with my finger and asked him to open...and then then slowly it gave way.
Amazingly, he had 10 bites after that, and with each bite I repeated very softly that I utterly loved him and that I was so happy he was eating. I did not wait for him to stop rather I let him eat half his bowl and then let him play with Bella, which he was excited to do and ran over to her in the living room to join her.
The little picture above is him is right before I took him for a bath tonight and he was very happy. So was I, and before I think about the rest of the week and how to approach meals Tuesday through Friday with the family on the table...
I am glad I didn't give in.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Investigating the changing role of in house lawyers.
In the past few weeks, I have been traveling, hosting some friends and working on various projects which have been keeping me very busy. I have actually wanted to blog a few times, but frankly had very little "free" time to do so.
One of the projects that I have been working on is in preparing a lecture and dialogue for a presentation at a law conference this winter.
In December I will be attending the 10th Annual European Bahai Law Conference in the Netherlands and will be offering my 2 cents as an in house attorney on my experiences of guiding business and counseling corporate actors to act more ethically creating a more sound business and legal environment. This has become particularly relevant lately due to all the developments in regulatory compliance mandates (SOX, etc. and other acronyms that make most corporate executives cringe and spends lots more $$ to manage) which have required companies to be more transparent to the stockholder and to avoid deceptive practices.
As a result of these changes, instead of just providing legal advice to address legal issues from a silo that has little interaction with the business, the in-house legal role is shifting to be more of a business counselor, an advocate to help alter and form the strategy of the company and act as true trusted advisor. Either this is just the limited experience of an enthusastic lawyer that has great business folks to work with, or this is fact a changing trend.
In preparation for this I am going to do some research of how other "in house" lawyers have faced this challenge and whether this is true for many in the corporate landscape. If I find enough worthy information, I'd like to write an article of my findings.
For inspiration, I checked out various places that would accept such an article, not an official legal analysis but rather an essay or comment on the relevant legal envirnoment we face today. Suprisingly, I found that the "Harvard Law Review" accepted articles 25 pages or less that would be considered an "Essay" that advances an idea, summarizes a development, or initiates or engages in discussion. I assume that I would need some magic wizardry to get published in something so accomplished and worthy but they do select through anonymous submissions... Who knows?
Anyway, I will need to prepare an outline, chat with some other industry gurus and find out more information and facts. Looking forward to this new journey...
One of the projects that I have been working on is in preparing a lecture and dialogue for a presentation at a law conference this winter.
In December I will be attending the 10th Annual European Bahai Law Conference in the Netherlands and will be offering my 2 cents as an in house attorney on my experiences of guiding business and counseling corporate actors to act more ethically creating a more sound business and legal environment. This has become particularly relevant lately due to all the developments in regulatory compliance mandates (SOX, etc. and other acronyms that make most corporate executives cringe and spends lots more $$ to manage) which have required companies to be more transparent to the stockholder and to avoid deceptive practices.
As a result of these changes, instead of just providing legal advice to address legal issues from a silo that has little interaction with the business, the in-house legal role is shifting to be more of a business counselor, an advocate to help alter and form the strategy of the company and act as true trusted advisor. Either this is just the limited experience of an enthusastic lawyer that has great business folks to work with, or this is fact a changing trend.
In preparation for this I am going to do some research of how other "in house" lawyers have faced this challenge and whether this is true for many in the corporate landscape. If I find enough worthy information, I'd like to write an article of my findings.
For inspiration, I checked out various places that would accept such an article, not an official legal analysis but rather an essay or comment on the relevant legal envirnoment we face today. Suprisingly, I found that the "Harvard Law Review" accepted articles 25 pages or less that would be considered an "Essay" that advances an idea, summarizes a development, or initiates or engages in discussion. I assume that I would need some magic wizardry to get published in something so accomplished and worthy but they do select through anonymous submissions... Who knows?
Anyway, I will need to prepare an outline, chat with some other industry gurus and find out more information and facts. Looking forward to this new journey...
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Other blogs to watch for
When I blog, I write about things that I feel are "relevant" to my life. For those who read the blog, I hope to provide some insight on my personal life, my worldly view and maybe once in a while provide people with a new or fresh perspective on things. For my close friends (and family) who I don't see often enough, mostly because they reside all over the world, I hope to give them a sense of "me" without the need for the phone call or personal email.
I read two blogs the other day that gave me pause and made me smile.
The first was reading a newbie blogger, a soon to be high school senior who is setting her sights on becoming a worthy journalist one day. Her blog has just begun and is likely the first of a million entries authored by her pen (or shall we say keyboard??). It is so exciting to see her record her thoughts and share those thoughts to others. She is is a unique girl who is wise beyond her age, with a heart of a shy soul who is longing to open her wings.
In the past year she has been our babysitter, one who has brought lots of joy to Bella and Alec and have calmed them into happily and contently having a smile even while Pieter and I leave the house to go enjoy the "outside" sans kids. I am proud of her courage to open her heart to write...I look forward to much more. Check out http://liveitloveitlearnit.blogspot.com and enjoy...
The other blog is my best friend's, my co-traveler on this plane of existence (and the next), and husband Pieter Bas. He started his own website/blog/dialogue page a few months ago, and it actually has lots of components, some blog like, some descriptive, and others reflections of his multifaceted character (woodworking and web design anyone?) He is in the midst of writing a book and I am so excited for myself and the world to see the culmination of all his efforts. His latest entry was eloquent, incredibly well written and has proven to me that his words will an amazing force to be dealt with...
I am so lucky that I can say he is mine. Love rocks. Check him out at: indigored.com
I read two blogs the other day that gave me pause and made me smile.
The first was reading a newbie blogger, a soon to be high school senior who is setting her sights on becoming a worthy journalist one day. Her blog has just begun and is likely the first of a million entries authored by her pen (or shall we say keyboard??). It is so exciting to see her record her thoughts and share those thoughts to others. She is is a unique girl who is wise beyond her age, with a heart of a shy soul who is longing to open her wings.
In the past year she has been our babysitter, one who has brought lots of joy to Bella and Alec and have calmed them into happily and contently having a smile even while Pieter and I leave the house to go enjoy the "outside" sans kids. I am proud of her courage to open her heart to write...I look forward to much more. Check out http://liveitloveitlearnit.blogspot.com and enjoy...
The other blog is my best friend's, my co-traveler on this plane of existence (and the next), and husband Pieter Bas. He started his own website/blog/dialogue page a few months ago, and it actually has lots of components, some blog like, some descriptive, and others reflections of his multifaceted character (woodworking and web design anyone?) He is in the midst of writing a book and I am so excited for myself and the world to see the culmination of all his efforts. His latest entry was eloquent, incredibly well written and has proven to me that his words will an amazing force to be dealt with...
I am so lucky that I can say he is mine. Love rocks. Check him out at: indigored.com
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