The power of feeling small: how awe and wonder sustain us | Julia Baird | TEDxSydney

In a time of personal heartbreak and sickness, author and journalist Julia Baird took-up ocean swimming and found that the connection to nature provided an incredible capacity to heal and to calm. Blending science research and personal experience, in this talk Julia makes a case for the importance of experiencing awe and wonder, and the transformative effects of feeling small. Julia Baird is an author and award-winning journalist. Her most recent best selling book, “Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder and the things that sustain you when the world goes dark”, won several awards including the ABIA Book of the Year. She lives near the sea with two children, and an abnormally large dog. She hosts The Drum on Australian Broadcast Corporation TV and writes columns for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@scottstier]

Just lovely. During times when I've grappled with overwhelming stress and battled brain cancer, I found great solace in marveling at the larger natural world and understanding that I am a tiny part of some FAR bigger and more beautiful. Just a drop in the ocean. This beautiful talk resonates deeply with me. Thank you!

[@scottastell9415]

That was an awe inspiring lecture. Thankyou Julia.

[@meredithbeil8772]

Thank you Julia

[@patriciafiorini4495]

Thank you Julia for inspire me

[@theheartofbrunswickisyourc2696]

Love this talk Julia,

[@arferret]

Incredible speech.

[@obama1125]

Damn her skin looks so real!!!