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You Are Not Your Body

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We often define ourselves by things that are "outside" us: relationships, work, family - even our own bodies. But what would it mean to have your life dramatically altered and your body irrevocably damaged? Who would you be then? In this TED talk, walking paraplegic Janine Shepherd, explores the impact of loss on the human psyche and the universal quest to find meaning and fulfillment. It is only through the process of losing everything we thought we needed that we find who we truly are.
Be The Change
1
Learn more about Janine Shepherd and her incredible recovery from a life-threatening accident.
2
Who am I? What am I? This article from the open access Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy explores the question of personal identity.
3
Think beyond your physical body and "outside" definitions. Who are you? Or who might you become?
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Reflections (70)

Carla
So inspiring! Thank you Janine Shepherd.
Sophie
have the will and don't worry about the way
Jurgen [NL]
My own situation at this moment: Urticarie (since May 10th 2014) and ischias (since July 8th) plus the way how I feel at the moment: Trying to build up my company www.FruitPickers.nl for eastern european students.. the companion I "might work with" obstructs allllll the time: I wanna go on... today, watching the TEDtalk.. tears over my face... I wanna get my PPL since 8 years.. let it talk outta my head ALLLLLL the time by others... (not victimizing myself) and not doing it... :/ So Janine, you gave me my tears back ;) and the feeling that "when it is not there, I have to create it myself :-)
Nani
Her passion, love of life & positivity. I also love how the people who rescued her, her caregivers and her parents seemed to be very positive and encouraging.
Carol
I was inspired by her great spirit and determination to overcome obstacles and fulfill her dreams!
d s ranga rao
Yes, broken body, but not broken will; and that is inspiring.
SFAE
Everything. Powerful, inspiring. The ability to see hope, when most people would see none. It is hard to feel sorry for tough days....the eternal hope. Amazing.
Min M. Annette Graham Quick
Thank you for being the voice and echo of my spirit. The very thing I spoke to God, you echoed to me today. I will always love and pray for you. For we know that our lives are not complete unless we help our brothers and sisters,(All of humanity). You have confirmed and re-energized me. I no longer am waiting for assurance that I should be, following the directions, dreams, and urgency from within my spirit. God bless and continue to strengthen you. Love you and pray one day to meet you. I Thank God for you.
Norm Buben
Janine,

I needed to see your video! You see my wife and I have been out of work for over two years. We have exhausted our savings and are barely hanging on to our home. We have been in foreclosure and just barely hanging on. My wife has been able to get interviews for a position in Payroll and bookeeping but she keeps loosing out to younger applicants for the same job. I was hospitalized a year ago for surgery for prostate cancer and a year after that for urinary tract infections. We are right on the verge of loosing all we have. But through faith I am doing better health wise. My wife is continuing to interview and we are hopefull that she will get a job. I have reinvented myself and have started a Graphic Arts and Photography business. I continue to look for customers for that business. I can't seem to get an interveiw for any other jobs that I am qualified for. So why am I telling you this? I just want to let you know that your spirit has spoken to me, and I feel that God has guided me to your video just to show me that things could be worse. Much worse! Your message has resinated to me and given me renewed strength and I want to thank you for that. You are a true inspiration to us and I want to thank you for your message of hope! I needed that!
Jewel Heart
Congratulations for your willingness to let go of what was and surrender to what will be. You are a great model to all of us who need to let go. May GOD Bless you.
RRPs
Great reflection and insight developer
Lori deWet
Janine, I am humbled. What an inspiring example of strength you are. You made me laugh and you made me cry...but then you made me laugh again!
Keep smiling you beautiful person, and thank you for this brilliant Ted talk.
A big, warm hug from Vancouver Island, Canada
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