On TEDx Victoria 2011: Using our Innate Abilities to Innovate and Solve Complex Challenges

The TEDx Victoria 2011 speakers came from diverse fields of interest to speak to the theme of cultivating evolution. I believe that by paying attention to the ideas of life-affirming thought leaders, we will see the outline of a solution to our world’s most difficult challenges. This likely explains the popularity of TED talks.

And the challenges before us are huge: for example, Garth Lenz, photographer, painted a picture of the large scale of destruction by the tar sands operations in Alberta and Paul Nicklen, photographer, spoke about the harmful effects on wildlife of the rapidly melting polar ice cap (by video).

The prescription that I saw emerging from TEDx Victoria 2011 is to be more ourselves. As a collective, the speakers said that each one of us has expertise to contribute.  We may not have the answers but by being part of the conversation we can help society to generate the answers.  “All” we have to do is use our innate human qualities and abilities.

in·nate  [ih-neyt, in-eyt]
adjective - existing in one from birth; inborn; native

The prescription is both a surprise and a relief: It’s a surprise because it suggests the solution comes from inside us rather than from some outside expert or institution. It’s a relief because it’s doable, although not necessarily easy.  The key is to be more aware of how we are in the world and to have the discipline to adopt more life-affirming ways of being and doing.

Here are six ways conveyed by the speakers on how anyone can take part in innovation and solution finding for a better world:

1. Child Honouring- Be positive and life-affirming with our children.  Include children and adults in co-creating a culture of respect and compassion.  By making the world work for an infant we are making the world work for everyone. Raffi Cavoukian, Renowned Singer.
2. Listening– Putting ego aside and truly listening is a willingness to change.  Listening with the intent to find alignment can create the powerful energy of a rogue wave for change. Jason Guille, Community Spirit
3. Delaying Gratification– Sometimes the best course of action is to do nothing which is counter to a bias towards action and instant results.  Scientific experiments have shown that children able to delay gratification grow up to be successful and valued citizens. Sean Richardson, Performance Psychologist.
4. “Slow Foot” Movement– It is easy to succumb to the demands of the rat race all the while missing opportunities for true meaning and connection. The kibbutz makes extensive use of foot paths and gathering places to encourage conversation and community myth making.  David Leach, Professor of Writing
5. Story Telling– People have a hunger for stories.  People can remember and be inspired by information couched in stories. We all have expertise and we can pass it on through stories. Stories connect wisdom from the past to the future. Norma Cameron, Storyteller
6. Playfulness– Improvisation (read innovation) works when the participants respond with “yes.”  A series of “yeses” and “yes ands” takes us somewhere. A “no” or a “yes but” takes us nowhere. We need to allow ourselves to relax into life. Dave Morris, Improviser.

For some of us, these ways will take willpower because they run counter to modern life.  Life has a way of making us feel caught in the rapids of a fast moving river. TEDx Victoria 2011 tells us to grab onto a rock, pull ourselves out, and stand squarely on the rock as the river rushes by. By being true to ourselves we can make a difference for the world.

A big THANK YOU to the volunteers who made TEDx Victoria 2011 happen!

“Heroes aren’t born, they’re cornered”

(from the TV show According to Jim – thanks Darlene)