Common Thread: Time For A Change

Posted on November 27, 2009     4 Comments

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the same theme or topic seems to repeatedly come up in random places or between disassociated groups of people? They don’t “seem” connected, but somehow they are. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve had four different people tell me the exact same thing…and it happens to be the very thing that I am personally perplexed about.

All four people said these exact words: “I don’t want to keep doing what I’m doing anymore,” referring to the type of work the person is doing, “but I don’t know what I want to do.” “Maybe something completely different.” There seems to be a general dissatisfaction with the type of work they are doing. Yet, there is a desire to explore something new, something with more meaning.

The great thing is that every one of these people, and myself included, are not overly worried about it. They just simply acknowledge that they are ready for a change, state that they don’t yet know what the change will be, but somehow trust that they will figure it out. Personally, it’s not until recently that I have achieved this often difficult level of contentedness, faith, and fearlessness of the unknown. I am beginning to slowly realize that you have to let go and be completely open in order for something new to come it.

Maybe it’s the season. Fall is a time for releasing the past and letting in the new. I wonder what would happen if everyone had the courage to pursue a path that contributes to the betterment of society and the planet as a whole rather than the so-called “economies” and industry? What if this were redefined, and the profit of human kind was the new bottom line?

I do believe in one thing though, and that is we all have a unique contribution to make. And sometimes we may not know what that is until we have the gift of hindsight. If we can trust in the fact that no matter what we do there is a red thread, and that as long as we follow our instincts, listen to that inner voice that says, “it’s time for something new,” and are true to ourselves, that the reward will be far greater than any paycheck. The key is to actually have the courage to do it — to take the risk to find the greatest wealth there is: health, peace, happiness and contentment.

I’ll end this with a short video someone once shared with me about the idea of a red thread. It illustrates how following your dreams pays off even in light of uncertainties along the way.

Mind is the Wielder of Muscles

Posted on November 23, 2009     4 Comments

“The force of a hammer blow depends on the energy applied; the power expressed by a man’s bodily instrument depends on his aggressive will and courage. The body is literally manufactured and sustained by mind. Through pressure of instincts from past lives, strengths or weaknesses percolate gradually into human consciousness. They express as habits, which in turn manifests as a desireable or an undesirable body. Outward frailty has a mental origin; in a vicious circle, the habit-bound body thwarts the mind. If the master allows himself to be commanded by a servant, the latter becomes autocratic; the mind is similarly and slaved by submitting to bodily dictation.” — Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi

Job Market Outlook for Denmark in 2010

Posted on November 9, 2009     Leave a Comment

Since a few of my posts are concerned about foreigners getting jobs in Denmark, I thought it would be of interest to post this article out today in Berlingske Tidende regarding the outlook for jobs in 2010. The following is a Google translation. While a proposed growth package could save 20,000 jobs, next year looks like it could be a tough one for those looking for work.

Construction sector is one of the three main areas which can look forward to big problems next year.

63,000 jobs at risk in 2010

Of Søren Springborg Last Updated Monday 9 November 2009, 08:08

//

The Danish labor market will be hit by the crisis at full strength next year. It may cost 63,000 job, according to new forecasts from the Labor Movement.

All parts of the private labor market will be hit hard by jobkrisen next year. It shows a new forecast from the Labor Movement (AE) according to Børsen.

The forecast shows that the prospect of low growth in the Danish economy throughout 2010 will provide an overall loss of jobs at 63,000, divided broadly into three main private sectors building and construction, industrial and service sectors.

“Our new forecast points out that the slight signs of stabilization in the ratios, as we have seen recently, will be far from enough to pull up the labor market and thus prevent further massive job losses in all sectors of the Danish economy “says labor economist in the AE, Eric Bjørsted to Exchange.

Growth Package could provide 20,000 jobs

According to the AES forecast of job losses at 10,000 in benefits in the construction sector, 14,000 in the industrial sector and 39,000 in services.

EA estimates that a growth package in the form of the advanced public investment in line with what the economic experts recommend for 2010 and what they may say will be necessary for 2011, could save about 20,000 jobs spread broadly into the three main sectors.

