Beyond the Veil: Embracing Halloween
I take some time to reflect on Halloween and its today’s contrasting festivities with ancestral traditions from Lithuania, like Vėlinės, a day to honor the dead. As an educator and creative, I invite everyone to step beyond costumes and candy, engaging with the season's soulful invitation to reconnect with history, self-reflection, and imagination.
Echoes of the Spirit World
As autumn’s mystery deepens, Villa Anapilis in Palanga beckons with its storied past and spectral whispers. Once home to Countess Sofija Horvataitė-Tiškevičienė, this haunting estate is alive with tales of eerie séances, a haunting wind organ, and mirrored rooms that blur the line between past and present. Step into the season’s twilight and explore the secrets waiting within its wooden walls.
A Path to Quiet Joy
Diamond painting has become a surprising source of mindfulness and joy for me, teaching patience, focus, and the beauty of imperfection. Through this simple, meditative activity, I’ve found a new way to embrace gradual progress and creativity without pressure. Each session is a reminder to enjoy the journey, one tiny bead at a time.
GLL Summit 2024: A Gathering of Global Minds
GLL Summit 2024 in Barcelona was a deeply enriching experience that reinforced the power of community and the collective impact of Lithuanian professionals worldwide. This gathering highlighted the importance of cultural connection, collaboration, and the role of the diaspora in bridging Lithuania with the global community.
Owning Your Growth: STRIVE Cards Preview at BASE
As we approach the BASE conference on October 25th, I am thrilled to share a glimpse of what’s to come. Together with the incredible Veronica Gugugian, who has organized this impactful event, we will be hosting a special workshop that introduces the world to STRIVE Cards—a project born out of my passion for helping people unlock their potential through empathic leadership and self-awareness. [read more…]
The Untold Story in the Sands
While visiting the Baltic Sea coast, I was captivated by the Žvejo Dukros (Fisherman’s Daughters) sculpture, a piece I remembered from childhood. Created in 1982, it depicts three girls waiting by the sea—but beneath this serene image lies a hidden, powerful meaning that reveals much more than meets the eye... [read more...]
Daiva Lapėnaitė: Išmok Juoktis (Learn to Laugh)
Pokalbių serijoje apie lietuves, išsibarsčiusias po platųjį pasaulį, šįkart kalbinu Daivą Lapėnaitę. Ji - žurnalistė, organizatorė bei įvairiapusė aktyvistė, gyvenanti Sardinijos saloje, Italijoje.
[ENG] In this series of conversations with Lithuanian women who have left their motherland for a variety of reasons, I am speaking with Daiva Lapėnaitė who is a journalist, organizer and overall a very active person, currently living in Sardinia, Italy.
The Future We Seek
I took a moment to reflect on the concept of futurity and the importance of being present, inspired by the event Baobab Nights: Tomorrow’s Dreams by Omek. It's so interesting to observe how our future is shaped by our understanding of history and the significance of cultivating inner expansiveness. By being fully present and allowing creativity and growth to unfold naturally, I aim to nurture balance, peace, and self-value.
Balancing Perspectives: Tech, Humanity, and the Future
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the organizing team for Balancing Acts: Striking Harmony Between Technology and Humanity, an event held at the iconic EYE Film Museum. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses are leveraging automation and innovation in unprecedented ways. [read more...]
Exploring the Legacy of the Tiškevičiai Family in Palanga
This summer I was re-introduced to the Lithuanian seaside and have been inspired to do more research and I am excited to share what I am discovering. In this article - read about a prominent family of Tiškevičiai who left a beautiful legacy not only in Palanga town but in the whole region. [Read more...]
One question project: Shenin Lebrun
One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Shenin Lebrun:
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of an effective leader, and how do you cultivate those qualities in yourself and in the teams you lead?
Soundscapes of Reflection at Amsterdam Fringe
Producing None of Us Are Enjoying This at the Amsterdam Fringe Festival was a truly remarkable experience. This spoken word and soundscape performance, brought to life by the talented Jackie Ashkin and Jędrzej Jędraszyk, was a journey that felt as immersive behind the scenes as it was for the audiences who attended. [Read more..]
Behind the Scenes at the WWII Restitution Symposium
On September 12th, 2024, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) hosted a remarkable international symposium on the future of WWII Restitution Policies. It was an event where experts, historians, and cultural leaders gathered to explore vital issues around provenance research and restitution, and I had the honor of working with a fantastic team to help make it happen. [read more...]
Erotic Poetry on Stage
I had the pleasure of supporting Kevin-Ahn Kwang Soo-Groen, the brilliant organizer behind the event, who brought together a stunningly diverse lineup of artists, poets, musicians, and performers. The night was everything it promised to be—sensual, raunchy, humorous, and deeply moving. Whether it was raw fantasies, stories of dates gone right (or hilariously wrong), or intimate moments of self-reflection, the performers bared their souls and took us on an emotional journey.
[read more]
Gardens of Emotions
It's all about the gardens—literal and emotional—that we tend to. Last year, I discovered Lietuvos Vizionieres by Elena, whose writing about emotions and mental health captivated me. After a serendipitous social media exchange, we met for coffee and formed a meaningful connection. Inspired by her work under the name "Elenas Garden of Emotions," I envisioned a photoshoot in her actual garden, bringing her writing to life. Last month, we made that happen, capturing the essence of both her spirit and her serene surroundings. I’m excited to share some of those beautiful moments.
Laura Mančauskaitė: Įkvėpimas ateina per judesį (Inspiration comes through movement)
Pokalbių serijoje apie lietuves, išsibarsčiusias po platųjį pasaulį, šįkart kalbinu Laura Mančauskaitė. Ji - kūrėja bei edukologė, gyvenanti Londone, Didžiojoje Britanijoje.
[ENG] In this series of conversations with Lithuanian women who have left their motherland for a variety of reasons, I am speaking with Laura Mančauskaitė who is a creator and a creative as well as education specialist, currently living in London, the UK.
Yellow Stairs and Beyond
Yesterday was an inspiring day as I joined friends, and supporters to celebrate an incredible milestone in my friend Reka’s life. After over a decade of hard work, passion, and perseverance, Reka has not only published her long-awaited book but also established her own publishing company, Yellow Stairs Publishing. It was an unforgettable moment, marking the culmination of her creative journey and the beginning of a new chapter.
[Read more...]
Tracing Tradition
I usually find myself in Lithuania and try to explore different ways to celebrate it with small-town communities. This year was no different and it brought me a new experience which I actually looked a bit deeper into - henna tatto. What began as a simple interest in trying something new turned into a meaningful experience that connected me to an ancient tradition rich in history, culture, and symbolism.
[Read more..]
Part of the Feast
Seeing my photograph published in The Word’s Faire “The Feast” has been a very special moment for me. As a photographer, I’ve always aimed to capture moments that tell a story, evoke emotion, and share beauty with the world. And to have this opportunity to be seen in the copy of the publication is a very special experience.
[Read more...]
Straw, geometry and history
Crafting an authentic Lithuanian "sodas" is a deeply enriching experience that goes far beyond the creation of a beautiful object. A sodas., which translates to "garden" in English, is a traditional Lithuanian ornament made from straw, characterized by its intricate geometric designs. These delicate mobiles have been an integral part of Lithuanian culture for centuries, carrying profound symbolism and connecting the maker to a rich heritage of craftsmanship and spirituality.
[Read more...]