Was it your father? Your mother? Your partner? That best friend who you feel knows you better than a brother? Or someone whom you've never met, but whose work has influenced you greatly? What one person has most impacted who you are--and why?

What inspires you? When you feel stuck, or at loose ends, where do you get your best ideas? Is is by reading? Journaling? Talking with others? Taking some time in nature? Or something else altogether?

It might be a story, a post from someone else, a recommendation for a book or movie, or some other treat. Or just think back to the last time you were inspired...

There's no need to limit the answer to just one person, so respond as you wish. Who is it who most inspires you? Who's inspired you in the past? Who do you hold as a model?

Do you have a favorite quote or saying? Or is there a phrase or note of wisdom or paragraph from a book that you found recently, and that you'd like to remember? (Feel free to share more than one.)

Is it with others? On your own? When you're writing? Just before bed?

What does leadership mean to you? When has a leader moved, inspired or motivated you and what did you do in response? Is there a new kind of leadership emerging in response to new challenges? What gives this new leadership the power to lead? Are there different kinds of leadership for different times?

(This week is Conversation Week 2008, and in hopes of encouraging discussion around these "most important questions in the world" and connecting people worldwide in these dialogues, we'll be participating through the QaRs. Answer here, but think, too, about asking those around you the same questions, or inviting not-yet-friends to offer their thoughts.

You can find out more about Conversation Week here. Also, please consider this week, and these questions, as a way to connect through our own in-person Gaia Gatherings!)

And not to worry. At the end of the week we'll be back to our regular programming. :)

What have you learned from your mother? If you could share something with your mum, wherever she is, what would you say? How has your mother inspired you?
 

What story has been sustaining you? What tale would you tell to others to bring hope or inspiration?

What would be the best way to inspire and invite others to join in the vision for a better world?