How do we make a conscious effort to step back and escape from our fast-paced and increasingly noisy world? Five TED speakers about finding stillness in unexpected places.
John Francis shares what inspired him to stop speaking for 17 years. He shares more of his story later in the hour.
In a culture where being social and outgoing are celebrated, it can be difficult to be an introvert. Susan Cain argues introverts bring extraordinary talents to the world, and should be celebrated.
Megan Washington is one of Australia's most popular singer/songwriters, and since childhood she has had a stutter. She discusses how she finds quiet and serenity in singing.
For almost three decades, John Francis has been a planetwalker, traveling the globe by foot and sail with a silent message of environmental respect and responsibility. For 17 of those years he didn't speak a word.
You don't need to plan an exotic trip to find beauty and perspective. Just look up, says Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society. Pretor-Pinney calls for us all to stop for a moment every day and admire the beauty in the sky above and in our normal lives.
Writer Pico Iyer says sitting still and reflecting is hard work. But we bring so much more to our experiences, and relationships when we make time to think.
