Community....

I am moved by what Peter Hoover, a friend wrote about visiting a christian community:

Our trip to the Danthonia Community goes down as one of the best trips we have ever taken -- relaxing, thoroughly enjoyable, and the kind one can spend a long time thinking about and learning from.

The most valuable thing, for me, was to see how an entire community can function so well with so little preaching and so little emphasis on rules and order. Yet, through opening themselves to the Spirit's leading, and to one another, the brothers and sisters living there have to a very large degree attained exactly what all of us strive after and long for. They live one with another in peace. They enjoy one another's presence, and they have a large number of eager, spiritually-minded young people throwing themselves into the cause.

What it takes, the Danthonia believers told me, is for everyone to become inwardly silent to where we can hear God speaking to us. Too many times we meet, not to listen, but to tell one another everything we know. That way nobody learns anything and no one can hear the voice of God at all.

Good question

Pete Greig writes in one of his latest newsletters:
I sometimes wonder what Adam and Eve talked about with God every evening in the Garden of Eden before the Fall. After all there was no sin to fight, no sickness to heal, no gospel to preach, no transformation of society required. Back then they did not pray to make stuff happen. They prayed because they enjoyed sharing their lives with God ? it was the most natural thing in the world. They knew that it was what they were made for.
I like that.

The Five Freedoms

I recently shared this quote - one of my favorites - by Virginia Satir, a famous therapist, with a friend...and wanted to share it with you, too.

The Five Freedoms

The FREEDOM to see and hear what is here, instead of what should be, was, or will be.

The FREEDOM to say what you feel and think, instead of what you should.

The FREEDOM to feel what you feel, instead of what you ought.

The FREEDOM to ask for what you want, instead of always waiting for permission.

The FREEDOM to take risks in your own behalf, instead of choosing to be only "secure" and not rocking the boat.

Summer and dreams

Summer has finally come to Berlin. I love the sun, the flowers, the warm air, the mood of people outside. Summer traditionally is the most busy time for publishing as lots of stuff should get finished before Franfurt book fair. Graphics, proofreading and printing all take their - so the writing part needs to be finished by August if one wants to avoid pressure and stress in autumn. So I am writing, writing, writing - but also taking time to be with friends, Jesus, myself and to just lie in the sun.
By the way. In the last 2 years or so I have produced 34 mini-books on faith and life (self-help books) and 11 small books...they are all doing well and people love and buy them and read them and give them away as gifts. 4 of them have now been published in Dutch and one in Japanese! But I am still looking for an English language publisher for them. You can find the whole collection (in German - sorry) on my web page....

What do you see?!

Die Erde ist bis an den Rand mit dem Himmel gefüllt. Und jeder noch so einfache Busch brennt mit dem Feuer Gottes. Aber nur, der es sieht, zieht seine Schuhe aus. Die anderen sitzen herum und pflücken Brombeeren. [Earth's crammed with heaven; And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes, The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.]Elisabeth Barret Browning

Discovering God

An impulse booklet I am writing is called "Discovering God". It is not a classical guide book a la "So you can find God. 4 steps to realize God, but rather a reference book for possible traces of God in the lives of readers.
I'm actually a little "brain dead" ... do you have ideas, thoughts, impulses which should come in in such a book?

Originally written by Kerstin Hack Wednesday, March 11, 2009 @ 10:10

Booked up

In January I announced the book dealers, I would bring out in spring 10 new titles. I somehow did not think that the bookstore spring goes only to March / mid April. Three new titles per month is MUCH! Phew! Three are already finished, five more are in various stages of wide, two are still quite as carcasses. Currently, I am pretty struggling .... Va piano style ...
For autumn I want to plan it that I will have "only" two new titles per month. That is good to create and then there is still space for marketing and especially for life, games, creativity .... it's important to me.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 @ 09:21

Spring

Yesterday, I saw men of the Berlin city cleaning the pavement. I thanked them and I was delighted - I consider it as a sign that spring comes, when the gravel is removed like the Winterling, crocuses and snowdrops, which I see in the morning while jogging in the gardens near my house.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 @ 09:19

Va piano

Yesterday I discovered an Italian proverb in a coaching book:

Chi va piano, va lontano.

Who slowly / carefully walks will come far.

I suspect that the restaurant chain Vapiano borrowed its name from that to invite for deceleration... very nice ... because I'll always think off when I come over there ... and maybe now and then in Throughout the day ... va piano ...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 @ 09:25

Empty buildings

Empty buildings have their own charm. Especially if it looks like the new museum in Berlin, which shows clearly the traces of history and combines it with clear and modern architecture.

Due to its opening there was a change concert ... concert musicians, dancers and audience moved from room to room. Beautiful, amazing, sunny, invigorating, joyful experience ... just a wonderful experience with very many facets.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, March 08, 2009 @ 22:27

Spring-new

I want to have more space for guests in my apartment. A friend assembles things for me. If he does not need me as an assistance, I am painting the apartment and the balcony. Ok, painting is exaggerated. I walk through the flat and paint over all the corners, where streaks on the wall or dirt strip, the remains of murdered gnat or tea spots can be seen. I like it ... in an hour, the whole flat will look a lot better.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 09:57

Dishwashers

I like dishwashers and use it not just for dishes. Yesterday I noticed that all covers of the heaters were quite dusty after a long cold winter ... I had no desire to polish all the grooves, etc. neatly ... so I put them into the dishwasher, which did the good work for me. I am happy!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 08:54

Teaching Coaches coaching

I have just had a very exciting briefing with a group of scientists at the university to coach entrepreneurs. ALL of them have no training or coaching previous. My Job: to teach basics of coaching in a two-day workshop, so they already have a base with which they can work. I'm excited!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, March 05, 2009 @ 15:05

Once again Hafiz

Start seeing everything as God.
But keep it a secret.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 @ 14:53

Faith and lightness

One of my favorite poets, the Persian poet Hafiz, who lived approximately 1320 - 1389 and whose poetry has an enormously lightness, joy and a deep knowledge of God.


What is the difference
Between your experience of Existence
And that of a saint?

The saint knows
That the spiritual path
Is a sublime chess game with God.

And that the Beloved
Has just made such a Fantastic Move

That the saint is now continually
Tripping Over Joy
And Bursting out in Laughter
And saying, "I Surrender!"
Whereas, my dear,
I am afraid you still think
You have a thousand serious moves.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 @ 14:50

Dawdle

After the Power-days last week and yesterday's Power-day when I edited a new Quadro on "Pure Worship", I just enjoy a day on which I allow dawdling: No large projects, but trivialities. Mails, changes to my websites, along with tea and classical music.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 @ 12:28

Change

I have put an article from the year 2007 on the theme of "success" into the "Lesbar", where I describe how frustrated I've cried because there was no success in the company, despite all efforts, ... I was amazed how much has changed since. The publisher is stable, but not only the publisher. Two days ago, I had a note in my hands, on which I had listed the areas in which my character and my behavior need to experience change. I'm amazed how many points are no longer an issue - because they have solved. I'm amazed and grateful.
Change takes commitment. And time!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 @ 12:24

Hear words

This morning I once again listened to a recording of John's Gospel, with cool background music. I see that it affects me differently when I hear God's word, as if I read it. I will do it again.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 @ 08:31

Building parish halls

Yesterday I found an appointment slip of a Berlin Christian community on the subway. There stood among other things:
In future Michaela Meissner* offers on every 1st and 3 Saturday of the month, a child-care in the community, so the parents can help building. "
Practical and good hearted.

* Name changed

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 @ 08:28

Questions

I like good questions. They often inspire much more than many and premature responses. For this reason I have three impulse booklets published: questions of faith, discovery questions and power questions.
Christians in Hamburg, started the "Hamburg is asking" portal on which smart questions are asked and answered. eg
- If the last shirt has pockets what would you take with you?
- Whose enemy are you?
- Could your recommend your current life partner?
- What exactly do you think when your favorite football team wins?
...
I think this is a good way to start talking with people.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, March 03, 2009 @ 08:54

How do I meet God?

Just used my lunch break to test on the website of the natural community development "How do you meet God?", where you can find out which approaches to God are the best for yourself
For me, no big surprise: I experience God most when all five senses are addressed, also have a mystical streak, like liturgy, thinking happy to share and be happy with others. Less mentioned, I feel pure doctrine and asceticism and dry Bible study.
The test is still exciting ... even the questions are worth thinking.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, March 02, 2009 @ 14:33

111

Still 111 mails in the Inbox. But I will have a break, go out into the fresh air and cash the flowers voucher that I got in Dusseldorf as appreciation for my presentation on Friday. Verbal flowers came from a participant:

Thank you again for the inspiring lecture on Friday evening! Your books are great and I already have two on the trip and even spent the Saturday with a lot of time in reading.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, March 02, 2009 @ 10:00

Feelings of happiness

The last few days were intense. I visited my sister, two days at the booth of Down to Earth + partners in the Congress of Christian leaders, a swing evening in Dusseldorf, a wedding in Berlin and at Burg Rabenstein (the ceremony) - all combined with very short nights. In Dusseldorf I slept on a killer sofa bed with a wooden part in the neck area and shared the room with my one-year-old nephew. In the middle of the night he had several times thirst or was simply in the mood to tell me stories, la la. And of course, nights are always short on weddings ... So the thought of my own, quiet bedroom and my comfortable bed gives me deep feelings of happiness. To the 160 emails and 20 letters, which I got, I will worry about tomorrow!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, March 01, 2009 @ 19:21

Berlin's revenge

Baden-Wuerttemberg tries to get with an aggressive billboard campaign poorly paid teachers of Berlin into the "Ländle". The slogan on the posters is: "Very good morning, Mr. teacher .." Berlin strikes back. With a salary increase and posters which say: "Hegel, Einstein and You. If Swabians want to become someone they come to Berlin."

