Let’s listen to the kids

April 11, 2011 | Filed Under Inspiring, Moment of Truth, Pay attention, Watch this | Leave a Comment

I originally posted this video on November 7, 2008, and was reminded of it a few days ago when the CEO of Fiat/Chrysler incorporated it into his speech at the University of Bologna.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Severn Suzuki has been working on environmental and social justice issues since kindergarten. At age 9, she and some friends started the Environmental Children’s Organization (ECO), a small group of children committed to learning and teaching other kids about environmental issues. They traveled to 1992’s UN Earth Summit, where 12 year-old Severn gave this powerful speech that deeply affected (and silenced) some of the most prominent world leaders. The speech had such an impact that she has become a frequent invitee to many UN conferences.

Spotlight: Lupe Fiasco

March 20, 2011 | Filed Under Listen, Spotlight, Watch this, What My World Sounds Like | Leave a Comment

It’s highly likely you’ve heard of Lupe Fiasco, so it might seem odd that I’m spotlighting him after he released his third album, five years after his debut. Watching this interview on the Tavis Smiley show reminded me of how much I like him and why. What’s remarkable about the release of his latest album, LASERS, is that fans orchestrated a protest to force Atlantic Records, to give LASERS a release date, which the label was planning to shelve. Here, Lupe discusses the depression and suicidal thoughts he faced during this period, how he came out of it, as well as the creativity/business battle. It’s a really good interview.

Lupe Fiasco – “Beautiful Lasers (2 ways)”

the power of vulnerability.

March 11, 2011 | Filed Under #notetoself, Inspiring, Plain cool, Watch this | 3 Comments

Brene Brown discusses the power of vulnerability, an unexpected research topic that came from her studying human connections. She touches on shame, courage, compassion, connection, authenticity and vulnerability. It’s definitely reaffirming my decision to do shadow work. I hope you find value in it.

“my name is khan and i’m not a terrorist.”

March 7, 2011 | Filed Under Inspiring, Watch this | Leave a Comment

The journeys life takes us on are simply amazing. I’m often unable to find the words to fully express the magic this world and the heart are capable of producing; I’m just along for the ride, practicing opening all my senses to experience as much of it as I can.

do you talk about things that matter?

March 2, 2011 | Filed Under #notetoself, Inspiring, Moment of Truth, Pay attention, Watch this | 2 Comments

This video about AIDS awareness is a reminder to have conversations that matter. Concepts like love, sex, ethics, and identity are so important, they should be discussed and examined at home openly. #notetoself

Be inspired: just do it.

September 24, 2010 | Filed Under Inspiring, Listen, Watch this, What My World Sounds Like | 2 Comments

Last night, I had the great pleasure to be present at the John Legend and The Roots perform songs from their new album, Wake Up! I was inspired by so much and for so many reasons. One of which was, for me, the highlight of the show, when Mrs. Jennifer Hudson strolled on stage and covered the gospel song, “Be Grateful”. It was beautiful. You’ll see.

Also touching was John Legend and The Roots covering Bill Withers’ “I Can’t Write Left Handed.” All kinds of awesome. Watch below and enjoy.

I realized my follow-through is what’s holding me back, or the lack thereof, more accurately. There’s a tune in your heart. May not be music. May simply be any call, feeling, urge to do something, express something, share, heal, love. Follow that call. Just do it. (I’m talking to us.)

Suffering, Empowerment and Unity

September 10, 2010 | Filed Under Goodness in the blogosphere, Inspiring, Moment of Truth, Rewritable words, Watch this | Leave a Comment

Harry O’Brien is a truly pheonomenal young man I’ve written about before. Recently, he gave a speech at the United Nations DPI/NGO conference that inspires, causing you to think and feel. Watch, and as Harry says, “live for hope.”

“Challenge!”

August 26, 2010 | Filed Under Consider this, Watch this | Leave a Comment

I recently saw this clip from the movie Tap starring Gregory Hines and featuring some of the greatest tap dancers including Sammy Davis, Jr. and Sandman. It’s amazing how easily we discount people who have a troves of talent we don’t know about.