TED Community » Leland "Lee" Larson

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About Me

I love learning. I love TED. One speaker referred to TED as "ideas having sex!" Right on! TED is contageous, moves me to action. I feel so re-inspired after a gathering. Grateful as well. I learn. Now, having retired (an dubious expression?), I get to serve others, often by means of a foundation I created . There are a few family members and friends involved. We want to help make the world a more compassionate, kinder place. Having seen a few "new years" (and this is the day!), lots of my path is so now visible to me when I look in the mirror. The past sort of created the "me" of now and its perambulations make more sense to me now. My working in the fields as a youth, doing odd jobs. Brief stints in teaching and politics. My travels. Most of all, learning to "vision" and risking my livleihood in pursuing my dreams during my business years. It became a shared and more of a co-creation as everyone became involved in knowing that living one's dream is possible. We had, so it seemed, unlimited power to do about anything and it was fun! And, here I am--doing a most glorious retirement job as well. Of late, supporting a new homeless encampment right in the middle of Portland, getting to do some laundry for "occupy." And, being part of this soup........ living the mystery. Namaste.

Location:
United States, Portland, OR
Current organization:
The Larson Legacy Foundation
Current role:
President
Gender:
Male
Areas of expertise:
Learning , Being, Giving Back & Helping Others
I am:
Activist, Atheist, Buddhist, Change Agent, Global soul, Idea generator, Single, Student
Associations:
SEVA, Dignity Village (Portland, OR), The Larson Legacy, etc..etc...
Languages:
English, Italian
Universities:
University of Oregon, Colorado College, Portland State University
TED conferences attended:
TED2014, TEDGlobal 2013, TED2013, TEDGlobal 2012, TED2012, TEDGlobal 2011, TED2011, TEDGlobal 2010, TED2010, TEDGlobal 2009, TED2009, TED2008
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TEDCRED 200+ TED Attendee

More About Me

I'm passionate about

Philanthropy, basketball, bees, my most challenged puppy ("Karma"), my chickens, obesity issues (lap band surgery anyone?), homeless folks, relationships, internet dating, ping pong, dancing,fun....

An idea worth spreading

If it doesn't bring you joy, why are you doing it? ("If you don't have a sense of humor, it's just not funny" courtesy of Wavy Gravy) Bee Here Now!

Talk to me about

You--what makes you feel truly alive. Your passions, your loves....

People don't know that I'm good at

Beekeeping, coaching basketball , facilitating energetic, inspirational group games, and just playing and loving in this most precious dance.....

My TED Story

II love learning -- curious about everything. TED gives me joy. I am forever grateful to Dr. Larry Brilliant, a former prizewinner (etc.), for introducing me to to this most lovable "contagion." I learn from TED and its fellowship. And, I get to apply some of those learnings. That's satisfying and fun for me, it makes me feel so alive being out there and in here. I'm grateful.

Comments

  • TEDCred score: +250.00 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.

  • +1

    A comment on Conversation: 'TEDfriend/colleague finder' - Your opinion required.

    Jan 26 2012: Hi Xavier!

    Awesome idea here. Sign me up. How can I help? I function best working with others on a "vision" or even a most small local project. Makes it fun and I get energized from the interaction. And will imseemyou in Edinburgh oe later on when I visit London ? ( I like how you compare this with a "dating site" which I've done for some years but here we will hopefully find lots of other 'soulmates' with whom to collaborate ( or have fun with!).

  • A comment on Conversation: Is permaculture a feasible alternative to traditional agriculture?

    Feb 18 2011: Why is your question an "either or?" All sorts of principles of permaculture as I've experienced can be incorporated into traditional agriculture, whatever that is ("prevailing wisdom" or overall "practices"?). To me the more important aspect of your question is how to learn and grow, then apply with greater consciousness and respect such principles in agriculture, which I think can be viewed additionally as just a component of our ecosystems. "Natural" seems to me sort of like the wall that we have erected between Mexico and the US. My bees seem to "love" some of the (unnatural ) ways we've given them a more expressive playing field.

  • A comment on Conversation: Should Governments start to measure what really matters to people - their happiness? Or should they stay out of such a private matter?

    Feb 18 2011: To me, the thought that our government, the broader "self" we all might own, cares about our happiness in more than dollar terms and thinks, hopefully, to just ask pertinent questions of us, would be an indication of some expansion of consciousness and therefore of value.

    And, it does remind me of Buddha's reflection that "the root of all suffering, is that of comparison." Meaning to me," are you happy?" being the wrong question. It requires me to compare, pick the numero uno "happy meal" of my life or however recent time period ... and now sort of measure any new event on this fictional scale.

    When I do that, I find myself boxed and judged by me, ultimately paying the price of straight-jacketing my consciousness, suffering the fool in me. Got it all figured so on with the show....

  • A comment on Conversation: What's the overlooked gem, the book I haven't read that I must?

    Feb 18 2011: "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" (Mark Haddon). Besides compassion for others, I experienced a new sense of compassion for myself, realizing I too am Christopher John Francis Boone. I'll bring a copy with me...!

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