Reflections on Sea Changes

Thoughts on transformation
by Lauralee Alben

Category Archives: Transformation

Transforming crisis into consciousness

By Lauralee Alben | Published February 11, 2021

From within the sanctum of inner transformation, the butterfly effect of each blessed one of us is amplifying the sea change in consciousness that is occurring right now. At this nexus of self, crisis, and life, we can use design as both vessel and revelation to evolve a flourishing world. 

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Grief Cry

By Lauralee Alben | Published May 25, 2020

There is a surreal aspect to the very real and raw nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. We didn’t imagine that the tipping point of this Great Transition would come in the form of a virus messenger wearing a crown.

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Design Mastery

By Lauralee Alben | Published June 17, 2019

When I think of teaching graphic design at Ravensbourne, my thoughts often turn to Geoff White. I remember the moment he gave me an exquisite, original woodblock print of a samurai.

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Signs of Hope

By Lauralee Alben | Published September 28, 2017

It’s curious how the arc of one life can shape the arc of another. In the blink of an eye. And so it happened with Malcolm Grear’s design career and his influence on mine. As a sophomore graphic design student at RISD, I was fascinated with Malcolm’s teaching and his professional work. I grew to […]

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Born to create | Part 4: Care

By Lauralee Alben | Published November 14, 2016

Creative commitments. Who are we becoming? Each and every one of us is a designer. As designers, we are life-givers, caring for the questions that ensure the viability of our future. Our legacy is dependent on how we create the present.

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Born to create | Part 2: Source

By Lauralee Alben | Published November 14, 2016

Creative inspiration. Where does it originate? From a Sea Change Design perspective, we are all designers. As designers, we are vision-seekers, summoning transformative resolutions and revelations.

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Born to create | Part 1: Life

By Lauralee Alben | Published November 14, 2016

During this great climax of our time, creativity is essential—if we are to resolve the pressing issues that define whether our way of life evolves or dissolves.

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What’s at risk? | Part 4: The Salt Doll

By Lauralee Alben | Published August 14, 2016

What is it about water that transforms risk into rewarding experiences? At the Blue Mind Summit, I heard the mesmerizing call of water in the inspiring talk by retired neurologist Dr. Andrew Stern, Founder of the Lost Bird Project and Smart Fin. He shared a story that embodies Flow, which we define in Sea Change […]

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What’s at risk? | Part 3: In a new light

By Lauralee Alben | Published August 14, 2016

What is it about water that transforms risk into rewarding experiences? At the Blue Mind Summit, Ben Thwaits showed astonishing photographs taken by the at-risk youth who participate in his innovative art and nature-based therapeutic programs at Northwest Passage. This quote by Joanna Macy came to mind: “A heart that breaks open can hold the universe.”

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What’s at risk? | Part 2: The mother wave

By Lauralee Alben | Published August 14, 2016

What is it about water that transforms risk into rewarding experiences? In her fast-paced, fun presentation at the Blue Mind Summit, Professor and Early Childhood Educator, Louise Zimanyi declared, “Playing with and in water is evolutionary.” She explained that according to research conducted across many countries by Norwegian Dr. Ellen Sandseter, “risky play” includes great heights; high […]

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