The Conscious Perspective: Women Who Inspire Series, Day 4 ~ An Exclusive Q&A with Christy Turlington Burns
Christy Turlington Burns has been an inspiration to me for some time. When I first began brainstorming The Conscious Perspective, it was my hope to feature her advocacy and mobilization organization Every Mother Counts. Perhaps one day, I thought to myself, I would even have the opportunity to interview her about the work she was doing.
This past September I tuned in to the Mashable Social Good Summit where I learned even more about what EMC truly represents. In the interview Christy revealed the inspiration behind her advocacy for global maternal health - a potentially life-threatening complication upon delivering her daughter eight years ago. She began working with CAREand (RED) which led her to her directorial debut, No Woman, No Cry – a film that shares the stories of four women in different areas of the globe, bringing forth a deeper sense of compassion for the cause.
I am sure you can see why it was a clear choice for me to ask Christy to participate in this series, and I am thrilled she accepted – you will love reading her responses below!
Though my interview with Christy would have been amazing on it’s own – I couldn’t help but take the opportunity to talk about Christy’s hero – Ibu Robin Lim. Fans of the CNN Heroes program may recognize the name – she recently took the top honor of CNN Hero of the Year for 2011 for her work in Bali, Indonesia.
Robin is a hero in the true sense of the word. After a series of tragic events including the death of her sister during childbirth, she and her family packed up from their home in the US where she practiced as a midwife, and headed to Bali. In 1995 she founded Bumi Sehat, a non-profit organization which runs clinics that provide free prenatal care, birth services and more to the local communities. She has also traveled to other countries to help after earthquakes, including Haiti after the major earthquake nearly two years ago. You can learn more about Robin’s work here, and watch her CNN Hero special here.
“Every mother counts and healthcare is a human right.” ~ Ibu Robin Lim
We recently shared that Mozilla has partnered up with Crowdrise in a challenge for celebrities. Christy’s organization EMC is taking part in this challenge in order to raise funds for a new clinic in Bali, so that Robin can continue her work helping those who need it.
I made a donation today, and hope that you will too. As Christy said at the SGC, “We all can’t do everything, but we all can do something.” CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
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Below is our exclusive interview with Christy Turlington Burns where she shares her thoughts on being authentic and living your purpose.
TCP – You are undoubtedly living your passion. Would you share with us what ignited the “spark” within you that has led you to your work today?
CTB – “I consciously explored many interests through my life which has led me to many career endeavors and a very full life! Its the culmination of all these experiences that has put me on my current path and not any one moment over any other. There has been a continuity that stemmed from an intention that began as a little girl living in a California suburb. The intention to live a life of purpose. Intention is a powerful thing and should not be underestimated. If one seeks, one will find -in time…”
TCP – How do you remain authentic and true to yourself in your work when everyday obstacles arise?
CTB – “Authenticity has always been important to me. It’s something I continue to strive for but admittedly it’s pretty difficult to be truly authentic in every moment. I can be quite critical of myself in those moments when I am not. Self realization is a life goal for me. Until then, I’m just practicing…”
TCP- What advice do you have for those seeking to find their “purpose” or live their passion, but perhaps they are finding themselves at a roadblock or feel that they are on the wrong path?
CTB – “I think developing a spiritual practice like yoga is an excellent way to get closer to one’s purpose. It was through yoga and meditation that I began to realize my potential.”
TCP – Would you like to share any projects that you are currently working on with our readers?
CTB – “Last year I founded an organization after completing my first documentary film called No Woman, No Cry I founded an organization called Every Mother Counts. EMC is essentially an advocacy and mobilization designed to increase education of and support for maternal and child health. Our aim is to continue to engage new audiences to join a movement to fight for the right to health for girls and women who seek maternity care.”
TCP – Finally, you’re work is undoubtedly rewarding on many levels. What is the most rewarding aspect in sharing your truth with others?
CTB – “Being a part of a collective reaching to attain the highest possible standard of living. Motherhood is a sisterhood with arms so powerful and healing that it holds the future of the world we all share.”
Source: Every Mother Counts, CNN Heroe’s & Bumi Sehat
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