"Curiosity is a pure emotion, a pure energy; it is done for the sake of itself without an agenda, without anticipated rewards, just to be alive and to be engaged with the cosmos. It is a path with unexpected forks in the road leading to imagined but unknown destination. The rewards are not sought but they are found."
I'm beyond inspired and empowered after spending my Saturday in the front row watching eight very different speakers share their messages on intellectual curiosity and innovation. I found it striking that they each had such elaborate, and very different (oh, and impressive) accomplishment statements/bio yet their messages were universally profound and in no way related to their accolades. Each of their messages were rooted in their greater callings; demonstrating that when we courageously pursue into the land of the unknown - where our heart is - we can change the world.
From each speaker, I included a statement that should be passed on:
- Joe Callahan: (Beside that we shed ten pounds of dead skin a year..releasing bacteria at a rate of 70,000 skin cells per minute) Re-imagine better solutions - in the example of bacteria - why are we fighting with antibiotics when we can just clean the air?
- Amelia Dunlop: Re-framing our fears through compassion, being vulnerable, showing kindness to ourselves, and paying attention to our heart allows us to feel love.
- Dimitry Sitkovetsky: Welcome the challenge - being restless and curious leads you to the greatest reward in life (side note, he blew everyone away playing a 300 year old violin). Do not stop questioning - curiosity has its own reason for existing.
- Otto Bell: Pursue a story that is worth sharing; that inspires others to follow their dreams (like the 13 year old Eagle Huntress..must watch his documentary on this young girl who emulates determination and bravery toward her dreams).
- Ever Lee Hairston: A blind fighter and civil rights activist, she sang her message - we don't have the power to make life fair but we do have the power to make life joyful.
- Jeremy Cage: Why are most people and organizations dying full potential? They aren't pursuing their dreams. Dream specifically and dread vaguely. Be courageous and be intentional (like sailing the entire world with this family). To strengthen your courage muscle, you must exercise it.
- Anna Cianci: Suffering and setbacks catalyze success. It creates the space for learning our 'why' and our 'how'. How we respond to our struggles and setbacks matter. Embrace internal struggles to understand what lightens us up inside. He who has a 'why' to live for can bear almost any 'how'.
- Story Musgrave: Simply incredible (look him up right now). "Give it to me baby" - embrace a child-like curiosity to pursue and imagine.