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 @ 15:32

Logistics

With an hour delay, I arrived with a huge jumbo jet in Dusseldorf, where I will have a booth for the next two days at the Congress of Christian leaders. The reason for the delay: The machine was on its way to Berlin one hour late. It came straight from Cuba! No, the logistics and planning of Air Berlin, I do not have to understand ...

Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 @ 15:27

Review - prayer for politics

Wonderful - the Christian radio and TV station ERF shows on its homepage a review on the new impulse booklet of prayer for politics. I am happy!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 @ 10:01

Pray the Devil Back to Hell

Pray the Devil Back to Hell is the title of a cool documentary film, which tells the story of Christian and Muslim women from Liberia. They successfully protested and prayed, to quit the civil war in the country. I have seen the trailer and a section about the sex strike (the women said to their husbands: "You only get sex again, when the civil war comes to an end!" This has mobilized the men to pray with them and to become active, the war to end. I would like to watch the whole movie!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, February 21, 2009 @ 18:38

Compliment

Today I received a review about my book SPRING. It appeared in the magazine "Family". It begins with the words:

Kerstin Hack is a champion of words

.
The rest of the text was also good and very positive, but the first sentence made me dance into the weekend!
Later I will follow the advice of a friend: "With compliments you should handle it like chewing gum: to be happy if they are fresh but not chewing too long." But now is the time to be happy.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, February 21, 2009 @ 17:17

Various gloss

At the end of my training I bought a new ring - as a reward and as a reminder of the values and principles that we have learned ... Today I was shopping and because the ring is rather large, I put it in the pocket, because I did not want that it destroys the gloves.
That was a tactical error.
At home, he was no longer there. So I fetched a flashlight and went the whole 10 min long way again. Now I know how candy wrappers shine on busy streets, and tinsel and coasters and glass shards. How rings shine on streets I do not know. I have not found it there.
At home I lighted where I locked my bicycle ... and yes, it was on my bicycle seat. Actually, I looked there before I started. Perhaps a human or heavenly angel laid it there in the meantime. Who can say.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, February 20, 2009 @ 21:48

Interesting experience

25 years ago, I fell, because the safeguarding in the school sport did not work, headfirst from the stage bars - had two herniated discs in the cervical spine and afterwards the wrong treatment. That is until now my sore spot on my body, which - also by working on the computer - always slightly tense.
Today I was at the physiotherapist who treated me so well. Whenever he touched my neck, because he wanted to resolve tensions, I cramped pretty first. He always tells me how hard it is to treat me as compared with other patients. So far, so I had always a guilty conscience. Today he said something different than usual: "Thank you for the challenge. Because when you are not so simple, as others are, you force me to improve my technique and becoming a better therapist.

I thought that was very interesting. As one says "Thank you" because of my imperfections and inability. And he may learn things which he would otherwise never learn.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, February 20, 2009 @ 20:28

I am ... Coach

Since yesterday I am officially coach and Supervisior or more accurately completed systemically-solution-oriented supervisor and coach. Sounds impressive, huh?
The title is cool. But more important is that I feel: "Yes, I am a coach now!" Yesterday we had a final reflection, where we once again looked at the past, present and future. When I stood in the presence and felt: Yes, I am a coach, I have learned the stuff, I can do (mostly) good. "It was for me a very nice, nice feeling.
And yes, of course, I look forward to continue, to learn, new experiences - and many interesting conversations and coaching processes.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, February 19, 2009 @ 08:32

Link Gift

After an intensive training day I was welcomed at home with the news that the online magazine Christian Today indicates on our new Impulse Issue "prayer for politics. Impulses to strengthen human responsibility ". Something like this is always a total gift, because the things I do are known and new people can be reached.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, February 16, 2009 @ 19:41

When Jesus responds

When Jesus answeres, then he looks out first what people need. This is clearly as we can read how he dealt with the different needs of people, whom he met after his resurrection.

- Mary, who wept at the grave was full of pain. He asked her "Why are you crying?" and met their pain.
- The Emausdisciples were confused and bewildered. He asked them: "What are you talking about..." and helped them to understand.
- His disciples were full of doubts. He asked them: "Why do you doubt?" and met their inability to believe in him.
- Peter struggled with the knowledge of his guilt. He asked him: "Do you love me." and reminded him of a relationship that went far deeper than all the debt.
This - from Pete Greig "God on mute" (see previous entries) summarized about which I was very touched.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, February 15, 2009 @ 15:04

The colorful parrot is afraid

After an intense conversation with a friend about leadership, I dreamed of a colorful parrot that had fear. Even if one is no depth psychologist, it is fairly easy to interpret. I often see myself as a colorful, exotic bird - and some forms of (Christian) leadership resolve in me the pretty deep fear not to be able to live my individuality and uniqueness.
That triggers in me the question whether a Christian at all may lead another (in the context of lived community, in organizations, it´s clear)? Because the question of practical, theological and personal thoughts and experiences mix, I just try to sort apart and write - even though it is Sunday - my thoughts down (when it's finished, I tell you). But this is better than to leave confused buzz around in your head - even if you feel as a colorful parrot.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, February 15, 2009 @ 14:06

Happy Valentine's Day ...

I suspect that for a happy relationship is needed, the other
- More to love than oneself ..
- Just to love, like oneself
- Less than to love oneself

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, February 14, 2009 @ 21:50

Life not death

Recently I read a nice book description about "Christianity Beyond Belief" which is specifically addressed to the American Christians, but the trend, to reduce the faith in a system of truths, only to be true, but not lived, are here also:

You've prayed the sinners prayer's. You know that if you died tonight, you'll go to heaven. But Todd hunter believes that Christianity is a life, not merely a secure death. Which means that eternal life ... begins on earth as soon as we become followers of Jesus.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 14:38

1 inside, 2 out - even for files

Puh. My computer just forced me implement my practical tips to electronically stuff. In relation to acts, objects, utensils, clothes and other stuff, I have it quite accustomed to me now, to follow the rule: 1 inside, 2 out. Every time I drop one thing, I look in the same department to see if I can take out two things and dispose. That works very well.
My two areas of inconsistency:
- Journal staple: a lot just comes on it without taking something away.
- File: When I save a file, I almost never look to see if old, unnecessary files can be deleted.
For the garbage in the files my computer takes revenge right now. Some of the hard disk partitions are so crowded that not even defragement works, because there is not enough free memory to let the program run. Such a waste ...
Some partitions, I have now disposed, for others, I need professional help in order to decide which programs I can safely delete ...
And in future I will also make sure: 1 inside, 2 out, so that everything remains slim.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 @ 12:33

LesBar currently

In recent weeks we have updated the LesBar, the issues page on Down to Earth, where I list tips, articles etc.. You can also subscribe contributions (1-2 per week) via feedreader. And of course I welcome comments on design and content, ideas, impulses and links on your page there ... so that more people find the site and who can be inspired when they want.

Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 @ 12:30

Conquered

Today, I went among the bargain hunters. This is not a hobby of mine, but with a nice sofa, which only costs 59 euros, if I need one anyway... So today I was 30 minutes before opening up alongside 100 other people (later there were a lot more) and waited for that a large Swedish furniture store would give us the favor of the early hour. An employee told me in a previous visit that there are "only" 600 units, which usually are sold out in 5 minutes. The "Swedish" had everything well-organized ... approximately 10 employees distributed the vouchers, there was no scramble, fairly relaxed ... and now I wait that the good piece will be delivered. The course delivery costs half as much as the piece itself, but what the heck!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 @ 16:03

Tip for emergencies - mobile phone ICE (In Case of Emergency)

The staff of rescue and ambulance have noticed that most wounded persons at road accidents have a mobile phone. During the missions they do not know who to contact in the long contact lists.
Ambulance drivers have therefore suggested that every person should put an "in case of emergency contact person" in the same Pseudo in his / her contact list. This is the internationally recognized Pseudo: ICE (In Case of Emergency).
If more than one person should be contacted, one can write down ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc.. I is easy, costs nothing, but can be very effective. Much more information can be found on the webpage.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 10:20

Good sleep

In the last three months I can sleep much longer than usual (if I don´t set any alarm clock). The reason is quite simple. The Tempelhof Airport has been closed and therefore I am missing the planes which previously flew over my head.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, February 07, 2009 @ 08:29

Berlin

I have just reviewed old Berlin - Documents to decide what I would like to cancel and what does not. In a description I found the following notice: "The best advice we can give to anyone going to Berlin: Do not leave your hotel room with the latest city map." Very apt. The city is still in constant change - one of the reasons why I love to live here!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, February 06, 2009 @ 17:20

Just like that

Today a friend sent me - just because it was beautiful and she wanted to make a pleasure - a totally great diary / notebook gift. The best: One can fix a small pencil case with the push buttons on the cover of the diary so you have always pens and other items here.

