TEDxUniversityofStAndrews was most certainly an experience like no other. In the space of just five hours we reflected, laughed, felt pangs of sadness and ultimately left within a positive out-look.
I know that one person cannot change the world. But if other graduating students follow my lead and pledge their graduation presents to charity, we can truly make a difference. If we look deep inside our hearts, I'm sure most of us will realize we do not necessarily need the tokens of appreciation brought by our families.
From YouTube to universities all over the UK, TEDx events (x= independently organised event) have heightened in popularity amongst British students in recent years. The American organisation, TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) has expanded its scope through the launch of the TED Talk Video site, making TED and TEDx talks accessible to all.
Over several decades I've found that identifying ourselves in terms of such spiritual qualities can be liberating. It can loosen the grip of the conviction life is primarily shaped by material factors and bring out a sense of health, rather than sickness, being the divine default.
Last autumn at TEDxBrighton I gave a talk (including songs) about my A.A. Milne Edinburgh Fringe show and the effect it had on my understanding of audiences - especially thinking about the generation gap.
This year we decided to spray shoes with a red 'x' and leave them dotted about the city, tied to lampposts and left on college walls. Some of them directed you to a café where you could get a free cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream with it, and five carried a free ticket; others simply bore messages like 'I'm a free shoe enjoy!'
Whilst many people think they will give out of their surplus once they are content, I believe that giving is a key to reaching that elusive state of contentment.
Many of us will have started this New Year with a host of resolutions about how to improve many aspects of our life in an attempt to make ourselves look and feel better.
My world today exists in Treadwells, not Hoxton Bar and Grill, and I would rather buy Liber Null than a CD. I apologise, actually I don't, but I never really believed in ''Indie'' or claimed that I did. I believed in The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, not the Rough Trade shop and Crass.
After seven weeks of chasing my tail half way around the world I am finally in my house back home in my adopted country - Wales.
