I listened to the news as I was driving to work the other day. And as the journalists and Norwegian doctor Mads Gilbert told us how horrible and inconsiderate the Israelis are for attacking the convoy, I say to myself: There's something not right here. Why do they exclude Israeli's side of the incident?
"The officials said if the flotilla of eight ships does not turn back, the boats will be hauled to an Israeli port, the activists sent back to their countries and the supplies transferred to Gaza by land" (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127140754).
The Israeli navy asked the convoy to sail towards Ashdod instead, so that Israel could inspect and control the supplies, before they could be transported to Gaza by land. (- http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/verden/1.7147518. Unfortunately, only in Norwegian.)
According to this, it was never about Israel not wanting these supplies to reach Gaza. It was all about how the convoy tried to reach Gaza directly, with unknown cargo, and how the convoy disregarded Israeli warnings.
Israel DID warn the convoy several times, even before the ship set sail. So in spite of that, why did the convoy have to travel. And why did they have to bring that many activists on board, and weapons under deck?
When the Israeli defence organization warned the convoy, the ship did not respond at all. I think all of us can agree that if anyone of us were in charge of the military defense system of Israel, facing a giant ship with activists from all over the world, on its way into waters protected by Israel for security reasons, 'armed' with Israeli-aggressive opponents and weapons, not receiving any response whatsoever when trying to make a dialog with them, not even when firing warning shots, we would have seen no other way but to board the ship, trying to turn it around. It is usually referred to as: Self-Defence.
(The soldiers intention was to do it in a peaceful matter, and they were the first ones to be attacked before they even got the chance to get on deck.)
Information about the boarding of the ship, demonstrators throwing soldiers over board:
- http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/verden/1.7147093
- http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/verden/1.7148246
There is so much that can be said about Israel's blockade of the Gaza area and people's response to that. But I think it's only fair that we, more often, speak Israel's side of the case.
I am surprised over the fact that people cannot see that the activists did this just because they KNEW that Israel would react. They knew that this encounter would create headlines. So the true purpose of the convoy's trip couldn't have been to just provide supplies for Gaza. Should it not be clear to everyone that they're intention was all about creating more opposition against Israel?
tirsdag 1. juni 2010
onsdag 12. mai 2010
Ekte og Sårbar
Jeg leste en veldig interessant artikkel som heter ’ekte og sårbar’ av Asbjørn Kvalbein. Jeg leste igjennom og det nedenfor er utdrag og setninger (enkelte er omformulert til bedre forståelse siden jeg forkortet de og tok de ut av sammenhengen) av det som gjorde inntrykk på meg og tanker jeg selv har gjort meg om dette emnet rundt å være sårbar og ekte.
Enkelte vil ikke vise frem at de er såret eller sårbare. Det skal være en hemmelighet fordi de selv kanskje ser det som et nederlag. Men er det verdt det å bære en slik maske? Anstrenge seg livet igjennom for at folk ikke skal kunne såre deg igjen eller komme inn på områder som er såret? Vil ikke det bare virke frastøtende ovenfor andre mennesker? Den kjente amerikanske pastoren Rick Warren peker på noen plussider ved sårbarhet i en bloggartikkel:
~”For det første, er det sunt følelsesmessig. Det er usunt å bære en maske fordi det krever masse energi. Masken kan føre til utbrenthet og depresjon” (oversatt fra engelsk). Enkelte kan gå rundt og være i full overbevisning om at man klarer seg helt greit med denne masken på fordi det føles som en god beskyttelse. Det er bare det at til og med de som føler seg som sterkest kan få seg en skikkelig smell når man minst venter det, nettopp fordi vi er ikke laget for å gå rundt og bære på en slik maske eller noe man kan kalle en ’falsk overbevisning’ som man lar seg selv falle for.
~”For det andre, du får styrke ved å vise svakhet.” Når man føler seg tømt for energi, som regel under eller etter mindre eller større sosiale settinger, er det som oftest fordi man prøver så godt man kan å overbevise de rundt seg om noe som egentlig ikke er tilfellet. Mener da rundt det personlige som foregår i en selv. Det er selvfølgelig ikke alt som trenger komme ut i lyset, uhemmet og whenever, wherever. Men det er en sunn balanse som er veldig viktig å finne.