In the diary she wrote:

With everything that I have experienced in life , I can say with certainty:
"Nobody can get out of his skin," said the caterpillar.
... and a butterfly flew past.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, February 06, 2009 @ 14:46

Pretty cool - Antwerp in Berlin

The first part of the experiment has worked well. I have gone to one of my favorite cafes in the early afternoon - or more precisely I cycled, which is currently easier than walking. Next to it was a lingerie, which I have visited afterwards. I came into conversation with the shop owner. I had not written that on the list, but it definitely belongs to the Antwerp feeling: talking to shop owners and employees.
The lady I spoke with was great, extroverted and open: "You are wearing the most charming hat this week !"... We talked about work and coaching ... and she had such a great business idea for me that I am absolutely jubilant while cycling home ... the idea is so obvious, practical and feasible and what is ... it totally fits me ... I will tell you, however, only if I've actually implemented it ... but that will be soon ...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 @ 17:52

Antwerp feeling in Berlin

Actually, today I wanted to go to Antwerp for four days time for thinking, praying, writing and reflecting. With my aching toe that does not mean really much fun. So I stay here. Yesterday evening, I thought about what next to the change of scenery and the exciting city of Antwerp makes the holidays for me always to special times.

In Antwerp
... I celebrate the little things of life - eg showers, coffee and cooking, like festivals
... I have long, relaxing break between individual activities always
... I enjoy it to buy or make nice things for my friends
... I let texts effect me intensively
... I take time to listen to music
... I listen to what God wants to say more subtle
... I take my time, to watch people and things intensely ...
... I buy flowers and I am almost not bothered that they are quite expensive
... I rarely check my emails
I am dally ...
This makes the times in Antwerp for me very special - much of what these days created or moved me, shape me over weeks and months. These are very pleasant and fruitful times.
Some of the Antwerp-things I do in Berlin - but I have now decided that in the next few days, I will take the Antwerp-feeling in a special way to Berlin ... enough written. Time for a break!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 @ 10:26

Hearing even if it is silent

A friend wrote me that he was in a sermon about the silence of God and heard the call:
Stop
and
Listen
I find that exciting. Similar thoughts are also in God on mute when I announce something and then the conversation partner is silent, I tend to talk more intensively. I repeat once again what is said in other words, putting it more intense, louder, urgent, even with a certain anxiety. What - at least for some men - sometimes leads to loud silence.
By God, I occasionally do the same. If he does not seem to respond to my prayers, I am afraid he did not hear, and I am pushing, louder, fearful ...
Maybe I should try a different strategy. If he remains silent, simply ask: "Do you tell me how I can interpret your silence?"

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 @ 10:14

Down to Earth - Down Under

In Australia there is a Down to Erth Bed + Breakfast - with rooms that are below the surface to escape the Australian summer heat. However, the "a" is deleted ... but I will look over there, if I'm around there.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 @ 16:51

Shit happens!

Yesterday I made my bed and unfortunately I came with my toe against the bedpost that it started to become blue. It is not broken (old bones hold something off), but the joint capsule and ligaments are effected ... so: I can not go well. According to medical prognosis, I will feel the consequences of my stupidity the next 4 to 12 weeks. I hope and pray of course, that it goes faster. I can still cycle and the doctor said, I can not do anything wrong. This is sometimes relaxing. Bad luck is that I actually wanted to go to Antwerp for 4 days to write, pray and reflect - with this bad toe this makes no sense. So here I will make the best of it ...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 @ 16:47

When men cook

A friend whose wife recently broke her ankle, had to keep the house and to take care of the small children- which has not been entirely his profession. He wrote that he googled how to boil water ... beautiful example of self-irony.
For those who are already one step further, there is the cookbook for men. Since men supposedly do not read recipes, all recipes are graphically depicted as a flowchart - looks in any case well. Some of them are online.

Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 @ 10:06

If God is silent

The decision, to read at least one old book for every new book that I buy is extremely good. I recently read "God on mute". Pete Greig, Head of 24-7 Prayer, an international prayer movement, which, as he says, has spread the earth faster than Pepsi, is enthusiastic about thousands of stories to tell us how he experienced God`s answers to his prayers and the prayers of others. But he also knows the painful side - to have to experience that God didn´t hear his deepest prayers and his cry for healing for his young wife suffering from cancer... I was very touched, much like The Shack, which deals with question of suffering in the form of a story. I read it in the train on the way home from Magdeburg where I had spoken in the Baptist Church of Saxony-Anhalt. It was very moving there. Christians from 18 denominations who live their faith in their world - completely different, but with love and sincerity. I spoke about SWING. balance in your life ... and I'm always happy myself when I feel or hear of people that some thoughts were helpful for them.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 31, 2009 @ 19:27

Encounter

This week I have finished three new impulse booklets and gave them to the graphic designer and lecturer for the second revision
- Prayer for politics
- Growing naturally. (Maturity)
- Money.
I write very creative and out of the belly. The intensive work is very stressful for me. I was really exhausted at noon today. Then I had a coaching. Although only on the phone, not live. But now, after I have accompanied a young woman in a decision-making process for an hour, I feel myself again refreshed and happy. I need intensive, inspiring encounters like any other water or coffee!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, January 29, 2009 @ 17:45

Where will he blow?

A much-quoted biblical quote is "The Spirit blows where he wants!" (Jn 3, 8, slightly shorter quoted). Mostly it is used in the meaning that you anyway can not know what God wants to do, only the possibility to see what happens. Sometimes that is a deadly argument against planning and consideration.
I myself - as it was cited once again in a working meeting in this sense today - thought about if this is so. And quite cheeky thought about how it would be what you would say about me.
"Kerstin is where she wants!" People who know me, you can pretty well predict where I will act. I find myself in places that are beautiful, bright, open and inspirational. Musty, narrow, bland and cold places, however, repel me. Then I like to go to places where I am endowed - as that can be quite diverse. I am reluctant to where people keep to themselves and not look for others. Finally I'm happy for people who are open, searching, learning and encountering. I don´t like to be where the "tired" are, who already know everything and want to get bored.
Whether it is with God's spirit like this or not, perhaps similar to, that his friends are not necessarily able to predict where he will appear, but at least you can guess where he feel comfortable and happy?

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, január 28, 2009 @ 20:35

Patience

No ray of sunshine will be lost, but the green, it wakes up, takes time to Sprouting. Albert Schweitzer

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, január 28, 2009 @ 20:17

Mourning

Yesterday I read something nice in the ABC book of feelings. The grief describes itself this way:

I am the feeling that belongs to the release. Because I am, human sort out grieving in letting go of what is lost and what remains - a rewarding experience, as a reminder, as an accompaniment to the future. If I wasn´t, every experience would be "ex and hopp". One can not live without me, can not be richer.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 14:25

dreams come true

Last night I dreamed that I was walking with good friends (a couple) from Switzerland in the mountains. During the hike, I got a text message from another good friend to my i-phone (which I have only in a dream).
I wrote to my Swiss friends what they would think if I make my dreams come true and would
1. visit them
2. buying me an I-phone (if I have dreams like this)

Response of the woman:
1st - in any case
2nd - I find it a waste of time, this play, but my husband is of a VERY different opinion. "

Let's see ....

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 11:23

Action Artist Hack

No, I'm not related to the action artist Joseph Herman Hack despite the same surname. But his art - including the "indictment" and the tents of the "Climate Refugee Camp", described as slogans such as "God bless Allah" "Breads Army Fraction" "UN-fair" (in the UN blue) and "Social refrigeration against global warming" which is currently before the Brandenburg Gate to be seen, I will perhaps visit this week. A video about this can be found here.

Orginally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, January 26, 2009 @ 21:22

Life is ....

About life

Life is a chance - use it.
Life is beauty - admire it.
Life is bliss - enjoy it.
Life is a dream - make it a reality.
Life is a challenge - meet it.
Life is compulsory - fulfill it.
Life is a game - play it.
Life is precious - be careful.
Life is wealth - keep it.
Life is love - enjoy yourself .
Life is a mystery - penetrate it.
Life is a promise - fulfill it.
Life is sorrow - Overcome it.
Life is a hymn - sing it.
Life is a tragedy - ring with it.
Life is an adventure - dare it.
Life is luck - earn it.
Life is life - protect it.

Mother Teresa

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 24, 2009 @ 11:29

Old DM new hope

The shelter team sent me the following message:


Would you like to announce that we have overcome now the 4000 DM hurdle, we are now at 4322 DM.


I am glad that this "little" idea has become that successful - with 4000 DM can be planted a few thousand trees and contribute to the diet of families... how beautiful!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 @ 11:15

Record in slowness

Yesterday I was with a friend in a pub, which I might propose to the Guinness Book of Records - for having the slowest service in the world. Even in the restaurants of the former GDR was the service faster. We sat for about 15 minutes at a table before the publican stopped his conversation with a friend to get our order, the delivery took just as long again, and the ordered chili con carne, I received about an hour after we had entered the restaurant. .. we had to call three times for the bill (at intervals of each 10-15 minutes)...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 @ 15:19

Obama on all channels

I have stored my own photos of Oba-mania in Flickr ...
Obama can be seen in any case and I can only hope that his inaugural speech will be short and he will keep warm. One of his predecessor, William Henry Harrison (1841) did not - he talked for two hours without a coat and hat in a storm and snow and withdrew a lung inflammation to where he died 31 days later. Longer survived has at least one sentence from Roosevelt`s inaugural speech, which made it at least into my quotes collection Well Said: "First of all let me emphasize my strong belief that the only thing we have to fear, is the fear itself."

