“I had no idea I would leave here with new friends!” - First time HCS attendee and new friend

After a big event like Hollywood Climate Summit, I always encourage some time for integration. This often includes rest (like when I took "mental health days" on Mondays after opening a show when I was a teacher), but it includes a more subtle element too. Acknowledgement.

By going through such an experience, you've changed. The pressure cooker of activity provides a rush of new insights that create new beliefs, experiences, connections, and more. Your life and what's possible has shifted.

So integration is about tuning into how you now show up in life. Here's a peak into my integration...

Acknowledge Earth Is Our Home

I had an extra day in Los Angeles to be a tourist after the Hollywood Climate Summit. Coming from a temperate rain forest, I was curious to see what a Southern Cali waterfall was like. So I got my feet to the Escondido Canyon and Falls trail. The path actually crossed creeks three times before arriving here. I sat on a big rock to watch, listen, and feel the spray as I wrote in my journal.

Discover Your Earth Archetype

Sometimes hints related to your type will pop up to remind you of the path you've always been walking, even if you didn't know it. This was an a-ha moment for me. Though I had gone to the Ahmanson Theater to watch the musical Strange Loop, I noticed the Mark Taper Forum name as I returned from a walk through Grand Park.

And in a rush, I remembered 30 year old Amber. The lady who was trying to figure out how to blend theater and social justice by getting a masters in Theatre Production. And my thesis centered around the play ¡Bocón! by Lisa Loomer commissioned by the Mark Taper Theater. I can't remember how many times I said that phrase during that process and for years afterward. Now as I emerge from the Hollywood Climate Summit, I found my way to this tangible memory. I'm in awe -- feeling connected and delightfully small.

Work Together in Community

During a power packed Fast Talks session hosted by TED Countdown, I had the absolute delight of meeting Cristina Mittermeier. During her talk, she gave 2 wonderful scientific ways to answer, "What can I do about climate?" So I thought I'd see what she thought about having a more personal response like the Earth Archetypes. Her response was super enthusiastic. Even stating, "Why hasn't anyone thought of it before?"

Besides the giddy feeling of now having this photo and her WhatsApp number, I decided to write about this encounter in this category because it shows what happens when we remain curious. When we allow different types to come together and experience emergence. I can't wait to see what happens!

Anything Else?

Much gratitude for the support of From the Heart Productions. Several times, you pushed me out of my comfort zone to create memorable experiences and new friends.