~”For det tredje skaper det gode relasjoner når vi ikke legger skjul på at vi er svake. Det ekte og sårbare virker tiltrekkende på mennesker.” Dette er nettopp fordi det sårbare faktisk er noe de kan relatere seg selv mest i. Når du er ærlig vil folk sette pris på å være i nærheten av deg. For folk klarer ikke å få et forhold til det fullkomne. De vil oppsøke det sant menneskelige. Det er ingenting så betryggende og tillittsvekkende som en person som tør å være svak, stole på sine egne følelsesreaksjoner og sårbarhet og videre vet å forholde seg til andres. Har du empati med deg selv, kommer det automatisk for de rundt deg og. Det å tørre vise sårbarhet og svakhet oppmuntrer også andre til å kaste masken. De skjønner at det ikke er farlig å komme ut av skjulestedet de er i. Er du ærlig, kan andre være det også. På den måten skapes det ny dybde i relasjoner.
Vi vet så godt at absolutt alle mennesker har opplevd å bli såret. Vi bærer alle preg av å ha blitt tråkket på, etterlatt eller såret på en eller annen måte. Likevel hender det at vi gjør alt vi kan for at andre ikke skal se det eller få tilgang på oss igjen. Det mange av oss ikke kan fatte og begripe, er at det faktisk ER så mye mer fordelaktig å bare sleppe den masken av stolthet og frykt og i stedet tørre være ærlig md oss selv og andre, stole på folk og slippe dem inn på oss. For vi kan ikke unngå å bli såret. Selvfølgelig skjer det, men vi kommer oss likevel igjennom. Uten hjelp fra den masken.
Enkelte vil ikke vise frem at de er såret eller sårbare. Det skal være en hemmelighet fordi de selv kanskje ser det som et nederlag. Men er det verdt det å bære en slik maske? Anstrenge seg livet igjennom for at folk ikke skal kunne såre deg igjen eller komme inn på områder som er såret? Vil ikke det bare virke frastøtende ovenfor andre mennesker? Den kjente amerikanske pastoren Rick Warren peker på noen plussider ved sårbarhet i en bloggartikkel:
~”For det første, er det sunt følelsesmessig. Det er usunt å bære en maske fordi det krever masse energi. Masken kan føre til utbrenthet og depresjon” (oversatt fra engelsk). Enkelte kan gå rundt og være i full overbevisning om at man klarer seg helt greit med denne masken på fordi det føles som en god beskyttelse. Det er bare det at til og med de som føler seg som sterkest kan få seg en skikkelig smell når man minst venter det, nettopp fordi vi er ikke laget for å gå rundt og bære på en slik maske eller noe man kan kalle en ’falsk overbevisning’ som man lar seg selv falle for.
~”For det andre, du får styrke ved å vise svakhet.” Når man føler seg tømt for energi, som regel under eller etter mindre eller større sosiale settinger, er det som oftest fordi man prøver så godt man kan å overbevise de rundt seg om noe som egentlig ikke er tilfellet. Mener da rundt det personlige som foregår i en selv. Det er selvfølgelig ikke alt som trenger komme ut i lyset, uhemmet og whenever, wherever. Men det er en sunn balanse som er veldig viktig å finne.
~”For det tredje skaper det gode relasjoner når vi ikke legger skjul på at vi er svake. Det ekte og sårbare virker tiltrekkende på mennesker.” Dette er nettopp fordi det sårbare faktisk er noe de kan relatere seg selv mest i. Når du er ærlig vil folk sette pris på å være i nærheten av deg. For folk klarer ikke å få et forhold til det fullkomne. De vil oppsøke det sant menneskelige. Det er ingenting så betryggende og tillittsvekkende som en person som tør å være svak, stole på sine egne følelsesreaksjoner og sårbarhet og videre vet å forholde seg til andres. Har du empati med deg selv, kommer det automatisk for de rundt deg og. Det å tørre vise sårbarhet og svakhet oppmuntrer også andre til å kaste masken. De skjønner at det ikke er farlig å komme ut av skjulestedet de er i. Er du ærlig, kan andre være det også. På den måten skapes det ny dybde i relasjoner.