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 @ 14:53

Old Books Wanted

Today, I received a request, if I had some old Christian books to give away. Unfortunately I don´t, I just gave or sold my remaining stocks. But if you have something, what you like to give a more meaningful use, as it does in your dusty shelves here is the information of the employee:

It does not need to be the latest, and there might also be some dog-ears, but the books should still be used for hiring. We can not pay money at the moment, maybe there are books that would be discarded anyway and we would still be a good purpose.


Brigitte Pätzold
Osningstr. 13
33790 Halle Westfalen

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 @ 11:59

Collective healing

I am still very moved by the matter of the plane crash in New York. Of course, because I have flown the track shortly before myself, but also because it just happened there - where a few years before planes flew into skyscrapers and triggered world collective trauma - but especially among people in New York.
I wonder how the people feel, if they have now seen that there is another way. You have seen how a potential disaster of a similar magnitude could be averted - by caring, quick, wise actions of those who are responsible, selfless behavior, a chain of good circumstances and an element that could be described as "miracle". I wonder if such a collective experience also brings healing - or at least weaken the impact of the trauma previously experienced. At least I can imagine this.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, January 19, 2009 @ 08:22

Lightness

What did you do with inner lightness this week? Only a question ....

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, January 18, 2009 @ 13:59

New / old books

Two books that I am reading:
Newly purchased: The ABC's of feelings. Very sensitive descriptions of about 60 different emotions and moods and their meaning and purpose in our system. The descriptions will help me to better recognize their own feelings and rename them.
New lent: And that is good. My life for policy. The biography of "my" mayor. Well-written. Lets the person, who is currently governing our city coming closer.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, January 18, 2009 @ 13:48

Pictures from New York

I have just put some pictures of New York in my (Kerstin_a_Hack) Flickr. Some classic New York pictures, a mini-documentary of Oba-mania (Obama as a shirt, as a paperboard figure, posters ...) and then a series of photos I had made at MoMA. There was (and is) to see a video installation by the artist PippiLotti Rist- the way her videos merged with the reality that the people of the stairs in the Moma ran up and down or the contrast has fascinated me immensely ... and I have taken a whole series of photos to note the flowing.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 17, 2009 @ 18:13

Can we ...?

Today I cleared up Christmas gifts and Christmas cards. And take revenge for all the received newsletters with my personal Year in Review - following the motto: an eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, newsletter for newsletter.
The funniest and cheekiest Christmas card came again from my training Institute "isiberlin" for coaching and supervision.
The text (if it is not visible in the photo):
outside: Can we ...? believe in Santa Claus.
Card inside: A jumping Santa Claus with some resemblance to Obama with a sign reading "Yes, we can."

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 17, 2009 @ 14:36

Ill

I still have a bad cold! And think it's pretty silly when the head and body does not function correctly. Can anyone actually explain to me why one gets pain in his limbs while having the flu?

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 17 2009 @ 11:36

Postcard "encounter"

We - my designer and I - have once again created a free postcard. This time about "encounter", which is a part of the Year´s theme of Down to Earth. Up to 20 pieces you will get for free in the Down to Earth Store. From the 21st we sell them for the costs of 20 cents.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 17, 2009 @ 10:59

Thanks!

A week ago I departed from New York's La Guardia Airport with U.S. Airlines ... now I read on the Internet about the ditching in the Hudson River of a U.S. airline flight, which also departed from there. All passengers left the plane through the front and survived. When I read the news, I cried because of the emotion and gratitude. I am grateful - that all live. And grateful that it my flight - despite the somewhat hectic history - was far calmer.
The wild geese in the Hudson River, I also admired and photographed - of course without really knowing that they could make a lot of trouble if they collide with human designed machines ...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, January 16, 2009 @ 13:21

Even more Indians

The Indians follow me today ... a friend wrote to me that she want to give me a free ticket for "Der Schuh des Manitu" as a gift. Funny!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, January 16, 2009 @ 09:58

Short Night of the Museums

My third Intention (No. 1 = lightness, No. 2 = per newly bought book reading an old one) is: 1 to 2 times a month I would like to go to one of about 20 national museums on Thursday evening. I like museums and Thursday are the last four hours opening time for free ... what is simply beautiful. Today I was with a friend, who very spontaneously decided to accompany me, in the ethnographic museum, Department of North American Indians. Mostly has fascinated me a rain skin, the Eskimos (actually stood there, but I believe Inuit is now politically correct) had sewn from seal intestines. Makes sense: The furs, which they otherwise wore, suck when it rains quite full, and then probably be very heavy - therefore is a rain skin not a stupid idea. And that skin was also made quite stylish!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, January 15, 2009 @ 20:07

Books 2008 - My Top 10

Of the 33 books I have read 2008, I found the best:

Business Books + + Coaching Education (8) 13
R. Kiyosaki: Rich Dad, Poor Dad
V. Steiner: Energy Competence
M. Rosenberg: Nonviolent Communication
K-D. Gene, p. Paztor: I hear what you do not say CD

Inspirations and spiritual books
R. Bell: Velvet Elvis
E. Peterson: A long obedience ...
R. Bell: Sex.God


Stories / novels / biographies
Amos Oz: Love and Shadows
B. Obama: Dreams from My Father
W. P. Young: The Shack

I can - depending on what you are interested, highly recommend these books. If you want to order click on the Amazon link on the right page, I get a little commission ... not much, but I can finance a white coffee from time to time.

For 2009 I made a resolution, that I will read one of my old (or borrowed from others) books, for every new book that I buy, because I have a whole series of good, unread books here.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, January 15 2009 @ 12:35

Genesis - Sermon Online

For all who are interested: The sermon by Tim Keller with the good thoughts about marriage, which I have heard and was very moved in New York, you can download as MP3 - unfortunately, not free (2.5 $).

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, January 15, 2009 @ 12:05

Relaxed working

Today I have practiced further with the lightness. Not quite simple if 150 e-mails in your inbox waiting for an answer ... but I've always made breaks in my activity, if I felt: Now it will be too tiring, I lose the lightness. And nevertheless (or perhaps that is why) I made a good progress.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 @ 17:39

The bearable lightness of being

The only resolution that I've made for 2009, is to do things with playful ease. Much is therefore difficult, because we have an attitude with which we make it difficult for us. Many people think they must go to work. They cannot see how beautiful it is to designe something, taking care for you or a family ore supporting others in projects.
This lightness, I want to take in my life. Today I prayed for success and had only a bit later the first challenge. Just when I wanted to start to work, I got a phone call. It was clear that it would take longer and what I had to do would be delayed. I have deliberately switched, I have decided, to be there for the person and not to think: "I have to work now." It was an important, enriching conversation. And now I have to do the things I still want to do otherwise.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 @ 14:11

The bearable lightness of being

Marshall Rosenberg, who has developed the concept of nonviolent communication, says in a book that he is going to do only things that he can do with a playful lightness. "Never do anything that is not play."
He tells in "conflict resolution ..." (P. 41/42 slightly shortened) of his experience:

On the day when I started this list [of the things I do not easily] in order to check why I do things, was a real challenge, and this at two o´clock in the morning: I heard the baby scream in the neighbour room. What do you believe what my [...] inside said: "You have to feed the baby!" So I sighed and tortured me with this negative energy out of bed. But I was in the process [...] to teach me to do nothing, which is not easy. It was a real challenge in the middle of the night, but I was adamant and put me back to bed. Ah, that was good! [...]
Yes, the baby still cried, and I saw the headlines: "[...] disturbed psychologist leaves his child starving ...". But it has taken only ten seconds until the "You have to" was out of my head and I imagined the child next door who does not yet know how to get food. [...]. Then I got up, gave him the bottle and did it with pleasure ....