Wise Men of the Economic Council, Hans Jorgen Whitta-Jacobsen, backs AES new calculations and highlights the positive in that the growth package effects spread relatively evenly over the various sectors

“There is a widespread belief that an advance of public investment solely for the benefit of building and construction. But that is not the case. It is the entire economy, which benefits from public investment, “he says to Børsen.

How I plan to spend the month of November

Posted on November 7, 2009     9 Comments

The summers are over way too quickly here in Scandinavia. I guess that’s why we savor it so much. That is if it happens to be a nice summer. This year was only decent and it was good that we opted for Italy instead of Norway for our summer holiday otherwise we would not have enjoyed consistent sunshine and temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius. The turn to fall is always a little harder to face as everyone knows that it means we have another six to seven months of cold, gray, rainy days ahead.

This November I’m doing something different. Instead of sulking, I’ve signed up for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and have agreed to produce a novel, or write  50,000 words of random babbling, within the next 30 days. I have done a fair amount of writing in my days, even started two novels and written many articles and countless press releases, but this will be a first for me. I’m up to around 5,000 words so far and it’s going well.

Wish me luck. I’m going to need it. And who knows, maybe it will inspire me to write more on this blog once it’s completed.

Copenhagen Summer Fun: Something for Everyone

Posted on June 30, 2009     6 Comments

I wrote the following article for Copenhagen Exclusive Magazine. It appeared in print last year but never made it online. It’s filled with lots of tips on things to do in and around CPH during the summer! Wonderful Copenhagen also compiled a list of Sea View Hangouts.

sunset picnic lake_25

Sunset at Furesøen – Denmark’s deepest lake

When the days become longer and lighter and the sun begins to warm the skin, people in Copenhagen celebrate. It’s time to enjoy the outdoors and take full advantage of the summer splendor.

Having spent many years in Texas prior to living in Denmark, and as a foreigner here, I have come to fully appreciate the summer and the sun. There’s a special magic that happens and you can feel it in the air. Eating ice cream, barbequing, sun bathing, boating, swimming and picnicking are just some of the ways Danes typically enjoy the summer. Depending on your idea of outdoor fun, here are some of my favorite picks for getting the most out of the best season of the year. In Copenhagen there is surely something for everyone!

For the Young & Trendy

You will find the hip and beautiful lounging around or taking part in summer outdoor fun at one of the many bars and cafes, as well as canal swimming areas in the city. The swimming areas and boating activities are also ideal for kids. 

Docken – Sand bar, restaurant, concert hall, club, theater, music and art

Færgehavnsvej 35, 2100 København Ø, Tlf: + 45 39 29 92 00

Christianshavns bådudlejning og Café – canal boat rental and floating café

Ovengaden Neden Vandet 29, 1414 København K, Tlf: +45 32 96 53 53

Islands Brygge & Copencabana at Fisketorvet – Harbor swimming pools in the middle of the city

Copencabana: Havneholmen, 1561 København V, Tlf:+45 23 71 01 85
Københavns Havnebad Islands Brygge: 2300 København S, Tlf: +45 23 71 31 89

Halvandet – Open air marina with café/lounge, barbecue, beach volleyball, kayak polo and miniature golf

Refshalevej 325, 1432 København K, Tlf: +45 70 27 02 96

 *New this year…thanks Christian for passing on this tip 🙂

 

 

 

You forgot the most important (and newest) of the bars for the Young and Trendy: Mulata Social Club on Amager Strandvej 110 … taking the pleasures of Barbarellah to the beach …

 

 

 

For the Beach Goers

With a 7,300 km-long coastline, Denmark offers a good variety of beaches and some not so far from Copenhagen city. A range of activities are on offer including scuba diving, jet skiing, kite surfing and volleyball.