Vi vet så godt at absolutt alle mennesker har opplevd å bli såret. Vi bærer alle preg av å ha blitt tråkket på, etterlatt eller såret på en eller annen måte. Likevel hender det at vi gjør alt vi kan for at andre ikke skal se det eller få tilgang på oss igjen. Det mange av oss ikke kan fatte og begripe, er at det faktisk ER så mye mer fordelaktig å bare sleppe den masken av stolthet og frykt og i stedet tørre være ærlig md oss selv og andre, stole på folk og slippe dem inn på oss. For vi kan ikke unngå å bli såret. Selvfølgelig skjer det, men vi kommer oss likevel igjennom. Uten hjelp fra den masken.
onsdag 27. januar 2010
Dance within the 'art discourse'
Dance. It has been used by people in different cultures worldwide for centuries. It has been used and is still being used to express cultural beliefs and traditions. It represents the culture it was risen in, included all it's diversity and richness. It is used as a form of expression. In the western world's contemporary/lyrical dancing especially, there is a strong focus on dance as a way to express what words cannot express through themselves. The human soul is so comprehensive and complex in feelings, emotions and thoughts, no wonder dance was early applied as a way of sharing the 'most inner' within ourselves.
In todays western contemporary/modern dance there is a rich mixture of choreographies and performances being represented on the cultural stage. What I'm asking myself when I have witnessed certain performances is what did the choreographer want to say with this piece? Since I'm sitting here- with a feeling of emptiness- being slightly entertained, as far as technique goes- good dancing, but i still feel the exact same way as I did when I came.
I have realized the last year that there is a great difference between expression and communication within dance. Something can be expressed through the performing dancer , but that doesn't necesarilly mean that something is being communicated through the dance. In order to gain the audiences attention that evolves from their heart, the dancer need to be clear about her/his vision with the dance. Where did the passion for that vision occur from and how did it become sentral in the choreographers mind? I have often longed to be deeply touched through watching dance. I have been several times, but too often, I find myself in the midst of what I think is an artists intent and desire to be as creative and inventive as possible, without taking into consideration what she/he actually wants to communicate to the people outside. I am wondering sometimes wether the competitive environment within the fine arts grew so fast that it affected the artists desire to deeply touch their audience and communicate something meaningful. My opinion is that too often, artists seem to be in desperate need for attention for their work, so they create something as subtle and complex as possible, often with an intention to provoke. An intention to question and challenge universal limits and moral. To go so deep that maybe even the artist themselves got lost during the way and forgot what was worth saying..
Although I have to say, to the defense for the complex and diverse work of art; it may be very interesting and stimulating to watch a piece that you don't necesarrily know the intention or meaning of at the end. Cause it could still have been a journey for us to take part in it as an audience. A journey that cant really be expressed through words. It may have felt adventurous to be witnessing what took part on stage, in the interaction between the dancers. We may have got the feeling of being in another culture (often influenced by the music) or that the dancers invited us beyond another time and place. We may have felt that we took part in the choreography on stage through our kinesthetic awareness (often higly developed in the 'experienced' body of a dancer) and that may have left us with inspiration as far as choreography/creativity goes. Or it may, also through kinesthetic knowledge, have satisfied us because we felt we took part in the movements executed by the dancers...
But... In order for the performance to leave a long lasting impact on the audiences hearts, why not build up and emphasize upon what we want to communicate and share? Doesn't it result in a stronger impression if we dance in a way so that the audience can relate to it? I believe that dance can be used as a tool to promote better self- awareness among the audience (of course, also by the performers themselves). Because it is such a powerful way for people to get in touch with themselves. To get in touch with parts of themselves that have been forgotten through repression or hurtful times. When being an observer amongst the audience, I think that today, the average people simply aren't satisfied with just being entertained anymore. They long to be touched through the performance. Dance has the power to do that. As long as its not only build up by complex symbols that needs to be understood or interpreted, but that the performers/choreographers heart shines through the work. Simplifying the meaning of the piece doesn't necesarrily mean that the movements and quality needs to be simplified. Dance is such a powerful element that has the ability to leave traces on everyones soul. And I think it can make an even greater affect on people, as long as the intention and desire of actually telling people something meaningful through dance is present...