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 13, 2009@ 13:44

Gift

What a gift: I have slept this night 12 hours (I almost never do) and I probably slept the jet-lag out of my bones and am now wide awake and happy to be back here!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 @ 13:18

Colorful Christians in Boston

Before my eyes fall down and I will (hopefully) have a good round of sleep, a few snapshots of the worship yesterday.
A for U.S. conditions small community (60 - 100 persons), which has been for 40 years (!) in a rented room in a former slum area of Boston which developed, like all slums in the city to a slightly better, although still relatively poor region. Throughout the city there is no real slums more - earlier, there were dozens. This has, among many other factors also with the Christians to do, which is actively committed to their neighborhood and the people involved and a lot of social programs launch or participate in existing programs.
What this is like, I could see on Sunday morning. Around 60 people came despite the snow storm to the "Church", whose windows were laminated with blue insulating film to keep the cold outside. "Nice, that the pastor has turned up the heating, which he does not always." told me a black American.
By drinking coffee and tea, which stood on a wobbly old desk and which was organized by Carmen, a Hispanic woman who no longer could see, but the better cook, we came into the conversation.
On that day these people were at the church:
- About 30 white, 10 Hispanics, 10 Asian and 10 African-American
- Of which about 10 homeless people or people who have just returned to the connection to the company found that several drug addicts (three told me directly and openly of their addiction problems, I suspect there were more), some employees, and also still about 10 teachers and Students at Harvard University.
All guests were greeted (there were about 5 new people), when the pastor asked, to tell what people had experienced with God a woman told that she finally found an apartment(and does not live any longer on the street), while another said, that it is just shitty, and that he no longer knows what to do next and then a man thanked a couple from the community, that they helped him as he had a relapse of the drug. And a man told how he called his dealer and had asked him to bring drugs but then didn´t take them.
After the sermon, there was still an issue that was discussed in small groups, and then we prayed together.
Lively, close, pretty realistic, I was very touched.
Doug told me, that out of this community have developed many other communities - in Boston and other places - where Christians with the same "genetics" of care, love, openness and honesty with each other lives and shape their environment. A team has looked at how many similar projects / communities have emerged through this community and its offshoots. There are about 400 subsidiaries and grandchildren and grandgrandchildren communities. This has touched me greatly.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, January 12, 2009 @ 19:50

Gifts

On the way home, I had a lot of beautiful extras: At the airport there was a massage chair and foot massage device to try out ... I have enjoyed for so long until the boarding call came. In the plane there was a four-seat row free - I could lie down. I have not slept much anyway, because the people around me talked intensively. But it was better than sitting. And in Amsterdam I was greeted by a flame-red sky morning and by a man, whom I met in Berlin times and who was still able to remember (hm. .. I couldn´t) and also straight returned from the USA.
In Berlin, I heard the first, as two airport employees were talking: "I have two sweaters on. You, too?" "Yes!" Because I just missed the bus I once again waited ten and twenty minutes in the cold winter sun ... and found it really beautiful.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, January 12, 2009 @ 19:43

On the way home

After a very interesting service with an unusual mix of people, wonderful food, a little nap and the completion of the most difficult corner of the puzzle, which I puzzled in the last two days, I am now going to the airport ... and back into the Old World.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday 11 January 2009 @ 22:58

Love and romance in old and New England

Yesterday there was a snow storm outside and it was only cozy indoors. So we have watched "The Duchess" with Keira Nightly, a pretty intense, frustrating historical film about the conventions of the 18th Century, which love and romance rather damped.
Judy gave me a letter which she found by renovating her house. It comes from the Boston Wall paper merchant Arthur, at the end of the 19th Century, who had a friendship for six years with a woman named Lizzy before the now 26-year-old Lizzi in August 1880 got the following a letter ...

Dear Lizzie,
By this time you will know that I am rather a singular fellow in many respects, and so you will not be surprised at this letter [...],
I have known you a great many years, and yet in some respects I do not yet know you thoroughly. The time has come when it will be better for both of us to either know each better, or to be not nearly so intimate as we have been. By this I mean that we should either be engaged and that people should know it, or that we should merely be friends and nothing more. I had determined to have a serious talk with you on the matter, but have concluded that it is better to write. Then you can have more time to think the matter over and then you can write me your conclusion.
There is no young lady whom I care more for than I do for you, and yet, in selecting a wife, it is so serious a matter, one that either makes a man happy or miserable for his whole life!
There are other matters, besides, liking to be taken into consideration [...]
- In the first place, do you consider that your health is such that you will be able to minister with the strength and fortitude that a woman is compelled to have? Remember that in married life there are many things that occur, that, unless a woman have a vigorous and sound constitution, she is entirely unfitted to perform, and any weakness of body not only renders her miserable, but also affects those to whom she should be well and strong enough to minister.
- Then, I am a very difficult person to be with. My mother says that if I should marry you, that we should be separated in less than a year; that it would be like fire and powder coming together, and the result would inevitably be an explosion. Now, do you think that you can live with a young man of my irritable, domineering and in many respects ill-natured temper and disposition?
Of course, I should treat you kindly and tenderly, but since that terrible sickness that I had years ago, I am at times subject to fits of temper that require careful, kind and gentle treatment, and even my mother, who is almost a saint, sometimes gets out of patience with me.
Then in a wife I should expect the most thorough truthfulness. I should not be content unless she tell me everything, and if she deceived me, even in the slightest respect, I should lose all affection for her and this, you well know, would be an end for all happiness in this life for both of us.
Now, think this all over carefully, and if you can truthfully answer these questions in such a way that you are satisfied that I should be happy with you all my life, you will so write me, and I hope that you will find me a kind lover and a faithful husband. I hope to be able to go to Newmarket next Saturday, as Father is?
Very truly yours,
Arthur C. Wiggin

We do not have her answer, but it has taken five! more Years, until the two were married (Judy had the wedding certificate). There might have been special circumstances to this 11 years-long process: Two months after the wedding her first son was born!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, January 11, 2009 @ 15:26

Lobster

I have just eaten the first lobster in my life. The area is famous for its lobster. Those things taste really good - even if it's very difficult to eat. The art of eating it sophisticated, I have not learned!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, January 11, 2009 @ 01:58

Boston

Today, Judy went with me and two other people who also wanted to explore the city, across the city mileage. We have seen all the sights:
- The place where the Declaration of Independence was signed
- One of the warships from the War of Independence, which the Americans call Revolution War
- The oldest still in service restaurant, Ye Olde Oyster House, in which Benjamin Franklin liked to eat lobster
- Port of the Boston Tea Party - triggering the Movement of Independence
- The place of the massacre at Boston, where all five - in numbers 5 - people have been killed
- Some places of historical battles
- The neighborhood where there had been big street battles between the different population groups in the 60s
- The Irish pub in which Good Will Hunting was filmed.
- Districts with high proportions of immigrants in which a small church next to the other stands. Judy told me that 1969 were around 300 churches in the city. Today there are approximately 600. The reason for the growth is simply that the Christian divided life, and - if it made sense because of space, social or other reasons - they split and founded their own communities. No major events, actions, programs. Just a normal life with one another and with Jesus. Now it is estimated that the number of active Christians in the same period increased from 3% to 14%. Slowly, thoroughly, but surely. Many are also involved in education for socially vulnerable groups, care for the poor, etc. Every 20 days opens statistically a new community - some of the old die naturally and are also closed, but the new weigh on.
Driving by car through the city, was a completely different experience as to explore a city like New York only by feet. I had the feeling to stay more like an observer ... but it was also ok.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, January 11, 2009 @ 00:25

Compliment

When I was at an airport kiosk, I heard behind me a man saying to a woman: "You seem to me somehow familiar. Are you perhaps a Model?"
What an unusual form of pulling, I thought, and was even more surprised when I heard the answer: "Yes, until two years ago, I worked as a model .. for Marie Claire magazine and others ...". Then came the cold shower "I stopped when I was pregnant and had a child." The message was clear: You have no chance.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 10, 2009 @ 01:57

New York - Boston

It was not that easy to move away from New York. First of all, because it is a pity, not to see Doro and Lucas for a while, where I spent the days. Then also, because I haven´t felt as a visitor in New York, but so at home, which is quite funny ... very strange ...
But it was especially difficult to leave New York, because I went to the wrong airport ... on my online ticket was only New York, New York ... I went without further reflection to the John-F-Kennedy airport, queued in and knew half an hour later, when I finally reached the end of the queue that my flight goes from another airport. So I got into a taxi ... little hectic ... but I was relatively calm and it has worked well ... even if it cost me more money than nerves ...
Here in Boston, I am the guest of Doug and Judy, who worked for long years in the work of the Emmanuel Gospel Center - a similar, only much larger work, such as "working together for Berlin". We have talked a lot about attitudes and values that are necessarily needed for a successful networking. .. exciting people to know ...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 10, 2009 @ 01:46

Fit as a trainer

It was wonderful that I spent the whole week in New York without any back pain. That was probably due to the comfortable shoes that are now completely worn out and which won´t return to Germany ... Lucas says that it is because like in no other city you have to use your neck so much ... because you have to move it up to see something ...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, January 09, 2009 @ 12:33

Unexpected

What surprised me about New York
- That I heard less police and fire sirens in a week, as in a standard one-hour Hollywood movie
- How expensive everything is, despite the exchange rate is good: food, clothing, shoes, paper, ... probably only the gasoline is cheap, which I have not needed.
- How much advertising and information on topics such as climate change in the streets can be seen.
- How little frantic New Yorkers are (ok, I haven´t seen the morning rush hour).
- How beautiful and quiet Brooklyn is (here I think I could live)
- How good duck feet taste (ok, it had to be mentioned again)
- That there is many more Starbucks here than there are McDonald (I've never seen Burger King) ...
- That at least Manhattan almost completely can be explored on foot (the upper end of 13.6 miles long island I did not go to, but the 2 / 3 of the bottom I have in large parts walked
- How tame the squirrels in Central Park are ...
- ...

So, now I am off to Boston!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, January 09, 2009 @ 12:33

Loving and Judging

If you judge people you do not have time to love them. Mother Theresa

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, January 09, 2009 @ 05:07

My last day in New York

Morning: Once again a walk through Central Park and a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art - exciting to see how long American art was based on the European art until it was by Tiffany and others emancipated of the european and went their own way.
In the afternoon: Apple Store, Barnes and Nobles - a great bookstore, where there were lots of Obama books, not what I actually looked for ... I also miss Jimmy Carter, who will soon speak there ... unfortunately I am already gone. Even a trip to Macys, the largest department store in the world, its ancient wooden escalators!, which does not seem to fit to the contemporary fashion displays ... but I liked it.
Dinner with my girlfriend and then meeting with her cell group ... and now packing... because in the early morning I have to be at the airport in order to fly to Boston... Adventure Part 2 ... ..

