Possibilities—Life's Invisible Feast: Sarah Susanka at TEDxSanDiego 2013

Sarah Susanka's "Not So Big" message has become a launch pad for a new dimension of understanding how we inhabit our homes, our planet and our lives. A thought leader and acclaimed architect, Susanka is the best-selling author of nine books that collectively weave together home and life design, revealing that a "Not So Big" attitude serves not only architectural aims, but life goals as well. Her books have sold well over one million copies.

Architect Sarah Susanka asks us to re:THINK life's possibilities -- and in doing so, opens us up to a potential feast In every moment.

We are often encouraged to follow our passion...our heart. But sometimes either that passion isn't clear, or the path toward it is obscured. Susanka reassures us that by simply being present to your bliss -- in every possible moment -- you're more likely to encounter that singular passion in your life. Just be present and completely engaged in whatever you're doing, and the banquet will unfold. A key is to look beyond the "filters" that we've all become accustomed to and accepting of.

Here she teaches us that beyond those filters lie powerful life lessons in simple moments -- if we are present to them. And if we are, "Life becomes a playground for your own growth."

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[kestrels.]

I wish I could thank Sarah for speaking, maybe if I'm lucky enough to meet her one day...I'd happily let her talk as long as she had the time. 

[NomadicExpressions]

From not so big to tiny.... I went from working for a high volume mass production builder, to Mrs. Susanka, to Lloyd Kahns tiny living, simple shelter.... fwd 15 yrs and I live in a shed to home conversion that is currently in progress.

[SimpleFull]

Been a fan since 15yrs old when the architecture bug bit! I asked for Sara Susanka books for Christmas.. lol! She has amazing architecture!

[chinarut]

Wow it's sad to see such negative commentary. I've been reading Susan's book The Not So Big Life & appreciate the level of support she stands for anyone who engages with her work - she clearly has a big heart. I think she her idea around seeing the reflections of yourself in the reality around you is spot on & a key point from her book. +Jane as for occurrences that are negative: these are opportunities to observe your reactions & perhaps find deeper meaning in what's happening than just the surface. Viktor Frankl's Man Search for Meaning is a good example of this.

[lindaglosson]

It is unfortunate that Dr. Janet Lapp, a professional public speaker, resorted to making negative comments regarding Sarah Susanka's presentation.

Sarah is a respected architect and author of numerous books and articles on designing homes to better fit the needs of today's families. Her purpose in this presentation was to share her personal efforts to redesign her own life to make time for writing. She was speaking from her heart, not making a canned presentation for profit.

Dr. Lapp said something much more negative about herself with her self-serving criticism of Sarah Susanka  than she realized. She should apologize.

[susgra]

Lost me on the dog story. The person who is raped, conned, tortured, ill; how is this a reflection of themselves? Overly simplistic trife by someone who doesn't understand life's tragic misfortunes are not always out fault.