Sir Ken Presents: The Book of Joy by The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

I'm honored to say a few words in support of the Book of Joy, published today. The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share with us how to live a life of joy in the face of adversity. They show that joy and compassion will always win over anger, fear, and despair. A perfect message for these challenging times.

#sharethejoy  www.BookofJoy.org

What is joy for you? Here's my take.


Author2Author: Bill Kenower interviews Sir Ken Robinson

New interview just posted with Author2Author on writing, language, the Element and education:

Listen to internet radio with Author magazine on Blog Talk Radio

Hear the interview on Blog Talk Radio.


Ideas for modern living: passion

I was asked by the Observer newspaper in the UK to contribute a 280 word piece on passion to the regular series on Life Lessons. Here it is:

Sir Ken Robinson -  Ideas for modern living: passion

Make the most of whatever it is that floats your boat…

It was Jeremy Bentham, I believe, who said there are two types of people in this world: those who divide the world into two types and those who do not. Well, these days I do. On the one hand, I'm constantly surprised by how many people settle for so little fulfilment in their lives, who endure their lives rather than enjoy them. On the other, I know people who simply love what they do and couldn't imagine doing anything else. "This isn't what I do," they say, "this is who I am." There are people in every walk of life for whom this is true: people who are in their element. Being in your element involves doing something for which you have a natural aptitude. But it's more than that: it's about passion. You have to love it, too.

Passion can be a disconcerting idea in Britain, conjuring up images of fiery glances, pounding hearts and a hint of castanets. It's not always like that. Passion is a deep attraction. It can be for someone else or for a process: music, maths, cooking, sport, entrepreneurship, teaching… whatever fires your imagination and stokes your energy. We all have different aptitudes and we have unique passions. The challenge is to find them because it's in the fusion of both that we live our best lives.

An original meaning of "passion" is to suffer or endure, as in the Passion of Christ. Its modern meanings have evolved to include love, attraction and pleasure. Finding our own element is also a journey from endurance to enjoyment. It's a vital step, too, in moving from being one type of person to being the other type.