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, January 09, 2009 @ 04:56

Apple Store

Today I was at the Apple Store - the Apple store on 5th Avenue. Actually, I could have written a blog entry from there, because computers, iPods, iPhones and other i. .. s are everywhere, where you could play and try. Somehow this store seemed to bring together New York: children and mums, blacks, whites, Asians, lovers, business people ... I really liked that.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, January 09, 2009 @ 04:48

Encounters in Soho

Yesterday I spent - apart from an evening visit to the fascinating Museum of Jewish Heritage - the first full day in Tribeca (new trend corner) and Soho, a more fancy chic area with many shops, restaurants "Make Food, Not War!" and galleries.
In a shop, I have discovered a wonderful facility book. Jonathan Adler: My Prescription for non-Depressive Living ": Wonderfully colorful, creative, playful ... just beautiful ... I got myself into the book, his witty lyrics and beautiful pictures lost as an employee spoke to me. I told him how wonderful I think the book is. He said and pointed two fingers on his chest: "That is my style!" We spoke a little about the dollar and the euro ... another employee with awe in his voice, told me later, "The one you talked to was Jonathan Adler himself. He is the author and designer ... he owns all the shops .. ". Funny ...
Life is full of surprises, if you are only open for it.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, January 08, 2009 @ 15:41

Faith is ...

Yesterday I - incidentally, when I wrote an e-mail - found a wording that is what faith is for me:
Faith is to trust that God and I can form things hand in hand.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, January 08, 2009 @ 15:35

Destiny

Destiny is a place between divine grace and willful self effort. Arielle Ford

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, Januar 07, 2009 @ 16:02

Money, Money, Money

In the morning: Beautiful walk along the old harbour of Brooklyn, where there also is the headquarter of the "Watchtower" (Jehovah's Witnesses), which got its name really from the watchtower on the water. Then under foggy dreamy pastel sky over the Brooklyn Bridge. Breathtaking views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the amazing suspension bridge architecture.
Then to Ground Zero, which again was smaller than I had imagined, and the World Financial Center opposite, where some banks have their homes ... when they built it, they apparently still had money. The huge entrance hall is full of marble and 16 real, large palm trees. Next to it the Dow Jones building - no idea what they do with all the floors. A block further: The Federal Reserve Bank, in which are in the five floors below ground 1 / 4 of the global monetary reserves store - more than at Fort Knox.
Moving: St. Paul's Chapel, which is on the other side of the World Trade Center,has survived the collapse of the towers without damage. The entire cemetery and the roof of the church was full of debris and dust, but the church had not even a broken window pane. It was in the 9 months after 9 / 11 the center for 14,000 volunteers, the firefighters and others who worked at Ground Zero, supported them with food, advice, prayer, a place to sleep for the people, some of which were working 12-18 hours at Ground Zero. I was very touched ... a place full of hope ... Christians who opened the doors and sacrificed a few "sacred cows" in order to do what was most important: to serve the people. The "holy bank", which belonged to George Washington has been converted in a examination couch during this time. People who worked at Ground Zero, could have their feet massaged. That has impressed me more than all the money in the world.

Orginally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, January 07, 2009 @ 15:48

Habits

Habits are ingenious when it comes to procedures, which one routinely performs. They are silly, if one encounters with people and things and looks through the familiar glasses, and can´t see the unique no longer. At a new place, it is easy, to discover everything with astonishment and to see everything as a new exercise. But the attitude I would also like to take back to my "old" environment ... discovering people and things as I would have never seen or discovered before... even routine matters such as taking showers, can be unique if you are imagining, this is the first time (at least on this day) that I take a shower. So, now I will go out in the cold and into the beautiful, unknown New York! I will walk over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 @ 16:39

Duck feet and Chinatown

Today I was in Chinatown in a Dim Sum Parlor with a friend ... a typical Chinese restaurant where the employees pass Chinese delicacies on trolleys and you can choose what you like: crabs in rice, beef "spring rolls" and even duck feet ... Yes, I've tried ... of course they were a bit gristly and greasy, but the sauce was good.
The restaurant itself was so traditional that at the end a Chinese chapel came, ánd played in full volume background music for a Chinese funeral society, almost none of whom spoke English - in the heart of Manhattan.
Then I have gone through 50 blocks from the South to the East of Manhattan, what is named by the Native American Manahatta ( "Many Hills") - for me the best and most beautiful way to explore a city.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 @ 03:07

Religion of the New Yorker

In Barnes + Noble, a large, four-floor bookstore on Union Square, there are stacks of Obama puzzles and also shelves full of books.
- 18 shelves on diets, etc. (+ 6 more on fitness)
- 4 shelves on the Christian Faith (+ 1-2 to Islam, Judaism and New Age). Probably not a bad image for what is important to the New Yorkers .

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 @ 03:03

Enlargement

I am especially touched by a thought from the sermon yesterday. Timothy Keller said that the phrase "I want to create him a succour" is clearly not meant for support of the garden work. Eva was not the "relief worker" for Adam, since the commission, to maintain the garden, was for both equally (no hierarchy).
Then he asked in what way Eve could help Adam, and gave the answer that he has found himself: "After 34 years of marriage, you know almost without thinking what the other in a particular situation would do. So one has not only one option available (its own), but two, and can decide which is better. This is an extraordinarily help in life. "
Recently I've written that the freedom starts, where at least three options are available (an important approach in coaching). That partnership in this regard ultimately does not limit, but their options expanded enormously, is a fascinating idea. For those who have gone a long way on the path of faith, there is also an idea of what Jesus would think or do in a particular situation- so you have three options.
I think young couples (by the meaning of "short time together") often struggling against the beliefs and attitudes of others, because they think it should be based on a correct belief and strategy. Some discover over time, the treasure of the diversity. I want in my encounters, whether in relationships or friendships, belong to the "some".

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, January 05, 2009
@ 15:41

Being happy about 1000 things

Anthony de Mellos` thought I will take for the day: people who are happy about only a few things and think that only these things and circumstances can make them happy, suffer greatly if they lose one of the few things. However, people who are happy about 1.000 things can not take it as hard if they lose one of them. [Compendious out of "The Way to Love" .]
I want to be happy about 1.000 things!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack Monday, January 05, 2009
@ 15:34

Disposed

One of my - perhaps bizarre - habits is to travel with things that I don´t want to any more, for example, clothes, that had the best time of its existence behind it, or - like now - two pairs of shoes, that much used, that they are no longer viable. This has the advantage that it is easier for me while I am travelling to dispose things and the second advantage is that something new is connected with the place of travel. Yesterday I saw some new winter shoes and bought them I look forward to wearing the new shoes. Of course I will not do today. The old are better for me and my feet and I will in any case, wear them as long as I am here ... but then it´s the turn of the new ones.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, January 05, 2009 @ 15:06

Weekend and everyday life in New York

My first three days in New York I experienced surprisingly calm. This is certainly because of the fact that I have a beautiful view on a park where dogs and humans play and run from the window of the apartment of my friends. Another fact is that my first day here was at the weekend, where the city is not so full. Now I will read a bit and then pray and I'm anxious to see the New York daily routine.
Yesterday we were in the service of the Redeemer Church,which was very formal, the sermon on "It's not good that man is alone!" was very good, with many new thoughts. That is all the more remarkable because I am a woman, who leans more by talking and reading, rather than by lectures.
Then we drank tea and ate muffins in the Church (yummy...!)... as an appetizer for "Hot and Crusty pizza", then we went through the Upper West End, fascinated by the many museums of the Museum Mile as well as of the order of the puppy dogs of a pet shop. .. (price $ 3000) and the Guggenheim (from outside). After a leisurely walk through Central Park, there we had a cup of tea at Alice Teacup, a sweet small teahouse in the style of Alice in Wonderland (the prices were not cute and small, but one must get used to this in New York).