In todays western contemporary/modern dance there is a rich mixture of choreographies and performances being represented on the cultural stage. What I'm asking myself when I have witnessed certain performances is what did the choreographer want to say with this piece? Since I'm sitting here- with a feeling of emptiness- being slightly entertained, as far as technique goes- good dancing, but i still feel the exact same way as I did when I came.
I have realized the last year that there is a great difference between expression and communication within dance. Something can be expressed through the performing dancer , but that doesn't necesarilly mean that something is being communicated through the dance. In order to gain the audiences attention that evolves from their heart, the dancer need to be clear about her/his vision with the dance. Where did the passion for that vision occur from and how did it become sentral in the choreographers mind? I have often longed to be deeply touched through watching dance. I have been several times, but too often, I find myself in the midst of what I think is an artists intent and desire to be as creative and inventive as possible, without taking into consideration what she/he actually wants to communicate to the people outside. I am wondering sometimes wether the competitive environment within the fine arts grew so fast that it affected the artists desire to deeply touch their audience and communicate something meaningful. My opinion is that too often, artists seem to be in desperate need for attention for their work, so they create something as subtle and complex as possible, often with an intention to provoke. An intention to question and challenge universal limits and moral. To go so deep that maybe even the artist themselves got lost during the way and forgot what was worth saying..
Although I have to say, to the defense for the complex and diverse work of art; it may be very interesting and stimulating to watch a piece that you don't necesarrily know the intention or meaning of at the end. Cause it could still have been a journey for us to take part in it as an audience. A journey that cant really be expressed through words. It may have felt adventurous to be witnessing what took part on stage, in the interaction between the dancers. We may have got the feeling of being in another culture (often influenced by the music) or that the dancers invited us beyond another time and place. We may have felt that we took part in the choreography on stage through our kinesthetic awareness (often higly developed in the 'experienced' body of a dancer) and that may have left us with inspiration as far as choreography/creativity goes. Or it may, also through kinesthetic knowledge, have satisfied us because we felt we took part in the movements executed by the dancers...
But... In order for the performance to leave a long lasting impact on the audiences hearts, why not build up and emphasize upon what we want to communicate and share? Doesn't it result in a stronger impression if we dance in a way so that the audience can relate to it? I believe that dance can be used as a tool to promote better self- awareness among the audience (of course, also by the performers themselves). Because it is such a powerful way for people to get in touch with themselves. To get in touch with parts of themselves that have been forgotten through repression or hurtful times. When being an observer amongst the audience, I think that today, the average people simply aren't satisfied with just being entertained anymore. They long to be touched through the performance. Dance has the power to do that. As long as its not only build up by complex symbols that needs to be understood or interpreted, but that the performers/choreographers heart shines through the work. Simplifying the meaning of the piece doesn't necesarrily mean that the movements and quality needs to be simplified. Dance is such a powerful element that has the ability to leave traces on everyones soul. And I think it can make an even greater affect on people, as long as the intention and desire of actually telling people something meaningful through dance is present...
onsdag 2. september 2009
"Destined to reign"
As I am flying from Frankfurt to New York, I am reading a book a very good friend of mine gave me as a "goodbye gift". That book is "Destined to reign" by Joseph Prince- pastor of an enormous community/church in Singapore.
The book is about how we as humans, (and unfortunately many Christians), want to make us worthy of Gods love through our acts and duties. Almost everything that I read, I´ve thought so much about myself lately. And I have wanted to say this to so many people, especially those who have a twisted and wrong picture of Christianity. Unfortunately, a lot of Christians have this picture of Christianity too.
Therefore, I feel like sharing some of what Prince says in his book as I am sitting here, waiting for my next flight... :-)
"God is not interested in mere obedience and submission- He is a God of love and longs to have an intimate relationship with you"
- " Christianity is not a religion, it´s a relationship. It is about having a relationship with Almighty God".
