Painting Mandala

"... Only gradually did I discover what the mandala really is:
'Formation, Transformation, Eternal Mind's eternal creation'
(Faust, II). And that is the self, the wholeness of the personality,
which if all goes well is harmonious, but which cannot tolerate
self-deceptions." C. G. Jung

It all started as an intuitive sketching back in high school during classes, to keep me focused on the lessons content. Later during seminars and today during meetings, especially when it comes to long meetings, and we have many long meetings.

I collected some of my sketches and hanged them on my office board. I did not know that there is a whole world of Mandala behind it…

Recently a colleague of mine saw my sketching and told me that I must participate in Eitan Kedmy Mandala workshop and gave me a link to his website.
I was very curious about it and immediately explored the link. I was surprised to realize a rich world of Mandalas that has so many meanings, even more surprising was to read articles by the analytical psychology Carl Jung on Mandala painting. All of this convinced me to registered to Eitan's workshop.

During 8 amazing meetings I met with wonderful women, I do not know why only women attended, but I am happy this was the case, the women created a special energy circle, which made the workshop even better.
In each session we learned about the different meaning of colors and shapes expressed in the Mandalas.

I enjoyed the workshop very much and learned many new things, also about myself. Painting Mandala reflects your state of mind and calms you in a wonderful way. In addition the results are graceful.
I am looking forward to the next workshop which start next week.

Link to Eitan Kedmy site – Only in Hebrew - http://www.mandalaway.net/
Carl Jung – In English - http://www.netreach.net/~nhojem/jung.htm

Funny Faces

Ok, this one has nothing to do with working in a global company, but I thought could interest you as well.
A nice lady I know told me that I should do funny faces every day for a few minutes, this will keep my face skin younger and no need for expensive creams…
So, I tried… not public of course, and it is not as easy as seems…
I introduced it to my kids, they loved it, we faced each other for about an hour and had a really good laugh… now we have a nice face skin and a very good mood.
Go ahead, try, this will make your day :-)

Cultural Differences

One of the amazing things about working in a global company is that you are exposed to different, interesting & fascinating cultures and people.
In my work, I have the privilege to work with people from Germany, India, Ireland, USA and rarely Japan.
During the last 10 years I have been traveling frequently to Germany. It is almost natural for me to walk in the streets of Heidelberg like it is in Tel-Aviv, and to communicate with German people, but the beginning was not so easy (for both sides).

Each time before I travel to a new location or start working with a new culture, I do my best to learn about the culture flavors, habits & customs.
During my visits, I try to reach people not only in a professional level by sharing about my life and giving room for mutual sharing. Both in Germany and India, I have a very good friends and I feel lucky that I met these people.

And still, two weeks ago, we had visitors from India. This is not the first time they visit us, and I visited India two times as well.
In one of the evening, we went out and had a very pleasant time, the colleagues from India mentioned that in India it is not polite to wipe your nose in public (especially for woman). That was said about 5 minutes after I wiped my nose…
We, the Israeli team were so embarrassed, and immediately remembered that during our visit to India we wiped our nose several times… I wonder how the Indian colleagues looked at us at that time.
Yet, with all my preparations and learning I did not reach this simple rude action to be avoided.

I treat this aspect with regards, I really believe that bridging the culture difference has a key success in the working relationships, and bring great value to the quality of the relationship.
I am not sure… what do you think? For us, Israelis, is it much simpler? Are we used to differences, since we are a mixture of clusters by ourselves?


Please share with me your own story about important differences I should be aware of in my foreign relationship.
And for my non Israel friends, let's hear your stories about your experience with us the Israelis (or with other as well)…

And here is a link with some additional details…
In English - http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/
In Hebrew - http://blogs.microsoft.co.il/blogs/itaybraun/archive/2008/07/24/quot.aspx

A Working Mother

Last week I got an interesting Direct Message @ Twitter, to join a research regarding working mothers by Riky Cohen.
I got Riky attentions after I wrote in twitter "that's it for today, going to pick up my kids and start with my second job which is my primary job :-)".
We had a pleasant telephone call, where Riky presented her wish to expose the world of a working mother running from day job number one to day job number two.
This is so familiar to me, since my kids were born, I am in a constant fine-tuning between the need & wish to be with my kids, be part of their life and the wish to develop and grow professionally.
The action item from my side was quite simple, to record log of all my actions during one day. It was weird to record my actions; it makes you think about the actions you are so used to do, almost in an automatic pilot. I realized how lucky I am to have the chance to work in a company that respect the family life, and encourage the balance between work and home.
Although I have to travel frequency, during the past 8 years I feel comfortable with the challenges I received at work and with the time I spend with my kids.
I admit the first two years as a mother, was not so simple, several times I had doubts regarding my role as a mother comparing my duties at work, but only while experiencing I could find my golden path.
I thank Riky for stopping me in my constant running and reviewing my daily actions, some of them I already changed for better use of my time…

How did you find your golden path?

Link to Riky Blog - http://www.rikyc.co.il/