Magic of Chautauqua Institution

In 2008 a friend visited the indescribable Chautauqua Institution for a week long vacation. Since then, a little tickle in my heart has been calling me to visit Chautauqua. Forbes recently published an article that captures the Magic of Chautauqua Institution.

In September 2011, a mutual acquaintance invited me and my mom to share a home on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution… bonanza! We selected week 3 for the theme: “Inspire. Commit. Act.”

Sharing this week in the magical place was an awesome vacation. I couldn’t tell the difference between entertainment and education… my brain was buzzing… my heart was touched… my soul is forever altered. Personal stories from our speakers keep me awake at night.

Inspiration from Michelle Nunn, founder of Points of Light Institute and cofounder of HandsOn Network reminds us that people are wired to help each other. Michelle’s actions and organizations inspire, equips, and mobilize people to take action that changes the world. If you want to get involved in volunteering… look before you leap, but leap!

Krista Tippett of NPR’s radio program On Being interviewed six inspiring friends each afternoon at 2 p.m. in the lovely Hall of Philosophy. The interviews will be heard as part of the On Being spacious conversation — and evolving media space — about the big questions at the center of human life, from the boldest new science of the human brain to the most ancient traditions of the human spirit. Monday’s talk introduced us to Dan Karslake, who reminds us that we are on the globe at an incredible time… we can do something. Even if you missed hearing and meeting Dan at Chautauqua, you can be inspired by Dan’s TED talk. My mom and I used tissues several times during his interview, and again during Dan’s talk and Every Three Seconds movie screening.

Krista’s insightful talk with Father Gregory Boyle of Homeboy Industries made me rethink the way that I perceive gang members. (Again, tissues were not optional.) The best way to stop a bullet is with a job.

So many amazing conversations, discussions, lectures, performances, experiences, and natural beauty make Chautauqua Institution a very delicious slice of traditional American pie.

Barrie’s memories of Chautauqua Institution visualized in cloud view