Stay with me - I will continue on this later, and run to my flight now;)
.... Okey.. So many people have experienced Christians as condemning towards them. Christians who condemns and point their finger at people.. Personally.. I get so mad that I become extremely HOT on the inside when I hear about Christians that condemns and look down at what they consider "sinful" or "fallen" persons. In many cases, you can become a "fallen person" if you do not attend church as much as you maybe did before or if you do not read your Bible as much as before.. People that condemns pull humans further away from God, becuase people end up wanting nothing to to with God nor the "crazy- fault-finding - holy Christian people". (please be patient with me:p)
Some Christians are living only after what is stated in the old testament. The old testament is fine, but not at all if you only consider the Old testament and exclude the new one! Because, as Prince says in his book too: We have to read the Old testament with the eyes of the new one. Why? Cause in the new testament God shows his great love and grace for us, by sending Jesus to die for all of our sins and mistakes, so we don´t have to bear the burden ourself.
Here is a Bible verse that confirm this very clearly:
John 1.17: "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ".
God gave us the law (the ten commandments) for our own good- not for us to use against ourself or other people.
Jesus says in the Bible: "I have not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it"
So He did not not erase it, cause we still need it to see right from wrong. But we are all just as holy, special and precious in Gods eyes no matter what we have ever done. Because we are his children, and he is our Heavenly Father.
Why keep focusing on what we regret about in life or all the mistakes that we´ve done. -So what?! We ALL have done mistakes and stuff we regret! - Cause we are humans! What more to expect from us?! haha..
Prince states: "God is not interested in mere obedience and submission- He is a God of LOVE and longs to have an intimate relationship with us."
The devil was armed with the ten commandments (the law). He took advantage of the law and has been using it against man. But instead of resting in God´s disarment (He disarmed principalities and powers when Jesus died), people are rearming and remilitarizing the power of darkness.
prince continues: "The devil has erected many obstacles and fences around the gospel of grace. He is well aware that the moment you learn to receive grace, you will start to reign in life. The Devils strategy is to surround the truths of God with controversies. To prevent God´s people from benefiting from the fullness of Gods promises, he erects controversies as fences around these truths."
This is seriously nothing to be worried about. the more we worry of the Devil, the more He can do. If we don´t give Him any power, he does not have any power. But this can give us a picture of why many people have defensive reactions towards Gods grace.
Prince says: "Our part today is just to believe in our Saviour and receive from him the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness."
A lof of people are saying: "I can not believe in a good God, because there is so much evil in the world." Okey, this is very important that we grasp: God is NOT causing the evil things in the world to happen. People are evil, and they cause it themselves. God do not force himelf on us and control us, we have to come to him...
Oh, some heavy parts here:p Guys, the most important thing is for you and me to live IN Gods amazingly love and let him in to your life and your heart. Believe me- God´s love heals- cause his love is bigger and greater than anything else:)
The book is about how we as humans, (and unfortunately many Christians), want to make us worthy of Gods love through our acts and duties. Almost everything that I read, I´ve thought so much about myself lately. And I have wanted to say this to so many people, especially those who have a twisted and wrong picture of Christianity. Unfortunately, a lot of Christians have this picture of Christianity too.
Therefore, I feel like sharing some of what Prince says in his book as I am sitting here, waiting for my next flight... :-)
"God is not interested in mere obedience and submission- He is a God of love and longs to have an intimate relationship with you"
- " Christianity is not a religion, it´s a relationship. It is about having a relationship with Almighty God".
Stay with me - I will continue on this later, and run to my flight now;)
.... Okey.. So many people have experienced Christians as condemning towards them. Christians who condemns and point their finger at people.. Personally.. I get so mad that I become extremely HOT on the inside when I hear about Christians that condemns and look down at what they consider "sinful" or "fallen" persons. In many cases, you can become a "fallen person" if you do not attend church as much as you maybe did before or if you do not read your Bible as much as before.. People that condemns pull humans further away from God, becuase people end up wanting nothing to to with God nor the "crazy- fault-finding - holy Christian people". (please be patient with me:p)
Some Christians are living only after what is stated in the old testament. The old testament is fine, but not at all if you only consider the Old testament and exclude the new one! Because, as Prince says in his book too: We have to read the Old testament with the eyes of the new one. Why? Cause in the new testament God shows his great love and grace for us, by sending Jesus to die for all of our sins and mistakes, so we don´t have to bear the burden ourself.
