Many believe that we will be entering the Age of Enlightenment within the next five years… Others believe that we have already begun to make this transition
This week in the Friday News Minute we look at Conscious Leadership in article from Lisa Berg, a colleague and friend, and President of Global Bridge Productions. Lisa’s article highlights an important part of our workplace transference from the Information Age to the Age of Consciousness, also called the Age of Enlightenment. Many believe that we will be entering this next evolutionary stage within the next five years…others believe that we have already begun to make this transition.

The time has come for us to move past the illusion of separateness
Conscious leadership calls for inclusivity, multidimensionality, intergenerational and interdisciplinary focus and common experience that goes beyond boundaries of rank, belief systems or nationality and touches the core of who we are.

What can we do to reach this level of inner and outer harmony that comes through collective efforts rather than conflict? What do wisdom traditions offer that is relevant in our modern world?
Listen from the heart to what has meaning and lead from there. As a cross-cultural consultant I work with hundreds of corporate employees working internationally.

Rather than judge one another, we teach our clients to go beneath the surface of a behavior that differed from their own to find deeper meaning. This led to under-standing and acceptance, more productive negotiations and perhaps even a shared knowing.
For example, when a Japanese business man is silent, it is wise to note that the Japanese listen to the ‘hara’, the belly, for information rather than use superfluous words and explanations. Not rushing into an answer is wise. We can learn from each other, if we take the time to slow down enough to listen.
Appreciate what I call the Three Points of Connection: Nature, Humanity and Universal Wisdom. In the beautiful rice fields of Bali, Indonesia stands a shrine. The farmer is reminded of his connection to his fellow human beings, to Nature and to the Spirit world. The Balinese give offerings throughout the day to the Gods. The peacefulness in the air is palpable. There is a feeling of generosity and oneness. And lots of smiling.

When leaders and citizens remember to appreciate the Three Points of Connection, everything else will fall into place. We will know, from deep within, that to care for our environment is not only a privilege but natural because as we care for the earth we care for ourselves. We will know that going beyond boundaries of difference and age-old conflict enables us to make peace with our neighbors and co-create a world where children live happily and healthfully. And, when we return to source as the partner in creating our world, we will not falter in our ability to move towards a positive future that is inclusive of all sentient beings, as the great mystical traditions teach.
Creating a harmonious and inclusive future takes a village.

Gather small groups in your organization and begin to listen deeply to each other. Better yet, take a walk outside and commune with Nature. Give thanks for the beauty that surrounds you and take time to smell the roses. All things will go smoother from there.

Jurate Kutkus Burns, Florida.

You brighten up my day
Dear Aage,

A very interesting article with a lot of insight regarding divinity and where we are heading, in this cosmic time of transmission to the age of Aquarius! You brighten up my day with very positive forecast.

Hans Gyllenhammar, Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The  next generation  will  have a healthier more sustainable future because of the massive restructuring and pain we will have to endure in this past generation   
Well written -  The  next generation  will  have a healthier more sustainable future because of the massive restructuring and pain we will have to endure in this past generation.  The  United Nations unveiled  yesterday  its theme for its Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20  in June 2012 :  "The Future We Want – Launching a Global Conversation" (http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&nr=458&type=13&menu=23).  This will likely be the largest conference on sustainability for this generation.
Sustainability  as Bruntland  defined it 40 years ago involves 3 pillars  :   economic , social and environmental.  I hope Lithuania  will participate and  help  define “ The Future we want “-  one that includes international collaboration,  improved social  cohesion , remembering the sins of our fathers and  building bridges to improving relationships between  religious  cultures and continents.  The  economic pillar  needs  work and I believe that Lithuania can be a model  for smaller countries to promote it through strategic  trade relationships and  a connection with its scientific  community.
Professor Vic Pakalnis,  Kingston , Ontario Canada

We fear that without urgent action by the ECB, the euro will crash, doing untold damage not just to Europe but to the entire world economy
I have never seen anything even remotely as bad in over 3 decades of my research! The signs are bad: debt markets are freezing up, as they did before the collapse of Lehman in 2008. Even a German bond auction flopped this week. We fear that without urgent action by the ECB, the euro will crash, doing untold damage not just to Europe but to the entire world economy.

Denial is not just a river in Egypt!
The Economist (London) Daily Chart:
38% of the EU Population suffers from a diagnosable Mental Illness. Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction are common, garden-variety Mental Illness. Drug abuse reflects the underlying mental health of a population. Left out are far more common abuse agents: Alcohol, Guarana, and....
http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/09/europes-mental-health

Dr. Val Samonis,
The Web Professor of Global Management, USA/Canada