In Budapest I found more than a place to unwind; I discovered a timeless connection to the Ottoman tradition of rest and rejuvenation. Surrounded by centuries-old healing waters and rich history, my friend and I let go of plans and embraced the power of stillness, discovering how true renewal happens when we simply let “the rest do the rest.”

At the BASE conference, STRIVE Cards made their debut and I am reflecting on this powerful workshop. I’m grateful to everyone who joined in, explored new perspectives, and shared their insights. Dive into my reflections on the incredible connections we built and the transformative power of STRIVE Cards in action.

I take some time to reflect on Halloween and its today’s contrasting festivities with ancestral traditions from Lithuania, like Vėlinės, a day to honor the dead. As an educator and creative, I invite everyone to step beyond costumes and candy, engaging with the season's soulful invitation to reconnect with history, self-reflection, and imagination.

As autumn’s mystery deepens, Villa Anapilis in Palanga beckons with its storied past and spectral whispers. Once home to Countess Sofija Horvataitė-Tiškevičienė, this haunting estate is alive with tales of eerie séances, a haunting wind organ, and mirrored rooms that blur the line between past and present. Step into the season’s twilight and explore the secrets waiting within its wooden walls.

GLL Summit 2024 in Barcelona was a deeply enriching experience that reinforced the power of community and the collective impact of Lithuanian professionals worldwide. This gathering highlighted the importance of cultural connection, collaboration, and the role of the diaspora in bridging Lithuania with the global community.

While visiting the Baltic Sea coast, I was captivated by the Žvejo Dukros (Fisherman’s Daughters) sculpture, a piece I remembered from childhood. Created in 1982, it depicts three girls waiting by the sea—but beneath this serene image lies a hidden, powerful meaning that reveals much more than meets the eye... [read more...]

I took a moment to reflect on the concept of futurity and the importance of being present, inspired by the event Baobab Nights: Tomorrow’s Dreams by Omek. It's so interesting to observe how our future is shaped by our understanding of history and the significance of cultivating inner expansiveness. By being fully present and allowing creativity and growth to unfold naturally, I aim to nurture balance, peace, and self-value.

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the organizing team for Balancing Acts: Striking Harmony Between Technology and Humanity, an event held at the iconic EYE Film Museum. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses are leveraging automation and innovation in unprecedented ways. [read more...]

Producing None of Us Are Enjoying This at the Amsterdam Fringe Festival was a truly remarkable experience. This spoken word and soundscape performance, brought to life by the talented Jackie Ashkin and Jędrzej Jędraszyk, was a journey that felt as immersive behind the scenes as it was for the audiences who attended. [Read more..]

I usually find myself in Lithuania and try to explore different ways to celebrate it with small-town communities. This year was no different and it brought me a new experience which I actually looked a bit deeper into - henna tatto. What began as a simple interest in trying something new turned into a meaningful experience that connected me to an ancient tradition rich in history, culture, and symbolism.

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Crafting an authentic Lithuanian "sodas" is a deeply enriching experience that goes far beyond the creation of a beautiful object. A sodas., which translates to "garden" in English, is a traditional Lithuanian ornament made from straw, characterized by its intricate geometric designs. These delicate mobiles have been an integral part of Lithuanian culture for centuries, carrying profound symbolism and connecting the maker to a rich heritage of craftsmanship and spirituality.
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As I sat down to reflect on another year, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and wonder. A year has passed since I last reflected on the words of Anaïs Nin, "We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are." Today, I find myself contemplating another profound idea by Charles Horton Cooley: “I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am.” [read more..]

Nestled in the heart of Vilnius on Gediminas Avenue, the majestic Pirklių Rūmai stands as a testament to the seamless blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation. This architectural gem, originally constructed in 1913 by the Merchants’ Club, exudes an aura of elegance and luxury that captivates every visitor. Today, I had the pleasure of exploring this remarkable palace with my dear friend Marina Zinovič, a passionate event organizer dedicated to connecting people and fostering vibrant communities. [read more…]

Reflecting on my experience teaching a summer intensive course at CIEE fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Over three intense weeks, I had the privilege of guiding a dedicated group of students through a rigorous curriculum, meeting for four hours every day. What made this journey particularly impactful was our embrace of embodied learning. [read more..]

As the founder of Word Up, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration as I reflect on the unforgettable evening we shared at the Van Gogh Museum on May 31st. Vincent on Friday - DREAMS - Word Up Showcase was not just an event, but a profound celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of female voices in spoken word poetry. [read on…]

As a photographer, I often find myself in the privileged position of witnessing and immortalizing moments of significance in people's lives. But nothing quite prepared me for the honor of documenting my friend's doctoral defense in the grand Lutheran church of old Amsterdam. [read more…]

A little reflection on my trip to visit and old friend and some old and not so old sights around Leeds, the UK. [Read more…]

What a humbling feeling to close another memorable semester teaching and holding space for growth and inspiration. I find myself reflecting on the profound journey that teaching Intercultural Communication and Leadership is and how much it has illuminated the transformative power of genuine connection and the beauty of embracing vulnerability. [read more…]

After more than a decade, I found myself returning to Copenhagen, a city that holds countless memories from my past. But this time, the journey wasn't solely about revisiting familiar streets and landmarks; it was about rekindling a connection, one that had only recently sparked into existence.

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In a world often clouded by political divisiveness and cultural complexities, events like the recent gathering organized by the John Adams Institute where I attended a discussion on "Merchants of the Right: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy" by Jennifer Carlson, followed by a captivating spoken word performance by Jackie Ashkin, serve as poignant reminders of the multifaceted nature of our society.

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