Mari Kim

Transition moments are easy to forget about because by definition they are soon gone in place of what is more stationary and stable and remains. But those moments of disruption when what is yields to what is coming can be extraordinarily glorious… and difficult. And our responses depend on whether we like what exists or we hope for something different. Having the awareness to know who values what exists and who welcomes what is coming makes all the difference in preparing communities for the changes we are trying to introduce with our innovations. And taking a moment to acknowledge, possibly celebrate, possibly grief, in the transition moments can go a long way to allowing communities to process what was in order to be open to what is coming. It's not so much that we say what is coming is better, though of course most of us on this platform will want to argue for that, so much is saying what is cannot remain. Our thoughtfulness in that process will make all the difference in how much support we have for the next steps. #transitions #awareness

You want to inspire? Expose us to more Wonder; it will mediate the elevated human experience of Grace.

Viticulture. I recently sat down at a bar in Eugene called The Davis and was poured a beautiful glass of ruby hued Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, USA. I marveled not only at the beauty of the color and taste of such a good glass of wine, but also of the style, size, elegance of the glass it was poured in. Somebody had decided that Pinot Noir and other reds deserved a more elevated container with a design that would accentuate the sensuality of wine while functionally improving the experience of its bouquet and its taste. All in order to contribute to the enjoyment and desirability of the tasting experience of a product that is very time-consuming in its production…yet so ephemeral as to disappear in mere sips. Nevertheless an entire industry focusing on the science of presentation that appeals and functionality that is able to highlight the most fleeting senses of smell and taste arose because the excellent of wine inspired better. Innovation that does not increase enjoyment, appeal to our senses, and awaken desire to engage is not sufficiently concerned with the fulfillment of the human experience. Innovation that does not elevate our engagement of being alive is not sufficiently intelligent. In these ways, the simple grace of sipping wine can remind that the best innovations humanize us. The better innovations draw us more fully into the fulfillment of our human senses. There is a betterment implied in the concept of innovation, but for innovation to inspire, there must be an element that engages our desire for experience for better, for more...whether more efficiency, comfort, pleasure, productivity, conservation, exploration. Innovation that inspires always does so because it intentionally brings us into connection with more humanizing experiences of our aesthetic senses.

In considering the impact of transformation it's important to understand the optimal point of receptivity for your audience. For some the dawning of a new day inspires Hope and Power, for others it's the end of the day that moves them with its stunning Beauty and speaks Peace. Sunset. Eugene, OR 7/3/25

Meet my friend Roo. He walks around his world, curious about movement and sounds. He peered into my camera when I put it down in selfie mode: he saw himself... and decided he needed a closer look. That's the true gift of new experiences? If we peer into them more closely...they allow us to see ourselves in ways we had not previously. It's a simple clarity but worth noting for the record: a core experience of meaningful, transformative experiences are that they allow us to encounter and discover ourselves in new ways.