I had an opportunity to spend the weekend at a remarkable event. One of my dear friends and colleagues invited me to his annual Symbrosium: a mashup of a symposium with friends/bros. Ostensibly, 12 men got together to discuss stuff that's important to them. The format was simple: each person shared a 15-minute presentation (TED style), then the group discussed the topic for 45 minutes. It started at 8:30 AM on Saturday and we didn't quit until Midnight. Then, the next morning, we had a few more hours of discussion. It was amazing to be with a group of uniquely talented and intelligent men and watch them get real about life, it's meaning, and the unknown. For those that know me, learning to live a life of significance is a major theme in my work - so I was especially drawn to this format.
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Here are a few images of the event ...
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IMAGE 1
I put this series of images together to summarize some of the things that impressed me. Perhaps you'll find something of use.
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At the beginning of the event, one of the organizers described the historical roots of the word symposium, it's meaning and purpose. Overlayed, of course, with a group of men who were friends - or soon to become friends.
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These are the men who attended. Each brilliant. Each deep and thoughtful. I was honored to break bread with them.
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At one point in the conversation, someone said, referring to the need for change, "A part of you needs to die ... and until you die that death, you will never truly be alive." A profound truth on the need to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
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What it looked like at about 5:30 PM, still deep in conversation. It was rich.
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Later in the evening, someone said, speaking of the need to take ownership of life, "There's only a minute left in this game - what do you want to do with it?" A poignant call to make what little time we have in this life count.
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I listed some of the notable topics that were discussed in the 20+ hours of discussion. It was so good. So inspiring.
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If ever there were an image symbolizing the event - this is it.
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I shared a glimpse of my Points of Light Project