Egypt, Chicago and the Year of the Rabbit

Today is the second full day of the Chinese New Year.  We leave the year of the White Tiger to enter the Year of the Golden Rabbit.  I am not Chinese, but my Chinese-American friends tell me the rabbit symbolizes graciousness, kindness and a sensitivity to beauty.  They say Chinese astrology predicts this is to be year of peace and collaboration. Associated with the beginning of the lunar calendar, the festivities of… Read More

Hearing : Listening as Ground-Zero-Mosque : Islamic Community Center

The EX:Change is about listening across differences.  Differences in political views.  Differences in values.  Differences in social circumstances due to income, education, ethnicity, personal relationships, physical ability, age.  Beyond hearing what people have to say, it is about listening to get a sense of how life looks from another person’s perspective.  We call this communication and it tends to be used to support understanding, cooperation, strong and generative community…stuff like that. The… Read More

8-9-10 — Right on Time

My friend, Jessica, is training for a half marathon.  She’s never really been a runner before.  Lately her body has gone through a vast transformation.  A tall woman weighing in around 200, she’s nearing half her former size.  That’s living change. Jessica is training for a half marathon because she can.  Her body is ready for something like that.  Her primary goal is not to lose more weight.  In fact, Jessica is… Read More