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, January 05, 2009 @ 14:51

Spring and Beauty

Beautiful: My book SPRING is now available as an e-book at The Beauty and Wellness Guide ... well, beautiful because that way totally different people are coming in contact with it.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, January 05, 2009
@ 13:51

Wall Street and Downtown

Despite freezing temperatures, we have participated on a guided tour in the Wall Street district today. Somehow, the entire corner is a lot more comfortable and cozy to me than I had imagined. Even the stock market is in a small side street and is much less massive and impressive than the television images ... you do not guess how much power is concentrated in this building.
Anyway it was not always pleasant there. At least not in the beginning of the 19th century as a carriage filled with dynamite exploded and 30 people killed and 400! were injured. To commemorate this first terrorist attack in the history of Manhattan, which went probably to the account of anarchists, the damage to the facade is still not repaired.
At the top of the stock market is a figure: "Integrity, protecting the works of men." Lady Integrity seems to suffer from age weakness in the last years. She does not do its job well.
From the water the city looks certainly very impressive and far less comfortable than on land.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, January 04, 2009 @ 01:00

Symphony of Life

Today I look forward to hearing the different sounds of life in New York. Lightning Blue sky is waiting for us. Later, we intend to participate a "guided tour" along the Wall Street.
Wall Street got its name from the long wall, that protected "New Amsterdam" (Today's tip of Manhattan) against that the slaves of the Dutch settlers who lived here would escape, and also protect against Indians who could rob the treasures of the settlers. There has not changed much until today. Even though the physical wall is gone, the function of Wall Street, to protect the rich, has remained ...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 03, 2009 @ 15:22

Walking Tours

Today we have walked large parts of New York: Meat Packing District, Soho, Times Square, Broadway ... again and again with breaks, to recharge our batteries or warm up, although fortunately it is not so cold ... even the 45 minutes queues, at MOMA were bearable ... not least because we used it for a year review by saying nice memories from last year, which began with different letters... D, K , V, Q. ...
Now we have a hot chocolate, and then I will go sleeping! I'm excited about what tomorrow will bring.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, January 03, 2009 @ 03:38

First times

I slept very well and I feel fresh so the time difference and the short New Year's night is no longer a problem, and now I am longing to explore something and look forward to the brunch. The sky is no longer quite as blue as yesterday, but still beautiful!
Doing things for the first time is something very special. You experience them in a unique intensity. Here, I experience a lot of first things ... firstly, because New York is entirely new and interesting and, secondly, because the beginning of the new year is full of opportunities, to do something for the first time this year
- The first Pasta
- The first herbal tea
- The first CD, which you hear
- The first email that you write
...
Life is full of first times!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack Friday, January 02, 2009 @ 15:49

Happy New York

I wish you all a good + Happy New Year with exciting, beautiful and pleasant developments!

Getting up at 4:00 on New Year´s day is not quite up to what I feel is a great highlight, but for catching a flight to New York it's ok ... on the plane said the man at the Steward emergency exit in front of me "Are you drunk?" than he credibly confirmed his sobriety, he said to him, as he could open the emergency exit in an emergency .. we did not have to test. Everything went well, we were even an hour earlier than planned in New York.
Real highlight: I sat next to a Jewish couple from Holland, who flew to New York for getting to know her first grandchild, which has just been born. Really at the same time: When we took off, the daughter went to the hospital to give birth to the child.
New York welcomed me with a radiant Doro and equally bright, blue sky ... Doros hug is just a few degrees warmer! Here in Brooklyn, it is very relaxed and comfortable (holiday), in front of the window the sun shines in a park .. now I am drinking tea: Happy New York ...

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, January 01, 2009 @ 21:44

Tip for the New Year

It is a pity when good thoughts, ideas, etc. are lost - it is better to keep it firmly ... the best place is of course "My Quadro" a 15 x 15 cm wide, thin notebook with lots of room for

* Quotes
* Interests
* Numbers
* Addresses
* Inspiring
* Book Excerpts
* Thoughts from periods of silence
* Sketches
* Dreams
* Ideas
* Travel
* ...
Of course you can browse in the Quadro and see if it appeals to you ... I had a lot of fun, to design it together with my graphic designer - for me one of the finest projects in the last year and I hope that it will bring you as much fun as for me.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 @ 20:29

Tip for the end of the year

A friend has reminded me (thanks, Rose) that I am two years ago - based on a method of coaching - a good idea for the structuring of the annual had reflection. She had then written up - great, if one has such friends, keep the good ideas that you yourself have already forgotten.

One can reflect:

What has changed:

* In the environment
* In the activity
* In our own abilities
* In the values
* In the identity
* In the spirituality

In addition, you can ask:
- What's gone?
- What was this?

I will do the same tomorrow ... or Thursday somewhere above the clouds on its way to New York!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 @ 20:26

Good questions for 2009

I have just written my client newsletter. And because a woman replied that the she liked the impulses that much, I present an excerpt here:

"The best way to predict the future is to make it. - Author unknown

Dear Friends,

Many people are wondering these days what the new year will probably bring. I have quit, to ask me this question - for the simple reason that I can not answer. No matter how much I think - I will not find a secure answer to this question. The answer can only bring life - I know it afterwards. The 31 12. 2009, might tell me what the year has brought.

But there are issues on which it is worth to think about. For example the question: How can I design this year - with God's help? What are the things I would like to learn? Where do I want to develop? What experiences and encounters, I would like to give space for? What do I want to produce, move and change? I can answer these questions and the clearer the answer is, the more powerful I can design it. I wish you the courage to abandon "fortune-teller-questions" ( "What will be?") on New Year's Eve but instead think of "design issues" such as the above. "

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 @ 10:00

2008 - My year in numbers - personally

For me personally, I also have a small list of the highlights of the year.

1 training: Systemic Coaching and Supervision (intense, several seminars)
2 training: process-oriented methods / Nonviolent Communication
2 Special gifts to me: 1 beautiful summer jacket / 1 recumbent bicycle
2 Cultural Highlights: Martha Graham Dance Company, a Mozart opera in the metro
3 new sports: Bollywood dancing, archery course, climbing course
5 for me, new places (or new corners at known places): Vienna, Sweden, Copenhagen, Antwerp, East Portugal, Rheingau
8 readings and cinema visits - cherry blossoms was my personal favorite, and a reading by Mary Karr (author of "The Liar's Club")
10 stories and read biographies: Highlight Dreams from my father (Barak Obama)
10 inspiration and spiritual books: Highlight: The Shack, A long obedience in the same direction (Eugene Peterson), Velvet Elvis / Sex God (both: Rob Bell)
13 training books read: Highlights: Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg), Rich Dad - Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki), Energy Competence (Verena Steiner)
20 Issue visit: photography, art, museums. Highlights: Farina Fragrance Museum (Cologne), Vardi Kahana (portrait of an israel. big family, from liberal to ultra-Orthodox Israeli) ...
+ ..... Countless beautiful, interesting, deep, sad, funny encounters, and Café - Restaurant and visits with people who are important to me. A full, rich year!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack Tuesday, December 30, 2008 @ 08:22

2008 - My year in numbers - Down to Earth

The end of the year is a good time to look back. I do this, inter alia, by looking at numbers - the internal issues will come later.

The Year of Down to Earth
1 edition - CD Rom "Well said"
1 new employee (an age-less)
2 international licensing agreements for impulse booklets closed (Japan + The Netherlands)
2 new online partners (E-books and clicking Germany)
5 new writers won for Down to Earth
13 lectures / seminars throughout Germany
16 new books / impulse booklets / Quadros of which I've written 14 (phew!)
18 Articles which were published in magazines (some twice)
24 reviews of Down to Earth Products in online and print magazines (which could be more)
? Coaching a few dozen hours, where I accompanied people in their processes.

In short: An intensive and successful year with slightly better sales figures than last year, and especially a lot of good matches. I think that we enriched people's lives in one way or another.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 @ 08:10

interwoven

The beginning of the Christmas story from Luke 2 "It came to pass, however, that a command by the Emperor Augustus points out that there should be a census ..." has made me aware of how much God's story is interwoven in our history. With the major world history - here the Roman Empire and its tax statistics and censuses, but also with a very personal story. Faith can only be practiced in a specific historical, cultural and personal context, does not exist somehow as "pure, detached something" like this. "Pure Faith" can not be defined, and even less lived. Always just "associated belief" that looks at us and our reality and connects to our lives and will shape and form.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 @ 22:41

Wailing and praying- sometimes the same

The Wailing Wall
in a flash of a prayer
it crashs.

God is just
a prayer
away from you.

Nelly Sachs

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 @ 22:38

Quotes

If one is on the way, you can hear so much.

"A real soap" commented a neighbor in the seat next to me on the train, as a couple in the seat in front of us began to kiss and cuddle. [strange that we are so influenced by television, that we discribe the real life like this.]

Godchild No. 1 (7 years): "I have five brothers and sisters. My dolls and my brother!"

Godchild No. 2 (6 years): "What is the financial crisis" (phew!), And five minutes later: "Kerstin, how do you hear God's voice."

Reinhold Messner (in a Christmas calendar): Those who risk nothing, can not even fail.

Marshall Rosenberg (from a Christmas gift-book): Do you want to be right or happy? Both at the same time will not do.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 @ 10:04

Beware of stickers!

Another note. Be aware of drivers with stickers. Scientific studies have shown that drivers with glued cars drive far more aggressive than those who leave their car without stickeres. Supposed reason: To stick a car is territorial, which indicates: Here I come! And who so loudly gives to himself and his beliefs attention, continues his interests on the road ... regardless of whether he and his stickers advertises for environmental protection, peace on earth, or political beliefs.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, December 21, 2008 @ 21:16

Welcome Texts

Interesting how one is welcomed. Yesterday Hoyerswerda. A city that had 5-7000 inhabitants in the'50s, then for the exploitation of coal more than 70,000, living in WK 1-10 (WK = residential complex). Since the fall of the wall you can hear every now and again the dull roar when again one of the residential complexes are demolished. 38,000 people have left and Christians, which want to give hope and life meaning, invited me as a speaker for an alternative worship - loving, creative, fitting ...
Overnight, I stayed - for the first time in my life - in a (renovated) residentail complex. In the hallway of the apartment, a poem immediately attracted my attention, which, although it is several hundred years old, could hardly be more fitting:

Andreas Gryphius
Es ist alles eitel (It's all vain)

Du siehst, wohin du siehst, nur Eitelkeit auf Erden.
Was dieser heute baut, reißt jener morgen ein;
Wo jetzund Städte stehn, wird eine Wiese sein,
Auf der ein Schäferskind wird spielen mit den Herden;

Was jetzund prächtig blüht, soll bald zertreten werden;
Was jetzt so pocht und trotzt, ist morgen Asch und Bein;
Nichts ist, das ewig sei, kein Erz, kein Marmorstein.
Jetzt lacht das Glück uns an, bald donnern die Beschwerden.

