Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. big dreamer. lady in red.

Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking deep questions and living a life of meaning. Today she's launching Shape House, an urban sweat lodge, a place to melt away fears and fat. [www.shapehousela.com]

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He's a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

wow!

Jason Silva Jason Silva celluloid visionary. abandoner of ordinary. awe seeker.

Television personality, filmmaker and philosopher, Jason Silva has been described as "part Timothy Leary, part Ray Kurzweil, and part Neo from The Matrix." He recently launched a series of non-commercial micro documentaries exploring the co-evolution of human and technology.

I’m always looking for new experiences that carry me away, that blow my mind. Basically, I’m a wonder junkie. Carl Sagan coined the term wonder junkie to describe somebody who’s addicted to awe. Anyone who likes to be immersed in what they love because they get off on it is a wonder junkie. Like anyone who’s addicted, I’m always looking for the next high. I want to be as high as possible as often as possible.

I always wake up with a hunger to experience feelings of transcendence, because in those moments I feel blanketed by reassurance and moved by awe and beauty. When I wake up, I wonder what I can do today to put myself in that head space.

It’s difficult to feel a sense of illumination around what’s most familiar. Habitual routines deaden the present moment. Radically new situations reengage us with the world, engaging our senses fully and deeply in the moment. I want to be engaged, inspired, and amazed. When we experience something for the first time, the brain comes alive. The brain loves to explore. It evolved to explore.

I grew up in an environment in which ideas and art were celebrated. My mother is an artist and teacher who’s written a lot of poetry books. She’s a lover of the arts and has directed a lot of theater. That atmosphere was like my womb. I have trouble with banality and the mundane. I want to be exalted. I look upon what is and figure out how it can be made better. How can I turn the mundane into the sacred and astonishing? What do I need to do? Do I need to tweak my biochemistry? See a film? Create art?

I’m not one of those Buddhist types who says go inward. I say go out and explore. Depart from the ordinary. Look for stimuli that trigger an internal transformation. I try to create circumstances that put the internal and external in sync. The hero’s journey that we’re on is both an external journey and an internal journey. It’s not about the destination, but about the journey itself.

A recent study out of Stanford on the subject of awe found that the regular experience of awe has long-lasting residual effects on individuals, including increased feelings of empathy and compassion toward others, increased feelings of altruism, and increased feelings of general well-being. That study is quantifiable proof that being exposed to experiences that make us dumbstruck by awe lead to all sorts of benefits in our daily lives.

Jason Silva

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Drai
    Drai Drai designer. conscious brand manager. wild redhead.

    Drai is a priestess, song keeper, mother, wife, and artist. As founder of Wild Redhead Design, she loves to partner with folks who are making a difference. [www.myspace.com/wildredheaddesign/blog]

     
  • Edward Biagiotti
    Edward Biagiotti Edward Biagiotti writer. speaker. practical philosopher.

    Edward Biagiotti shares practical philosophies on the subjects of parenting and education. He works and grows in the field of education as a writer, speaker, consultant, and learner. [www.tappingintogenius.com]

     
  • Jennifer Boykin
    Jennifer Boykin Jennifer Boykin grief embracer. courageous survivor. midlife midwife.

    Jennifer Boykin's vision is to "rebrand a gazillion crones." She speaks, teaches, and writes as the Creative Visionary and Chief Rabble-Rouser of the MidLife Reinvention site Life After Tampons. [www.LifeAfterTampons.com]

     
  • Rich Litvin
    Rich Litvin Rich Litvin coach. adventurer. that confidence guy.

    Rich Litvin is an expert in developing deep, inner, natural confidence. He founded The Confident Woman's Salon. [www.richlitvin.com]

     
  • Miss Kristin
    Miss Kristin Miss Kristin songwriter. producer. elephant groover.

    Miss Kristin is a prolific songwriter/music producer and the CEO of her own music label, Big Fuss Records. Kristin thrives when extending her hands to help others reach their dreams. [http://misskristin.com]

     
  • Xorin Balbes
    Xorin Balbes Xorin Balbes architectural designer. philanthropist. soul spacer.

    Xorin Balbes is an author, philanthropist, and an award-winning architectural conservator and designer. He founded and co-owns the interior and architectural design firm TempleHome. [www.SoulSpaceHome.com]

     
  • Sophie Chiche
    Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. idea activista. no-bullsh**er.

    Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking game-changers deep questions, wallpapering her stairway, dancing with her staff, reading The Little Prince, and ... oh, you know … living a life of meaning. [www.lifebyme.com]

     
  • Rob Hess
    Rob Hess Rob Hess positivity spreader. negativity combater. hoopla-hero.

