Beachcombers

All my adult life, I have been an inner space explorer and an outer world traveler. I've wandered deserted beaches on 5 continents and also explored the far sandy shores of consciousness.

Finding kindred souls, fellow explorers, joyous rebels and otherwise creative and contributory people is always both reassuring and inspiring when one is off exploring "strange new worlds".

These people, listed below, are the kind I wish I could have over for sunset drinks and dinner every Thursday at my little beach bar. Imagine the conversations that would ensue. It would make for stimulating (and late) evenings. Take a close look at these folks. You'll be inspired. They may even enhance the way you live your life and light your way during your own explorations.
 

Kindred Souls: Some folks have made it their mission to wander the beaches searching for beach glass, sea shells and other trinkets and treasures. They have sand between their toes and a far away look in their eyes. You just know they are tuned in. But, to what exactly? If they just happened to be occupying the bar stool next to you, your life would, most certainly, be more fun than it is already. Revere. Relish. Contribute.

Tom Robbins, who likes to hang around in a little bar in the village of La Conner, Washington, has an incredible imagination and a wonderful way with words. I have his books listed in the Beach Reads section of this website. You'd never know where a conversation with Tom would lead or, if you could follow, even if you had the courage.

David Suzuki, who for 50 years has been hosting a TV program called The Nature of Things, is a Canadian icon, author, scientist, environmentalist and childlike explorer of the world. Talking with him would be akin to reading an encyclopedia with a wicked sense of humor. At age 70, he posed nude and looks good too. Interview here.

Wade Davis, another Canadian author, is one of National Geographic's "explorers at large". He is an ethnographer, writer, photographer, and filmmaker, he holds degrees in anthropology and biology and received his Ph.D. in ethno-botany, all from Harvard University. Watch this TED video of one of his talks and see exactly why he'd be great to have show up at my beach bar.

Elon Musk, is another guy, like me, from Western Canada. He is a serious doer. Dreams big and makes his dreams come true. PayPal, Tesla Motors and SpaceX are on his list of accomplishments. Watch this video and see why he is another cool addition to our small gathering at Leslie's Beach Bar.

Inner Space Explorers: Most people's focus of attention is limited to the external world of event and circumstance, the physical. Some people's vision is also focused on the internal world of creativity and causation, the metaphysical. To be whole, you need to pay attention to all aspects on the shores of self.

Chuck Danes of Enlightened Journey Enterprises has a passion for personal empowerment and is continuously reaching out to an ever-growing global audience seeking to be, do and have more in their lives. His website contains a massive wealth of material that can enhance the quality of your life.

Asoka Selvarajah of Mystic Visions has a PhD in Nuclear Physics. He worked at CERN in Switzerland on the huge sub-atomic particle accelerators; then on Wall Street as a market forecaster strategist. In 2000, he started this website began to pursue matters of deeper interest; issues of spiritual and personal growth in the widest possible sense.

Guy Finley of the Life of Learning Foundation has been contributing to people's understanding and growth for over a quarter century. He is a bestselling author and inspirational teacher. His non-profit Life of Learning Foundation is a self-realization school that teaches the direct path to an enlightened life.

Iain Legg of Evolution Ezine is committed to enhancing the quality of people's lives. His Real Mind Power Secrets MP3s are respected around the world as a valuable tool for creating a fuller, more rewarding lifestyle.

Cultural Interpreters: With all the strange stuff washed up on the beach these days, it helps to have cultural interpreters: those who can read the signs hidden in the flotsam found on the beach and tell an interesting story about it while leaving their footprints in the sand.

Brian Greene spends his days thinking about how the universe came into being and how it all works so that you and I can be here to enjoy it all. He likes to hang around at Quark's bar.

Jonathan Harris rummages through the seas of cyberspace and creates art that chronicles the evolving human interface with technology. Kinda like building sandcastles. 

Bruce Lipton thinks about thinking and then tells us what he thinks. His insights into how and why we view the world the way we do are more than worth your attention.

Daniel Pinchbeck lives on the edge of the shoreline, catches a few waves and reports on the weird and wonderful stuff that the sea of possibility washes up on the sands.

Prognosticators: If you are curious about what is going to wash up on the shores of your near future, pay attention to what these folks are saying. Their eyes are always set on the far horizon and they see what's coming at us. Kind of like the shaman who sees the boats before others adjust their vision, these guys can help us see what doesn't normally appear on our personal horizons.

Faith Popcorn not only has a really cool name, she has the really cool ability to predict social and economic trends. Every time I read her stuff, it is an ah-ha moment.

Ray Kurzweil made big bucks inventing cool tech stuff and is passionate about the coming singularity, which he foresees bringing about man/machine interface and immortality.

David Brin is a science fiction writer who doubles as a futurist (seems kinda redundant), does tech consulting and generally has more fun than most folks.

Ian Pearson invented text messaging while working for British Telecom and is generally an optimistic guy. A nice and smart balance to much of the doom and gloom purveyors out there.    

For more really interesting people, see the Gypsetters page.

Back to Driftwood