Inspired in Nepal
I just completed a whirlwind trip to learn, contribute and create with our growing circle of international colleagues. It included Nepal; a beautiful, complex, relatively small country. It lies between Tibet and India, with a population of 29 million. Kathmandu is the...
Humanity in the face of Extremism
The rise of extremism and hate crimes is disturbing. The question is, how do we effectively respond? And in answering that, we need to…
Mauritius – Peace in Diversity
Imagine Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jews, and Atheists living harmoniously together? Welcome to the Republic of Mauritius. “We just recognise the right of everyone to be different and we live with these differences and sometimes we find them to be a source...
South Africa – Possibilities for the Future
Possibilities - that was the word that kept coming up while in South Africa. The ancientness of the land and humanity is palpable. And currently there are many struggles, especially economic, in this post-apartheid era. Yet I was most aware of the limitless...
Behind the Curtain of Iran
I received an unexpected invitation to speak at the first restorative justice conference in Iran. My answer was an immediate “yes”. The journey began in getting my visa and discovering Canada had closed its embassy in Iran as well as all Iranian embassy services in...
Creating a Kinder World: A Tribute to 2015 and Inspiration for 2016
We’re inundated with news of violence, trauma and drama. Yet we are also choosing so much kindness, nonviolence and the miraculous. This tribute shares 10 courageous and heart-warming choices people made in 2015. From kids to the elderly, homeless people and doctors,...
Calling for a Smart Justice Approach
Guest Post written by Smart Justice Network of Canada (SJNC) - a non-partisan, non-profit network of volunteers from different walks of life and communities across Canada. We are working together to promote a different approach to criminal and social justice. One that...
Peace of the Circle – Ancient, New, Simple and Profound
Gathering in circles has been a part of human experience throughout the ages. Our ancestors gathered around the fire to share and survive. In the midst of our technologically advanced yet fractured world, Peace of the Circle is emerging as something ancient and new,...
Peace of the Circle Around the World
Peacemaking circles are a structured yet flexible approach to communication, suitable for a wide range of purposes and settings. Grateful for the amazing people and places this work brings us. Sharing and celebrating highlights of 2014: Schools Continuing to work with...
Mind the Gap – a way forward
I just spent a month in England, facilitating peacemaking circles trainings and public speaking. While in London riding the tube, we hear “Mind the Gap” whenever the doors to the train open. It got me reflecting on the gap between what is and what is possible. I...
Restorative Justice Week – Inspiring Innovation!
Happy Restorative Justice Week! Restorative Justice Week was initiated by Correctional Service Canada and has been celebrated since 1996. It's now gaining international attention - time to call it International Restorative Justice Week! We’ve come a long way. Let’s...
Smart Justice – An Invitation
It's abundantly clear that the justice system has many limitations and 'get tough' approaches to crime are ineffective. Rather than focusing on what doesn't work, I'm always interested in creating what does work. Hence I was intrigued to be invited to join the Smart...
Love and Human Rights
Millions celebrate LGBT Pride around the world (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender; there are variations, such as LGBTQI - adding queer and intersex). As I post this, Reykjavik Pride just wrapped up in Iceland and more events are about to start in Quebec Canada....
School Violence: “You Can’t Build Peace With a Piece”
Schools are supposed to be places of learning and development. Many schools have become war zones instead. The USA is well known for its gun related and school violence. In January of this year alone, there were 8 school shootings! The deadliest school massacre in...
New Year, Tibet & Love
A new year is upon us. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, we have just entered the year of the Snake. As I write this, Losar - Tibetan New Year - begins. Tibetans are not celebrating the holiday like their Chinese counterparts. Leaders, including the elected...
Nonjudgment & Goodness – Happy Holidays!
Wow, 2012 is coming to a close. What an incredible year it's been. Thanks for your interest in my work! For my last blog of this year, I share 3 reminders through 3 fabulous short video clips. # 1. Practice non-judgment (note: it's ok to laugh, indeed a bonus...
Restorative Justice Week and Beyond
Canada led the way in annually celebrating Restorative Justice Week; this year's theme was “Diverse Needs; Unique Responses”. I agree with Dr. Theo Gavrielides that we need to now make this International Restorative Justice Week! So let’s proclaim it as such; his...
Asking Questions, Loving & Creating a New Reality
What question could you ask that would contribute to a new reality? I’ve come to appreciate the power of questions. This was brought home yet again when I watched Velcrow Ripper’s newest film Occupy Love. Documenting global movements - including Arab Spring, Occupy,...
Connecting and Self-Care: a restorative retreat
I’ve come to appreciate how important it is to connect with other colleagues and to also do self-care. We tend to be so busy and there seems to be no time. It’s part of the problem of this do-do-do reality. It’s time to BE first and foremost, to make ourselves a...
Heartspeak: Videos on Restorative Justice
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So imagine what a documentary is worth?! Documentaries are a great resource for learning and educating. Prison Fellowship International has an excellent Restorative Justice Online library which includes a summary of...