 

Amager Beach Park – A new beach located just five km. from the city with outdoor cafes and water sport equipment rental

Amager Strandvej 246, 2300 København S

Ishøj Strand Park & ARKEN Museum – One of the best beaches in Denmark and newly remodeled modern art museum

Ishøj Strand, 2635 Ishøj & ARKEN Museum: Skovvej 100, 2635 Ishøj

Bellevue Strandpark – Considered the “Danish Riviera” with Arne Jacobsen-designed complex and restaurant nearby, and water bike and windsurfing rentals

Strandvejen 340, 2930 Klampenborg

 

For the Picnic Packers

There is nothing like packing a picnic, taking it to a local park and enjoying it in the fresh air. You can do this just about anywhere around Copenhagen, but these parks offer tranquil and beautiful surroundings to relax and simply enjoy.

 

Assistens Cemetery Cultural Centre – Popular picnic spot for locals where famous Danes including Søren Kirkegaard, Hans Christian Andersen and Niels Bohr are buried

Kapelvej 4, 2200 København N

Kongens Have (The King’s Garden) – The city’s oldest and most visited park, and part of the Rosenborg Castle grounds

Øster Voldgade 4 B, 1350 København K

 

Dyrehaven (Deer Park) – Royal family’s former hunting grounds with walking paths, horse and carrage rides and the world’s oldest amusement park, Bakken

Dyrehaven 1, 2930 Klampenborg

 

For Day Trippers to the Lakes  

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Canoeing at Lake Bagsværd

Just north of Copenhagen three lakes await the outdoorsy types with loads of activities from canoeing, boat tours, kayaking hiking and swimming. The 30 km long Mill River (Mølleåen) from Frederiksdal to Øresund offers a long, serene ride passing old mills and scenic landscapes. The river starts in Lyngby/Jægersborg Hegn. Here are some great spots to enjoy an authentic Danish summer meal.

 

The Mill River: Raadvad Kro Restaurant – Historic inn and fine dining in the forest
Svenskevej 52, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, www.raadvadkro.dk

Lyngy Lake: Havnehytten – Lakeside restaurant and picnic area
Rustenborgvej 21, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, www.havnehytten.info

Furesøen: Restauranten ved Frederiksdal Fribad – Excellent outdoor grill, swimming and boating
Frederiksdal Badesti 1, 2830 Virum, www.fribad.dk

 

Bagsvraed Lake: Sophienholm – Gardens, historic art exhibition hall and cafe on the lake

Sophienholm, Nybrovej 401, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, www.sophienholm.dk

Just Face It…

Posted on June 18, 2009     5 Comments

I read a passage in a wonderful book I’m reading (that I also highly recommend) called “Anam Cara, A book of Celtic Wisdom,” by John Donohue. It resonated with me so much that I want to make sure it sticks. SO, I’m putting it here to do that!

“SPONTANEITY AND BLOCKAGE”

The story is about how the author had insomnia when he was in graduate school in Germany. He points out that it is relatively easy to do physical work with very little sleep, but not when you are doing precise and difficult mental work. He tried everything, including “furious attempts to get to sleep,” and just getting frustrated from being so tired during the day.

One night after being really exhausted, he said to himself, “Face it, now you will never sleep properly again. You will never have a night of complete rest. You are going to have this problem for the rest of your life.”

He claims that after he said this and admitted it to himself (accepted it), he fell asleep within five minutes! And over the following days/nights, his normal sleeping pattern came back.

He says,

What prevented me from sleeping was the deliberate commitment to try to get to sleep. As soon as I let go of the desire to sleep, sleep came naturally.”

Amazing. The basic premise here is, when you try to force it, you will never succeed!  –And acceptance is often what helps us let go of the thing that is preventing us from achieving what we want.

Baby Dies: 11 Danish Doctors Make Grave Mistake

Posted on June 14, 2009     19 Comments

I am astounded….and stunned, but regretfully not surprised.

Today’s front cover article on the largest national daily, Berlingske Tidende, reads: “Baby døde efter lægesvigt,” (Baby died after medical failure).

It’s a very sad and most unfortunate story about how, after several (ELEVEN) attempts to get proper treatment, a 14-month old baby died from swallowing a battery in November last year. Why is it just now out in the public, I cannot answer but only speculate.

