Much can be built "from the grassroots up"

In a time of great technological transformation, it is
important that we treasure togetherness.
Buiding connection. And together, by sharing our

acquired life wisdom, we can make sense of

the changes. Community

learning is important, because much can
be built "from the grassroots up".

Society flourishes when each
individual blossoms. And a grand key to our
flourish, is, simply, connection. The human
connection! The social impact project which
sprang from this blog has arranged thematic
tea tastings, and other community events over
the past seven years. We have documented
events as has been possible. 

This action has also functioned as a type of
R&D center for the mother company. We are happy to
say that we have been applying our learnings to our
adventures in the Wild Wild...East.

Now, it is time for some structural changes -
onwards and upwards!             

Ajatuspajatoiminnasta taustatietoa

Esimerkki vuodelta 2014: Viisi-osainen sarja teemalla

"Etappeja Ekososiaalisen Hyvinvoinnin Polulla" (Facebook linkki)

Viisi-osaisessa tapahtumassa yhdistämme muutamaa konseptia luoden kokonaisuuden, jossa yhdessä mietimme kolmitasoisen hyvinvoinnin ruohonjuuritason rakentamisen merkityksiä ja mahdollisuuksia. Tämä tarkoittaa hyvinvointia, jota luodaan kolmitasoisesti, eli samanaikaisesti huomioiden taloudellisen, sosiaalisen ja ekologisen hyödyn tasapainon omissa toimissamme. Tämä luonnollisesti vaatii pysähtymistä ja ajatusta, yhteentulemista ja ymmärryksen jakamista. Opimme yhdessä.

Ajatuspajamaisesta työskentelytavasta lisätietoa

Olen vuosien varrella rakentanut omaa yritystä eteenpäin sivutoimisesti, muiden töiden ohella. Vuonna 2009 tein valtio-opin harjoitteluni Ajatuspaja e2:ssa. Tämän minulle arvokkaan oppimisjakson myötä olen omaksunut ajatuspajamaisen toimintamallin yritykselleni. Mielestäni valtavassa muutoksessa olevaa Kiinaa, tai teknologiaa, tai ylenpäätänsä tätä valtavassa murroksessa olevaa aikaamme, ei voi mitenkään muuten lähestyäkään kuin tämänkaltaisella tutkivalla otteella - alati uusia syvemmän ymmärryksen astuinkiviä etsien.

Too much adventure

PS After writing this, I add a post-script at the beginning! The text below begins to tell a difficult story, one that involves an emotional roller coaster from the startup world. The feeling of being caught up in a spy novel, precisely in that particular situation where you realize that things are not what they seemed to be. This piece of music captures those moments well! Am just referring to the music and the general cyberpunk atmosphere, not to the video or film specifically (I have not seen it yet),

LESSONS, PART ONE 

Much has happened since the last post (6 months ago!). There has been much joy, but also many challenges. Even, the stuff of tragedy, in these trenches of the heart. The (symbolic) bullet wounds have been taken care of, and they are on the mend. In connection to this, I post a picture from the art gallery, Galleria Lapinlahti, by my office.  To me, it speaks of healing. Many thanks to the artist - I hope to have the name for you soon.


During these recent times, a key wisdom, "Protect your heart, for from it flows the wellspring of life", has become a key lesson. I´m brought back to one of my favourite remixes, Nicole Willis´s song "Siesta":

"Join the army for life...fight for your heart. Keep it open; never closed. Keep it pure, keep it real. It´s never time for siesta" Link to song
Nicole Willis, Siesta. Roberto Rodriguez Remix

Will share a couple of lessons learned.

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But first, below, some pictures of recent happy moments !

Top Grade Long Jing Green Tea 

Interior decorating at our our office lobby

My tea cup collection grows <3  

Incredible Slush Helsinki 2016

Fun detail from art gallery opening. Such fun running into an art gallery opening party after a long day

New Year lights

Interesting painting at a late-night Slush Side Event (Poker Night)

LESSONS, PART TWO

Now to lessons learned - Comforting is the thought that, in order to win big, you must also be able to take big risks. Yes, check, risk taking is not a problem. But what if you do not know that there are risks involved? If someone, who is introduced to you by a friend, really is not who they say they are...and ends up deceiving, to an extent, both of you? 

The second key lesson learned is - if you are running a business, make those risk assessments, despite of everything looking good.  Hire a Sun Tzu master, who is trained in uncovering smoke screens. Thank God, I have one now. 

Finally, I post a picture from my recent trip to Malmö. I was there on a work trip, together with a friend. On our day off we went biking, as we like to do, and found a great place - the Malmö Saluhall. It was a rainy and windy day, but there we were, biking ... determined to explore the city with the little time that we had. Our (her) find was such a treat - complete with a real authentic noodle place, and yes, there was a tea bar, too!  It suffices to say, all this made the heart very happy!:) 

 On the way back to Helsinki, this song spoke to me in regard to the events of the winter: 

"Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You. And it is well with me...So let go, my soul, and trust in (the Lord). The waves and wind still know His Name"