Clare Bronfman

Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.

Karen Ravn

The evolution of Man has been truly extraordinary.  Our natural curiosity and ability to project has through the ages, driven us to create, discover and develop the technologically advanced world we live in today.

From the creation of the wheel, to the horse drawn carriage, to the Automobile, the Locomotive, the airplane and eventually the space shuttle - each century of Man’s survival has brought with it a series of new inventions sprung from our desire to push the boundaries of what is possible.

This week we celebrate the anniversary of man’s first steps on the Moon. 40 years ago Neil Armstrong uttered those famous words “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind..” Sixty-six years after the invention of early forms of airborne human transport, we were walking on the moon!

Now, less than half a century later, the space shuttle Endeavor has docked with the International Space Station marking the first time that 13 people have been floating around in space at the same time.  It is an incredible age we live in, and a huge tribute to mankind that we have made the technological progress that we have.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.

- Albert Einstein

Nelson Mandela

These are the heros of our age; people who are willing to hold their vision of a better world above the opposition of the norm.

- Keith Raniere

I remember watching the “Free Mandela” concert when I lived in England. I did not understand who Nelson Mandela was at the time, but I was amazed at the amount of people that came together in a cry for his freedom. It was a cry for humanity. Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela has exemplified courage and nobility in his endless pursuit for us to treat one another as humans regardless of the color of our skin: To put the fact that we are all human - first.

The transformation of a nation from fear and violence - lead by one man with tremendous courage - is an example to all of us. It changes what is possible for each and every one of us.

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela!

One of the most miraculous things in nature is the ability for a plant to blossom. As the plant is nourished and cared for, it develops into a radiant flower: As it opens its’ awesome beauty is revealed.

It is apropos to celebrate Nancy Salzman’s Birthday as the “Festival of Flowers”. She is an exceptional gardener. Nancy has touched the lives of so many of us, and helped us to blossom.

The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.

- John Ruskin

Countless times she has helped me to be able to uphold myself; to be the kind of person I want to be, and I am one of many!!

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.

- Albert Einstein

We forge gradually our greatest instrument for understanding the world - introspection. We discover that humanity may resemble us very considerably - that the best way of knowing the inwardness of our neighbors is to know ourselves.

-  Walter Lippmann

Eleven years ago two people conceptualized a curriculum that would have an immense impact on the world, and change the course of my life. I am forever grateful.

I remember my first intensive: My goal was to like myself – to develop a relationship with myself, and feel proud of myself.

I remember when I won the Grand Prix of Rome – I had dreamed of winning a major competition since I was a child – it was remarkable…….. for the first hour. As the adrenaline wore off I became fearful – how had I done it? How could I do it again? The weight of expectation set in.

Two years ago I competed in my second ever triathlon, I had been up for the best part of three days working on a video project – yet I was excited for the day ahead! I had trained for the bike and run, yet my swimming abilities were rather weak! Nonetheless, I jumped in the water as the horn blew! The biking was wonderful – always my favorite, I love the intensity of going uphill and the feeling of freedom coming down. When I dropped my bike and set off for the run, my legs felt like jelly; I had three more miles of hills to run!! As we neared the end I allowed my stride to open to give the race everything I had – alas as I rounded the bend I realized there was one hill left!! I pushed up the hill and fought the pain all the way through the finish – I had not won, but I had given it all I could.

In this second story the focus was different; I learned so much about myself through the triathlon, my love for striving, my determination and strength of my will – the result was extraneous from my experience. I felt proud of me.

As my journey continues and I strive to experience and get to know more of myself, I would like to thank Keith Raniere and Nancy Salzman for being in my life. What they bring to the world is truly remarkable. Their creation of Executive Success Programs, and now NXIVM, is a wonderful gift for humankind.

And there comes the most profound recognition, which is the principle of interdependence: Each of our victories and achievements, no matter how small, raises every person up. This essential fact, the profound essential relationship between all of us brings with it a pure joy, honor and respect for the oneness of humankind, our team.

- Keith Raniere

My mother has always referred to my sister and I as “half and half” – you will have to imagine the British and American accents!! Born in NYC, and raised in the UK. Most of my life I considered myself English – today I feel more American. In some ways I feel very proud of this country – if I look to the foundation upon which this country was built; starting with the Declaration of Independence, I am left in awe of the principles upon which the United States of America was founded! However in the same breath I reflect upon where we stand today as a nation – sadly, far from the intention of said Declaration.

“All men are created equal” is one of the most profound statements in the declaration. To truly honor this statement would be to put our prejudices aside and honor our brothers and sister regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, wealth, and age, and to recognize we are all on the same team: The human team.

Every time I have moved to, or even visited a different country I have initially felt afraid. I initially found all of the many ways in which I was dissimilar to the new people around me. If we are to transform this one declaration we must all search for and embrace the similarities we share with all humans.

“Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

- Aristotle