Author Archives: Maren
Opening to vulnerable communication about race
I don’t need to tell you that we are living in fraught and stressful times. In the USA, we are facing a Presidential election that promises to be bitter and disappointing for most Americans. The nation is focusing on huge … Continue reading
Dream Into Change salons coming up + a new Meetup group!
Hello, fellow culture shifters! After a bit of a hiatus during the winter months, the Dream Into Change salons are back! I wanted to let you know about three upcoming ones in the Portland area, but I’m also looking to … Continue reading
Inviting the power of empathy into our lives
When I meet people socially, and they learn that I run a professional empathetic listening practice, I hear a wide range of responses. Some people are confused, not sure what that entails. Some are surprised. (“Wow, people pay you to … Continue reading
Honored to be featured on InspireMeToday.com
Hello, all! Just a quick note today: I’m thrilled and honored to have a piece of my writing featured as “Today’s Brilliance” on the website InspireMeToday.com. This daily feature showcases “everyday” writers as well as some celebrities, such as Richard … Continue reading
The Dream Into Change Salon… and a new tour?
On Thursday, July 30th, I hosted the inaugural Dream Into Change Salon, and now I’m really excited to host more of them, both here and elsewhere. The salon—a free event—is a place for us culture shifters to come together … Continue reading
Trusting my pace, in a Portland summer
Do you struggle sometimes? I’m guessing you do. I struggle sometimes. I struggle with life in general (existential ponderings have always been a part of my daily life) and also with this Dream Into Change Practice. (When is … Continue reading
Interview: Anne Berry and Angela Jacobus, Travel That Matters
Travel That Matters (tagline: “Be more than a typical tourist”) is a mother-and-daughter-owned company that caters to adventurous women in the United States, aiming to connect them in a meaningful way with nature, local economies, and women in the countries … Continue reading
Successful campaign: Amtrak to offer vegan meals on the dining car!
Well, we did it!! Yesterday, I spoke on the phone with Tom Hall, Amtrak’s VP of Customer Service, and Gary Gunderson, head of their Food and Beverage Services department. Mr. Hall had received helpful letters from a number of you, … Continue reading
Amtrak petition update
Well, I had hoped for a quick and easy victory. To gather 15,000 signatures from around the nation and the world, to present them to Amtrak’s CEO, and to be told, “Yes! We have heard you, and we will commit … Continue reading