    Rob Hess is the Managing Director & Executive Producer of HooplaHa.com, a website dedicated to spreading smiles and positivity. HooplaHa is focused on only good news and developing inspirational, feel good, positive content. [www.hooplaha.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Dennis N. T. Perkins
    Dennis N. T. Perkins Dennis N. T. Perkins insightful author. curious explorer. obstacle conqueror.

    Dennis N.T. Perkins is the author of Into the Storm and Leading at The Edge. He is CEO of The Syncretics Group, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders and teams thrive under conditions of adversity, uncertainty, and change. [http://www.syncreticsgroup.com]

     
  • Ebony Utley
    Ebony Utley Ebony Utley knowledge seeker. perspective shifter. obsessive googler.

    Ebony Utley, PhD, is an expert in popular culture, race, and romantic relationships. She's a public speaker, a professor, and the author of Rap and Religion: Understanding the Gangsta's God. [www.theutleyexperience.com]

     
  • Robert Dirksen
    Robert Dirksen Robert Dirksen doctor of optometry. life coach. holistic balancer.

    Robert Dirksen is a life coach and doctor of optometry who specializes in holistic care. His passion is helping people balance all aspects of life – mind, body, and soul. [www.DrRobWellness.com]

     
  • Deborah Barron
    Deborah Barron Deborah Barron dream midwife. contributor. possibility example.

    Deborah Barron is a life coach, writer and curious explorer, passionate about expanding feminine consciousness on the planet, one courageous woman at a time. [www.deborahbarron.net]

     
  • Shay Watson
    Shay Watson Shay Watson event producer. interior designer. ambiance maker.

    Shay Watson is the founder of Aesthetica Events, which designs and produces events all over the world. His acute aesthetic sense has also led him into the world of home design and décor. [www.aestheticaevents.com]

     
  • Deborah Lloyd
    Deborah Lloyd Deborah Lloyd design overseer. president and cco. solver.

    As President and Chief Creative Officer for Kate Spade New York, Deborah Lloyd oversees all creative aspects of the Kate and Jack Spade brands, from design to public relations. [www.katespade.com]

     
  • Sarah Taylor
    Sarah Taylor Sarah Taylor actor. re-inventor. mind wrangler.

    Sarah Taylor is an actor, comedian and meditation teacher who continues to discover daily how to get in and out of her own way while helping others with the same. [www.sarahtaylor.org]

     
  • George Resch
    George Resch George Resch paradigm shifter. motivational pundit. serenity finder.

    George Resch loves seeing light bulbs illuminate over people's heads. He uses what he's learned about life to spark paradigm shifts that help people feel better. [www.happyisthenewrich.wordpress.com]

     
  • Ava Sydney
    Ava Sydney Ava Sydney me embracer. inner journeyer. wellness warrior.

    Ava Sydney is the founder of Body Temple LA, a website created for everyone who wants to enjoy optimum health and happiness. She is also a life coach, producer and nature photographer. [www.BodyTempleLA.com]

     
  • Jon Love + Satya Narayani
    Jon Love + Satya Narayani Jon Love + Satya Narayani dream awakeners. unifiers. evolvers.

    Satya Narayani and Jon Love work with the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium of the Pachamama Alliance. They devote their lives to serving the greatest good by unifying home, community, their region, and the world. [www.pachamama.org]

     
  • Vanessa Perez
    Vanessa Perez Vanessa Perez compassionate pianist. musical communicator. moment enjoyer.

    Pianist Vanessa Perez, praised for her passionate performing style and keenly sensitive musicianship, is a product of the energized musical culture in Venezuela that produced international stars like conductor Gustavo Dudamel and pianist Gabriela Montero. [www.vanessaperez.com]

     
  • Marc Rosenbush
    Marc Rosenbush Marc Rosenbush filmmaker. lateral thinker. mellow visionary.??

    Marc Rosenbush is an award-winning film director, writer, and producer who connects seemingly unrelated ideas – like Zen and film noir, vampires and compassion – to entertain, enlighten, and inspire. [www.lightwheelent.com]

     
  • Jon Rose
    Jon Rose Jon Rose clean water champion. pro surfer. global changer.

    Jon Rose founded the non-profit organization Waves for Water, which works with world leaders and strategic partners to provide clean water to communities in need around the world. [www.wavesforwater.org]

     
  • Chameli Ardaugh
    Chameli Ardaugh Chameli Ardaugh feminine spiritualist. storyteller. illuminator.