The story says that, “Christian was just 14 months old when he died. The child’s parents tried vigilantly for two weeks to convince several home doctors or ‘vagtlæger’, and hospital doctors that they feared the boy had swallowed a battery. The suspicion was rejected by the doctors.

The parents contacted a total of 11 doctors, (ELEVEN DOCTORS!!!!!)including lægevagt and the hospital where doctors saw the boy. But doctors rejected the suspicion of a swallowed a battery. One of the doctors actually asked the family to measure a similar battery with a tape measure before he dismissed the suspicion.

After two weeks with fever, cough, pain and difficulty eating Jim Christian Andersen died. The battery created a hole in his esophagus and the main artery. The child’s death would, in all probability, have been avoided if doctors had taken an X-ray, which according to records at a time were considered. But it was never ordered by the doctors. ”Now we must learn to live with the need for an autopsy before the doctors listened to us, ‘ says Jimmi Knudsen, Christians father.”

Another report from TV2 News reads: “Patient­foreningen: Vagtlæger er ligeglade” (Patient Association: Home doctors don’t care). The article highlights that Danes are experiencing secrecy and indifference when they call the doctor on call, said chairman of the Patient Association, Villy Christiansen.

‘First you experience a phone lock (uncoorpative support), and then struggle with the doctor on call,’ he said.

He recognizes that there is a shortage of GPs and emergency doctors, therefore, is very busy, but Villy Christensen believes that entire on-call home doctor system must change, for example, to involve general practictioners more. He says that in many cases it’s not a doctor on call, but a nurse, which can take care of many things. Christiansen also admist that Danes often experience a closed-mindedness and a “I don’t care” attitude when they consult with the home doctors.  

It is sort of ironic because I just had my first experience with the home doctors this past week. I was suffering from extreme stomach pain that had persisted for five days or so. I won’t go into too much detail, but the doctor that payed the visit simply did an exam to make sure I didn’t have appendicitis and told me to drink coke and eat bread and crackers for two days, and if it didn’t get better to consult with my regular doctor. I did get the feeling and still do that it could be more serious than that and coincidentally spent another sleepless night consulting with my mother on the phone who’s in Texas.

I too have have encountered this “shrugging of the shoulders” attitude and spent a significant amount of time trying to get proper treatment after numerous consultations. Due to this, I often find myself not trusting the doctors completely and second guessing their diagnosis and treatments. This is very unfortunate. And in this case, an innocent child lost his life.

Needless to say, this kind of attitude can have fatal consequences. I just hope that this case will help shed light on this issue so that people’s lives can be spared and suffering reduced – and this includes mental suffering wondering if one’s proplems are taken seriously.

My most compassionate, sincere and heart-felt condolences go out to this family. Unfortunatly, it’s a horrible way to learn a very hard lesson, one that I sincerely hope is learned.

Please let this child’s loss of life not be in vain (lacking substance or worth).

Søren Kierkegaard on the Most Important Thing

Posted on June 10, 2009     2 Comments

What I really lack is to be clear in my mind what I am to do, not what I am to know, except in so far as a certain knowledge must precede every action. The thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wishes me to do: the thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die. … I certainly do not deny that I still recognize an imperative of knowledge and that through it one can work upon men, but it must be taken up into my life, and that is what I now recognize as the most important thing.

—Søren Kierkegaard, Letter to Peter Wilhelm Lund dated August 31, 1835

Videos about Denmark/Scandinavia

Posted on June 8, 2009     4 Comments

I’ve collected a few videos about Scandinavian culture and decided to do a quick round-up. Here are some of my favorites.

Guide to Copenhagen

Lonely Plant’s Copenhagen

Danish Language

60 Minutes Episode about Denmark being “the happiest” place to live

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3841772n

Here is a site with several other videos as well.

The Light at 10 pm in Scandinavia

Posted on May 27, 2009     2 Comments

IMG_5036

Photo taken in southern Sweden last week.