Temple Grandin, Ph.D.'s TED video "The world needs all kinds of minds" and interview on CNN

Most believe that in order to be an inspiration to others they have to be the Pope, the Dalai Lama, a priest, coach, teacher, policeman; you know, someone who basically dedicates their lives to helping and teaching others. What's funny is those people don't think they are an inspiration, in the altruistic sense, they feel like they are just like everyone else. The truth is every single person can and should be an inspiration to others. Sometimes we are presented with obvious opportunities, such as showing our children how to treat someone or diffusing a possible argument between to strangers waiting in line.

inspiring quote for the day

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Peace, Light and Take Care,
Colleen
Exploring Life's Paths
Explore The Little Paths

Words that inspire change

Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny. - Gandhi

It is a great opportunity that is knocking on your doors. Humanity as a whole has come to a certain point of growth from which a quantum leap is possible. - Osho

A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. - Gandhi

Mind is so vast, you can always choose a few fragments which will be satisfying to a particular philosophy, to a particular psychology, to a particular therapy. - Osho

"The Myth of American Exceptionalism", lecture by Historian Howard Zinn at MIT

Howard Zinn speaking at MIT, "The Myth of American Exceptionalism" on March 14, 2005.

Howard Zinn (who very recently passed away in January 2010 at 86 years old) was Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Boston University. He was a decorated war veteran, born and raised by an immigrant family in Brooklyn, and flew bombing missions in Europe during World War II, an experience that shaped his opposition to war. He attended New York University on the GI bill, graduating with a B.A. in 1951, and Columbia University, where he earned an M.A. (1952) and Ph.D. (1958) in political science.

His most recent work was a documentary feature film titled The People Speak on the history channel:

Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, the documentary feature film THE PEOPLE SPEAK gives voice to those who spoke up for social change throughout U.S. history, forging a nation from the bottom up with their insistence on equality and justice.

In my opinion this video is not only incredible but still very, very timely and important as well.

"I Have A Dream" speech by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

**UPDATE: I appologize if the video isn't displayed on the page, for some reason some browsers aren't showing it. Here is the direct link to the video and I thank you for your understanding.**

One of the speeches I wanted to include in this blog first was Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s, "I Have A Dream". I hope you enjoy.....



The speech copied in it's entirety from American Rhetoric Top 100 Speeches:

Jane Goodall on Google Video

"In the summer of 1960, 26-year-old Jane Goodall arrived on the shore of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa to study the area's chimpanzee population.

Although it was unheard of for a woman to venture into the wilds of the African forest, the trip meant the fulfillment of Jane Goodall's childhood dream. Jane’s work in Tanzania would prove more successful than anyone had imagined."

Madeleine Albright's The Mighty and The Almighty: United States Foreign Policy and God

"Madeleine Albright talks about The Mighty and The Almighty: United States Foreign Policy and God. The former secretary of state offers a provocative and very personal look at the role of religion in America's foreign policy. She argues that understanding the place and power of religion, and knowing how best to respond to it, is essential if America is to lead successfully around the world."




Peace, Light and Take Care,
Colleen
Exploring Life's Paths
Explore The Little Paths

Town Meeting with Howard Zinn

For my first post I chose A Town Meeting with Howard Zinn in honor of his memory and because I believe his books, teachings and philosophy are the perfect example of people who inspire change........

I hope you enjoy this video and if you do pass it along to others.




Peace, Light and Take Care,
Colleen