27
May
2020
13
May
2020
What Does Freedom Mean to You?
Here’s what freedom means to Persian poet and philosopher Rumi (1207-1273). What do you think?
Take someone who doesn’t keep score, who’s not looking to be richer, or afraid of losing, who has not the slightest interest even in his own personality: he’s free. – Rumi
08
May
2020
Happy Vesak Day!
Today is a sacred day for millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on this day two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that Siddhartha Gautama was born. While he is known to have many wise sayings and teachings, here are two of my favorites:
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
When you move your focus from competition to contribution life becomes a celebration. Never try to defeat people just win their hearts.
01
May
2020
Modesty in Nature and in Life – Happy Weekend
Sharing some words of wisdom to stay grounded and humble and open along with a beautiful picture of wild flowers.
Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wild flowers will come up where you are. — Rumi
30
Apr
2020
Happy Ramadan: A Reflection on Faith, Family, and Respect for One Another
During this period of Ramadan I wanted to reflect on the importance of faith, family, and respect for one another. We are all, after all, brothers and sisters in this journey of life. Happy Ramadan! Sharing a quote we like and a family photo. Stay blessed and healthy.
“When the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.” – Rumi
28
Apr
2020
Health and Wealth
01
Apr
2020
Two Inspirational Quotes
There are several defining moments in life. When we reflect upon what is most important in our lives – it always comes down to relationships. Sharing two quotes by Persian poet and mystic Rumi (1207-1273) that struck me and a photo of two love birds. I wonder where they will fly off to next.
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
29
Mar
2020
With Ambassador Rudy Insanally: Reflections on Guyana and Global Diplomacy
Looking through memory lane, I came across a photo from 2010 with Guyana’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2001–2008) and longtime Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Rudy Insanally.
Ambassador Insanally had an illustrious diplomatic career. He served as President of the 48th Session of the UN General Assembly (1993–1994) and represented Guyana in countries including Venezuela, Colombia, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Japan. In 2009, the Government of Japan awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon, making him the first Caribbean national to receive this honor. He also served as Guyana’s Ambassador to Japan in 1992.
The photo was taken in his home, where he proudly displayed the award. It was a privilege to meet him and to work with him while serving alongside other former foreign ministers at international engagements.
My time in Guyana afforded me the opportunity to meet and interact with the President and Prime Minister, and to connect with other distinguished members of the Caribbean diplomatic community. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the importance of long-term partnerships and personal relationships in global affairs.
26
Mar
2020
Pandemics Know No Nationality
The only race that matters is the human race. Helping each other combat pandemics and infectious diseases is the right thing to do regardless of nationality. Even more reason to focus on helping the homeless and the most vulnerable who often do not have access to proper medical care. Pandemics can spread rapidly in places with poor hygiene and sanitation. It’s not simply a problem for the poor. Their problems become our problems too. By uniting together and promoting the health of our neighbors we too end up promoting our own health too. Stay safe and remember each day how precious life is: breathe the spirit of love, faith, and hope unto others.
07
Mar
2020
Wonderful Discussion in San Francisco on U.S.-Japan Future: Multiculturalism is the Way Forward!
San Francisco at the Pier Water Front. Thanks for hosting me University of San Francisco and Japan Society of Northern California to discuss the impact of Japan’s first diplomatic mission to the U.S.!!
