Four thoughts from TEDxIbiza
Sun-soaked shores and turquoise waters, Ibiza is one of the most magnetic and spiritually charged islands, drawing in over 3.7 million people a year.
A place many of us flock to but that also needs lightness, care, and regeneration.
TEDxIbiza was held on Saturday 14th March, with the theme of Thinking Cultura.
“Thinking Cultura invites us to reclaim space for reflection. To think critically about the culture we inherit and the culture we are shaping, consciously or not. How can we protect spaces for creativity, questioning, and action? How do we build a thinking culture that resists manipulation, nurtures agency, and keeps humanity at the centre?”
Across a day of listening, loving, and creating together, four key thoughts emerged from sitting with that energy, notebook in hand and eyes on the stage.
1 - You are not good because you benefit, you benefit because you are good
Dan Cohen opened the sessions and left such a feeling of wonder and warmth as well as a sense of urgency. Ibiza is an island loved by many but stripped of its resources for pleasure and tourism, and Dan took passages and lessons from the Rondalles - the folklore, mystery, and magic - as well as sharing an urgent call to look after the island that so needs our care.
This notion and energy held particular resonance; a reminder as always, to lead with that goodness, with heart, and with soul. Sitting within B Corp month, it feels reflective of the movement and how business should be done - with goodness, and benefit for all.
2 - Do something for nothing
Josh Coombes shared his story, offering free haircuts to the homeless in London that turned into something so much more. His story was a reminder of human connection and the importance of truly being with each other. Bringing care and attention to everyday actions, and to tread with kindness, openness, and humanity.
3 - Giving back to the land we rise from
Sophia Shnapp told us she had watched more people cry in karaoke bars than in climate discussions. Mother Nature had no seat at the table, even though she was the one hosting us all, and so Nature was made an artist. Musically, Nature benefits from her contribution as both an artist and a performer, through the magic of EarthPercent.
4 - We are less divided than we think we are
Isobel Bruce shared that we have more in common than we think, with 90% of people wanting climate action - whether they know how to advocate for it is a different matter. We need less talking and more listening, to find the common ground and spaces to grow together - and together we create real, lasting change.
The question that opened the day felt like it came full circle - ‘Who shapes culture?’ In feels like it is up to us all to share, shout, speak and crucially, listen, to shape a culture that is caring at its core and gives back to the land we live on.
What a blessing and a joy to shape that together.
Each of the nine speakers brought such magic and energy to the stage, sharing their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and hearts so generously. A huge thank you to TEDxIbiza, the hosts, sponsors, the team, the guides for a truly spiritual experience.
Thank you.