    Chameli Ardaugh is a speaker, author, practitioner, teacher, and leading pioneer of feminine awakening and empowerment. She founded The Awakening Women Institute. [www.awakeningwomen.com]

     
  • Melvin Allen
    Melvin Allen Melvin Allen psychologist. facilitator. relationship alchemist.

    Melvin Allen is a relationship alchemist with a PhD in Depth Psychology – the study of the unconscious, and an MA in Spiritual Psychology. He has appeared on television and radio shows around the world. [www.melvinandsherrie.com]

     
  • Alisa Vitti
    Alisa Vitti Alisa Vitti holistic health counselor. transformational speaker. natural life changer.

    Holistic Health Counselor Alisa Vitti specializes in reproductive and hormonal health and helping women connect to and express their feminine energy. She founded the FLO Living Center. [www.floliving.com]

     
  • Deepak Chopra
    Deepak Chopra Deepak Chopra Author. Lecturer. Wellness Authority.

    Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned authority in the field of mind-body healing, a best-selling author, and the founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. [www.chopra.com]

     
  • Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke
    Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke new energy guide. rebel with a cause. now pioneer.

    Chief Dreamer at dailygreatness, Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke ignites passions for staying true to yourself and following your dreams. She strives to find the extraordinary in the ordinary on a daily basis. [www.dailygreatness.co]

     
  • Tara Gentile
    Tara Gentile Tara Gentile depression overcomer. potential pusher. scoutie girl.

    Tara Gentile is a business strategist for entrepreneurs making a difference through commerce. She specializes in guiding businesses towards people-focused development and service. [www.taragentile.com]

     
  • GT Dave
    GT Dave GT Dave kombucha brewer. purity purveyor. devoted son.

    GT Dave began bottling Kombucha after his mother successfully drank it during her battle with breast cancer. He's committed to bringing us the purest and most potent Kombucha available. [www.GTSkombucha.com]

     
  • Brooke Burton
    Brooke Burton Brooke Burton writer. teacher. service connoisseur.

    Brooke Burton writes and teaches as a way of celebrating her love of the food and hospitality industry. She sees glamour in the whir of a busy dining room. [www.foodwoolf.com]

     
  • Tommy Rosen
    Tommy Rosen Tommy Rosen Yoga Teacher. Storyteller. Recovery Expert.

    Tommy Rosen is an expert in addiction and recovery, a gifted storyteller, and a certified yoga teacher. He helps people live more fulfilling, healthier lives.

     
  • Jasmine Aziz
    Jasmine Aziz Jasmine Aziz novelist. vibrator vendor. orgasm promoter.

    Jasmine Aziz is a retired vibrator seller who used to do in-home party presentations. Her novel, Sex & Samosas, helps both men and women navigate the subtle complexities of the modern woman life. [www.jasmineaziz.com]

     
  • Madelin Adena Smith
    Madelin Adena Smith Madelin Adena Smith dream cartographer. promise keeper. sayer and doer.

    Madelin Adena Smith is a novelist, creative shapeshifter, and strategic visionary. She specializes in helping ambitious young women build road maps around their wildest dreams. [www.madelinadenasmith.com]

     
  • Dean Ornish
    Dean Ornish Dean Ornish doctor. bestselling author. integrative medicine pioneer.

    Bestselling author Dean Ornish, MD, is the founder and president of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute, which performs scientific research investigating the effects of diet and lifestyle on health. [www.pmri.org]

     
  • Peggy Drexler
    Peggy Drexler Peggy Drexler mother. author. dog lover.

    Peggy Drexler, Ph.D., is a research psychologist, assistant professor of psychology at Cornell, and author of two books about gender and family. She's currently working on a book about the impact of wealth on childrearing. [www.peggydrexler.com]

     
  • Sean Stephenson
    Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

    Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

     
  • Ifé Sanchez Mora
    Ifé Sanchez Mora Ifé Sanchez Mora soul-full musician. self seeker.

    Ifé Sanchez Mora is a Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter. Her latest album, "Fire Inside of Me," has received praise from NY Daily News, Billboard, and American Songwriter. [ifesanchezmora.com]

     
  • Jason Weberman
    Jason Weberman Jason Weberman life coach. inner strength accessor. northern star.

    Using his coaching and corporate background, North Star Coaching founder and president Jason Weberman helps clients access their own inner strengths to take powerful steps towards being effective leaders. [www.northstarcoaching.com]

     
  • More

Connection


© 2010-2023 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)