
A conversation with Jill Bolte Taylor
"We all have the power to choose who we want to be in the world. What are you doing with your power?"
I met Jill at the Social Good Summit, and had the opportunity to ask her a few questions. Just prior to meeting her, I overheard her response to another question: "If you have some advice for the young Jill Bolte Taylor, what would it be?"
JBT: Enjoy the ride!
I spoke to Jill about her temporary experience of pure right-brain consciousness, to which I would most closely associate with enlightenment. I asked if she remains connected to that feeling in her life today. Paraphrased, here’s how she responded:
JBT: I bring that part of myself into the work, into the world we live in.
When I get ready for a gig, naturally, I get nervous. But that’s not how my audience wants me to show up. They want the message. They want the gift. They don’t want me to be nervous or uptight. So I relax and that’s how I show up.
It’s a choice. I do what I need to do to fuel that part of myself through nature, the forest where I live in Bloomington, and bring that with me wherever I go. And I go back there when I’m done with my work.
And my focus shifts back to enjoying the ride and appreciating the gifts I have to share.
"We all have the power to choose who we want to be in the world. What are you doing with your power?"
I met Jill at the Social Good Summit, and had the opportunity to ask her a few questions. Just prior to meeting her, I overheard her response to another question: "If you have some advice for the young Jill Bolte Taylor, what would it be?"
JBT: Enjoy the ride!
I spoke to Jill about her temporary experience of pure right-brain consciousness, to which I would most closely associate with enlightenment. I asked if she remains connected to that feeling in her life today. Paraphrased, here’s how she responded:
JBT: I bring that part of myself into the work, into the world we live in.
When I get ready for a gig, naturally, I get nervous. But that’s not how my audience wants me to show up. They want the message. They want the gift. They don’t want me to be nervous or uptight. So I relax and that’s how I show up.
It’s a choice. I do what I need to do to fuel that part of myself through nature, the forest where I live in Bloomington, and bring that with me wherever I go. And I go back there when I’m done with my work.
And my focus shifts back to enjoying the ride and appreciating the gifts I have to share.