This is the latest entry into a collection of Round Tables put together by people who have caught my eye for one reason or another. The collection exists to introduce you to both the owner of the table and those seated at it.
If you missed the original Round Table post, check it out here. I’d love to see yours added in the comments – or email it to me.
Karen Yaeger is an Emmy winning producer and aspiring photographer living in Brooklyn, NY. Through her company, Open Sky Video she collaborates on videos & multi-media presentations for creative entrepreneurs. Her passion is telling the stories of the awesome work her clients are doing. Other passions are photography, traveling, hiking and living a joyous life.
Pema Chodron
An American Buddhist nun and meditation teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. She shares the teachings in a friendly and down to earth way.
She is one of my heroes because she embodies what it means to be a spiritual warrior. A warrior in the sense of being unafraid to look honestly at our own minds and emotions – and work from there. She is an example that it is possible to let go of certain habits, fear, self-absorbed views and stuckness and change our lives and the lives of others for the better. I am a grateful student.
Albert Maysles
I always think of Albert Maysles and his thoughtful direction to filmmakers to “Get up close and personal” whenever I pick up my camera to shoot video or still photos.
In Albert’s words: “Connect closely, heart to heart with the person you’re filming, so that you feel that person’s experience. In that process, there’s a humanizing of that person”.
It has always been my aspiration as a producer and shooter to connect with people this way.
He is truly authentic in his work, his telling of the truth, and his honesty in portraying his subjects.
Sean Corn
I am so inspired by Sean Corn. She is an authentic and passionate yoga teacher and social activist. She is honest about her early struggles with drugs and how she began to heal through the practice of yoga.
She has created programs to empower youth, educate people about HIV/AIDS prevention and is creator of the yoga program at Children of the Night, a California-based shelter that houses and educates adolescent prostitutes.
She is a great role model of how we all can heal ourselves and take our yoga “off the mat” to help others.
Mary Oliver
Her poems observing the natural world, from her daily walks consistently awaken me to the beauty and wonder of our world – and can take my breath away. Through nature she touches on human emotions, feelings. When I read one of her poems I am reminded of what it feels like to be alive.
A few lines from one of my favorites, “The Summer Day”:
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Thank you for posting this, Matt. I’m familiar with Pema Chodron, but now I have new people to research! Always appreciate the opportunity to discover new perspectives… I think it’s essential for refining who we are and what we want to do with our brief lives.
-Lee
I appreciate you stopping in Lee. Check out some of the other Round Tables on the site. Variety is the word.
This is such a great idea. Some truly different people and some truly different experiences. And isn’t that what life is all about? Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Lindsay. I have loved curating this series. Lots of people with lots to share.