Here is a Bible verse that confirm this very clearly:
John 1.17: "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ".
God gave us the law (the ten commandments) for our own good- not for us to use against ourself or other people.
Jesus says in the Bible: "I have not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it"
So He did not not erase it, cause we still need it to see right from wrong. But we are all just as holy, special and precious in Gods eyes no matter what we have ever done. Because we are his children, and he is our Heavenly Father.
Why keep focusing on what we regret about in life or all the mistakes that we´ve done. -So what?! We ALL have done mistakes and stuff we regret! - Cause we are humans! What more to expect from us?! haha..
Prince states: "God is not interested in mere obedience and submission- He is a God of LOVE and longs to have an intimate relationship with us."
The devil was armed with the ten commandments (the law). He took advantage of the law and has been using it against man. But instead of resting in God´s disarment (He disarmed principalities and powers when Jesus died), people are rearming and remilitarizing the power of darkness.
prince continues: "The devil has erected many obstacles and fences around the gospel of grace. He is well aware that the moment you learn to receive grace, you will start to reign in life. The Devils strategy is to surround the truths of God with controversies. To prevent God´s people from benefiting from the fullness of Gods promises, he erects controversies as fences around these truths."
This is seriously nothing to be worried about. the more we worry of the Devil, the more He can do. If we don´t give Him any power, he does not have any power. But this can give us a picture of why many people have defensive reactions towards Gods grace.
Prince says: "Our part today is just to believe in our Saviour and receive from him the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness."
A lof of people are saying: "I can not believe in a good God, because there is so much evil in the world." Okey, this is very important that we grasp: God is NOT causing the evil things in the world to happen. People are evil, and they cause it themselves. God do not force himelf on us and control us, we have to come to him...
Oh, some heavy parts here:p Guys, the most important thing is for you and me to live IN Gods amazingly love and let him in to your life and your heart. Believe me- God´s love heals- cause his love is bigger and greater than anything else:)
onsdag 10. juni 2009
Go towards your dream, and do not look behind you.
It is all about to keep going towards you dream, and to not let circumstances or people bring it down. You should build up a strong love for yourself and learn how to know yourself. Then you have a good starting point towards your challenges.
If you hide and allow your problems,- which can be fear, depressions, anxiety or lack of self- confidence to restrict you- then you will not be able to be the one you want to be.
You need to know what your problems are and be conscious about them- and then decide to WORK to conquer them. Realize that these problems are NOT big or valuable enough to control you. It is the other way around. - YOU are too valuable to let these problems control you.
Do not just sit there... - Decide which life you want and LIVE it.
If you hide and allow your problems,- which can be fear, depressions, anxiety or lack of self- confidence to restrict you- then you will not be able to be the one you want to be.
You need to know what your problems are and be conscious about them- and then decide to WORK to conquer them. Realize that these problems are NOT big or valuable enough to control you. It is the other way around. - YOU are too valuable to let these problems control you.
Do not just sit there... - Decide which life you want and LIVE it.
torsdag 9. april 2009
Inspirert av "Broken strings"
~ Broken, Tired and Weak strings ~
You can not live your life to the fullest, it you let these negative strings control you.
You will have to look them right in the eyes, then over them and straight ahead to get a greater and more maturely perspective on them.. Then you will realize that these strings do not have the power to affect you and bring you down. In fact- they are just small, insignificant details in your life.
Your task is just to accept they are there, and then let God hold them in his hands and heal it.
Do not stop of thinking and put in process your dreams and visions because of circumstances that may result in weakness. Your life, goals and strengths are way too important to let that happen. So you should look over and ahead of them.
You can not live your life to the fullest, it you let these negative strings control you.
You will have to look them right in the eyes, then over them and straight ahead to get a greater and more maturely perspective on them.. Then you will realize that these strings do not have the power to affect you and bring you down. In fact- they are just small, insignificant details in your life.
Your task is just to accept they are there, and then let God hold them in his hands and heal it.
Do not stop of thinking and put in process your dreams and visions because of circumstances that may result in weakness. Your life, goals and strengths are way too important to let that happen. So you should look over and ahead of them.
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