Der hohen Taten Ruhm muß wie ein Traum vergehn.
Soll denn das Spiel der Zeit, der leichte Mensch, bestehn?
Ach, was ist alles dies, was wir vor köstlich achten,

Als schlechte Nichtigkeit, als Schatten, Staub und Wind,
Als eine Wiesenblum, die man nicht wieder find't!
Noch will, was ewig ist, kein einig Mensch betrachten.

After a good sleep and delicious breakfast, I was welcomed by the "Deutsche Bahn" with texts of another kind: delay due to technical problems, for the same cause reservations and the Bistro are also not working.

The last was greeting friends in Stuttgart ... a cry of jubilation from my godchild, and at the door of the room of the teen son of friends emblazoned thick a sign:

Caution! I could be in a bad mood. Enter at your own risk.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Sunday, December 21, 2008 @ 20:52

Starting small

Sometimes I'm impatient and would like, to see results quickly with what I am doing. That is precisely why I am very touched that Christmas reminds me that even God startet small and engaged himself on the process of growth and maturity.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 11:16

On the way

From now on I am 8 days on the way. Tonight in Hoyerswerda, where I hold a worship service about "The gift of life," say - in principle my book SPRING reduced to 20 minutes ... Then we go to Stuttgart and Nuremberg to two friends and their daughters, who are my godchildren and then to parents and family. I look forward to days without any work program and with plenty of space for encounter and probably - at least at my parents - time to leisurely drinking coffee and reading ...
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas day, which includes exactly what you want - let it be peace, encounter, inspiration, good food, and contemplativeness ... and above all the blessings of God!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 09:44

When dig - when wait

The pictures of the snow chaos in northern Italy in recent days re-awakened an old question, which I wrote down in my Swing Book: There are situations, there you have to dig. Since you have to tackle against the forces of nature struggling to get a path through the snow. And on the other hand, there are situations, where the best thing to do is, to wait until spring melts the snow. Question: How can one distinguish between this situation or the other?

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, December 19, 2008 @ 21:30

Compliments

Haso has beautifully blogged on the new Japanese impulse Issue .... among other things, it refers to the impulse booklets as
something like the opposite of Twitter in the print media - for lovers of short inspirational "bites".
- I value this as a true post-modern compliment.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, December 19, 2008 @ 18:56

Who wins

Yesterday I was with a friend in the Berlin Museum of Natural History and viewed in addition to the dinosaurs (cool!), especially the photo exhibition of the best wildlife photographs 2008. The one I liked most was a snake where half a frog was in its mouth and the frog takes his arm, and clutching her neck. The photographer writes:

The snake could not swallow the frog, but the frog couldn´t escape. After three hours one surrendered - the tired photographer.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, December 18, 2008 @ 08:46

Outrage

Sweet: I had given a box of impulse booklets on consignment to a pastor and he should send me at the end of the year the booklets, which he could not sell and the money for the ones sold. Today, he wrote:

On Sunday I have told the people that the books will go back. The reaction: loud outrage! They want to buy ALL!

All right!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 @ 19:53

Coaching Tip: First Aid against panic

Everybody knows situations where everything collapses over you. Depending on the personality is then activated the rehearsed patterns of panic: fear, Lashing out, despair, depression, massive pressure, total chaos, absolute helplessness, etc. My supervisor has given me a chance today to "first aid" in crashes of emotional states.

The method originates from the trauma therapy and was developed for people who have had bad experiences and when a "Flashback" comes and they are threatened to panic because they saw the situation recalls. It helps also in the normal everyday neuroses that each of us has sometimes.
The background for the approach is the idea that if you crash emotionally to think either in the past. Then one remembers what terrible things one has experienced. Or one thinks of the future and fears it. To get the feelings, the hiking in the past / future triggers off, you must return to a narrow line of the present issue by dealing with all your senses focused on what is now.

First Aid program against panic and to arrvie back in the present day - Short Form:

Name 5 things that you see.
Name 5 things that you hear.
Name 5 things that you feel.

Then: name 4 things that you see, 4 things that you hear, 4 things that you feel.

Then 3
Then 2
Then 1

Then, the first acute panic looses a little bit.
And then you can maybe think about the root that caused the problem. But everything in his time.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 17:58

Coaching - Tip: The beginning of freedom

Recently, I had a coaching training includes an interesting phrase, which I find very helpful:
Freedom begins there, where I have three options.

If I have only one, I will be rigid.
If I have two, I stand in a conflict.
If I have three, freedom begins.


I find the idea very helpful and the habit of situations in which I feel a crisis, to consider: What kind of (at least) three options do I have? I always see at least three.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 17:55

Adults Communications

Every Tuesday I meet with a small group of friends to share faith and life. At the last meeting, we talked a lot about communication. A woman said that she (and many other women) wish that men read wishes from the eyes and that they think this is an expression of true love.
Thought: Hmm. If this is the expression of true love, why does not even God do it - although he is probably the only person who will ever be in a position to be able to. But even he expected to request that we speak openly and clearly. "You have nothing, because you do not ask" James describes the results of not formulated and expressed ideas.
Perhaps, therefore, because formulating desires gives a lot of energy. Yesterday I spoke with a woman in terms of future prospects. She told me much about what she no longer wants. I asked her to formulate what she wants instead. Reaction: surprised silence - and then very powerful formulation with shining eyes: "I want that!"
Perhaps God therefore does not read our desires of the eyes, because it is an expression of his love, and to respect us as a comparison to be taken seriously.
I find it exciting. What do you think?

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 09:14

Fair dates

Meanwhile, there is available fair coffee, fair roses, fair tea and among much else of fair things dates organically grown from a small farm in Tunisia. I like that ... (Thanks, Frank for the tip to all who like dates).

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, December 12, 2008 @ 21:16

Old DM new hope

In the "Old DM - new hope" project there have been gathered more than 3300 DM by now, the people still had somewhere in drawers. In spring these trees will be planted in Afghanistan to stabilize the nutritional basis of the population. I as the initiator of the project are happy about it. [It´s still possible to send DM to Shelter Now: Shelter Now Germany eV, orphanage Damm 4, 38100 Braunschweig]

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, December 12, 2008 @ 09:13

Survival in crises

Sometimes contents link in an interesting way. As part of my coaching training, I recently took part at the seminar on "leadership coaching and organizational development". The speaker Dieter Tappe told, inter alia, the importance of trust in an organization (which can be seen now in the banking crisis, where lack of trust between the banks intensifies the crisis). He said that only organizations that hold up a high degree of confidence can survive. His "Head of trust" included several steps (by memory)
Distrust / little confidence
1. I take you to the cleaners
2. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth
3. I scratch your back, and you scratch my back.
Trust
4. I'll give you something, but (soon) want something back
5. I'll give you something, but it is ok, if I only get it back a little later
6. I'll give you something, trust it from life and from the system to get it back.

Yesterday I spent the whole day in bed, because I had an upset stomach. I was as bad as I haven´t been for the last 15 years (food poisoning in Albania!) No more. I could barely move, keeping nothing to me, lost 1.5 kilos of body mass in one day! In the evening I called desperately a neighbor and asked her to bring me Cola, which actually helped.
Here I thought of "The Rise of Christianty" a book by Rodney Stark, a sociologist who has studied how Christianity in the first centuries spread. He mentioned among other things, the surge of Christians after the great plagues, which infested the Roman Empire. He said that during epidemics, most people did not die of the virus, but that someday they were too weak to get some food and drink (as I did yesterday!). If nobody is there, who supplies it, they simply die.
During the plagues of antiquity those who could afford it, left the city ( "Every man for himself," ; cf. level 1 of Tappe). The Christians, however, who had a different code of ethics had supplied their relatives, friends and gentiles, whose life chances have increased significantly. After epidemics, there was a percentage of a sharp increase of Christians, since less-Christians and Christians sympathizers had died. The author introduces the fact that the value system of the Christians was ultimately better for crises than those of the Gentiles - quite similar to Tappe. Very exciting idea.

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Thursday, December 11, 2008 @ 15:40

Title ...

All beginnings are difficult - in books, it is always the title.

What do you think is the better title
- Maturity. Impulses, to grow naturally.
- Growing naturally. Impulses, to develop maturity.

You can vote by leaving "comments".

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Saturday, December 06, 2008
@ 16:21

Growing naturally

"For he (God) grants sleep to those he loves," one says. I experience this again and again. Tonight, I woke up and had the title "Growing naturally" for a new impulse booklet in my head and the rough idea on the topic of "maturity", which I obviously have quoted immediately - without ever having planned the subject. I found that pretty cool!
But then I could no longer sleep because the brain was so inspired. Bad luck, if the Lord grants sleep to those he loves, but then they themselves can no longer sleep. But now I try to write down all good ideas, so that they are not lost. If anyone of you want to read the finished product and to tell me whether my night-thoughts also stand up to daylight, you can tell me!

Originally written by Kerstin Hack on Friday, December 05, 2008 @ 13:34