In this TEDxOldHickory talk, Brittany Hölljes explores belief that we’re living in a time where wonder is being blotted out by a desperate desire for certainty. She's seen what’s possible when we leave space for the unknown. How wonder can open us to the transcendent - how it can heal, move, connect, and transform us. Through personal stories, from caring for children to making music with her brothers, she reflects on moments where mystery and awe broke through the mundane and brought dreams to life. While she can’t always explain what she's experienced, she explores always choosing wonder. Brittany Hölljes is a founding member and lead vocalist of the genre-blending band Delta Rae, known for its epic harmonies, Southern Gothic style, and electrifying live shows. Offstage, she serves as Director of Outreach Education at A New Leaf, Nashville’s longest-running nature school. After graduating from UC Berkeley at 19 with a B.A. in Ancient Religion, she carried her academic explorations of alchemy, astrology, and myth into her role as The Witch in Delta Rae. With fifteen years of full-time touring behind them, she and her brothers — fellow bandmates and writing partners — are developing multiple musicals, including The Ninth Woman, an immersive folk-horror thriller inspired by their cult classic song “Bottom of the River,” exploring power, fear, and the divine feminine. Now a new mother, she is training as a doula to support and advocate for birthing people as they labor to bring babies earthside. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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