Is a New Movement Taking Shape in Austin?

By the end of last year’s Voice & Exit event, I found myself considering new possibilities and connecting dots in new ways. It all advanced my understanding — but I was especially moved by how society and technology are converging to disrupt systems I once thought were immune to change.

It’s been ten months since my last Voice & Exit experience, and as the details of each visionary speech and

breakout session became vaguer with time, I soon discovered I could watch the videos and enjoy the experience again.

But what has remained stark in my mind are the feelings I had: the hope I felt for the future of human flourishing, and the deep sense of humility I gained from the recognition that what is possible is far greater than I can conceive on my own. And yet I realized I can be a creative part of this better human future.

Here are a few of the ideas that expanded my thinking:

• Imagine treating legal systems in the same way we treat operating systems. What?
• How can we use biohacking to boost cognitive function and to optimize our physical and spiritual potential?
• How are people using entheogens — ancient medicines — as an expansive tool for exploring and experiencing consciousness?
• What if we used the sea as a testing ground for competing societal structures, and ‘startup cities’ in the same way entrepreneurs start businesses? Mind blown.

Once my mind had its fill, the evening turned into an extravagant and sexy festival. Performance artists, live yoga, and painters ad libbing on canvas; I had the time of my life.

Voice & Exit is definitely the most inspiring event — and, dare I say, movement — happening in Austin.

TED is interesting. Voice & Exit is life changing.

I’ll be back on June 20-21 in Austin, TX. I hope to see you there.