Open Your Heart to Possibility and Dare to Care With Liz Clark

Open Your Heart to Possibility and Dare to Care With Liz Clark

Activist

Open Your Heart to Possibility and Dare to Care With Liz Clark

Liz Clark is a role model who we at Kindhumans all aspire to be like. She has sailed the world and taken the time to write a book. Liz continually combines innovation with her advocacy, activism, and giveback work. She enjoys surfing hollow waves over shallow reefs in her free time, too. We caught up with Liz to learn about her new foundation, A T’ia Matairea Island Protectors, and hear about the latest and greatest in this multifaceted woman’s world. Warning: heart opening content ahead! -KH

 

Tell us a little about yourself – who is Liz Clark?

I’m a free spirit, always questioning the ways of modern society and pursuing truth as it feels right to me. I’ve been so lucky to live my dreams and carve out a life that resonates with my values. Now I’m passionate about giving back to the earth that sustains and inspires me, and speaking up for those most vulnerable in our world. 

 

Tell us about your new foundation A T’ia Matairea Island Protectors – what was the inspiration behind it and how did it start?

ATM Island Protectors was formed when my partner Tahui, a group of our surfer friends here in Tahiti and I decided we were tired of seeing the island’s ecology disregarded, young people lacking positive role models, and animals both domestic and wild suffering with no one doing anything about it. We decided to form a nonprofit and start working for positive change. 

 

What are the foundation’s current objectives? Any specific initiatives you’re particularly excited about?

Our current objectives are environmental protection, youth empowerment, and animal welfare issues in our community. I’m REALLY excited about our upcoming project for dogs and cats here on the island. We are working with the Brigitte Bardot Foundation to make pet sterilization and medicines financially accessible for everyone here, in hopes of reducing the amount of stray and suffering animals. We’re organizing a mass sterilization event for later this year.

 

Are there any specific or recent wins you’d like to share?

Last year we used peaceful demonstration and media attention to get new lagoon protection laws implemented by the government, we’re really proud of that! 

 

Who are some of your favorite role models and greatest inspirations?

Saint Teresa, Jane Goodall, Ghandi, Greta Thunberg, Bob Marley, Jesus, Jean and Barry Schuyler, Audrey Sutherland, James Aspey, Malala Yousafzai, Genisis Butler, Bernie Sanders, and my parents!

 

What role does kindness and compassion play in your life?

Kindness is my religion, and compassion the framework from which I try to move through the world. It didn’t always come naturally to me, but during my voyage I realized that when you are kind to others, the world is kinder to you. Now living with a compassionate heart is who I am. I love it because it makes all beings friends, and all places home.

 

Are there any pivotal moments in your life that led to your passion for giving?

Voyaging in foreign places, I often found myself vulnerable and in need of help. The great majority of people, even if I had just met them, helped me without question and without asking anything in return. I gained a firm belief in the goodness of everyday people and the power that small acts of kindness possess to change people’s lives. I saw that giving—no matter if it be our energy or something material—is circular, and would always come back to me in surprisingly wonderful ways.  

  

If you aren’t working, what do you like to do?

Surf, play in the garden, cook yummy vegan food, or go on an adventure!

 

Can you share a fun fact about yourself that isn’t widely known?

Since April of 2014 I haven’t bought a new pair of flip flops. I was so tired of losing them on the beaches that I decided to start wearing whatever flip flops I found and made a vow not to buy new ones. So my sandals never match, and it’s kinda become a daily reminder to myself not to buy stuff that I don’t really need. 

Read Liz’s 10 tips to a better world

Author Profile

Liz is from San Diego, California and after sailing around the world, she settled in French Polynesia. Liz is passionate about surfing, sailing, adventuring, wilderness, animals, environmental protection, climate solutions, plant-based eating, free diving, writing, and fresh air! She feels fortunate to have lived her surfing exploration and voyaging dreams for the last decade. Having gained so much love for planet Earth during her journey, she strives to do all she can to protect Mama Earth.

“Through my voyage I’ve learned that we are essentially all one, meaning we cannot truly thrive individually unless we all thrive together. So helping others rise and living everyday with kindness and compassion as our fundamental tenets makes us happier people, connects us to each other, and instantly makes the world a better place.”

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” -St. Teresa

 

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