Sara Ting is an author of hope and a motivator for bringing change in a society divided by biases and political divisions. In her commended work, “Small Book with a Big Idea, 5-Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the Word,” she begins a mission to fix the problems dividing our community, using the power of simple, yet practical truths to develop a global community of understanding and empathy.
Born in New York City to immigrant parents, Sara grew up as a first-generation Chinese American during a time when the Asian population in America was scant. With her father serving as a diplomat, the challenges, and cultural barriers she faced were difficult. However, these early experiences shaped her understanding of diversity and the distinctions of cultural integration. Her journey into the arts, beginning with her education at Boston University’s School of Fine Arts, initially led her toward pottery, a craft requiring patience and careful care, qualities that would later improve her writing.
Her journey into the media world began humbly as a receptionist at a radio station, which sparked an eventual switch into a talk show host and later, a TV reporter. This experience in broadcasting strengthened her ability to listen, an attribute that has deeply influenced her writing style. Her books are not just written; they are conversations with the reader, inviting self-reflection.
What sets Sara Ting apart is her ability to turn complex ideas into accessible visions. “Small Book with a Big Idea, 5-Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the Word,” summarizes this skill brilliantly. The book explores the concept of unconscious biases, those automatic, and often wrong assumptions we make about others. These biases are certain and can form our interactions and base our decisions without our mindful awareness. Through her writing, she challenges readers to accept these hidden biases, using simple exercises that demand no more than five minutes of engagement.
The book is structured around the idea that significant changes begin with small, consistent actions. By dedicating just five minutes a day of honest self-reflection and mindfulness, she believes individuals can not only recognize their own biases but also initiate personal growth and societal change. Her approach is practical yet powerful, making the book a tool for personal development and a lens to view and improve interactions in the broader world.
Sara Ting’s work connects with the audience globally. Her ability to connect personal experiences with universal truths allows her to touch a diverse audience. Her discussions on race, identity, and self-awareness are particularly important in today’s climate, where societal divisions appear more obvious. By sharing her personal journey and the lessons she has learned, she provides a roadmap for others to build a more inclusive and empathetic society.
In her book, as well as her talks and interviews, she often refers to the metaphor of the sun, which shines on everyone without judgment. This powerful image is a frequent theme in her work, symbolizing the nature of kindness, respect, and humanity.
As readers engage with her words, they are invited not only to reflect but to act. Her ultimate goal is to inspire a movement of empowered individuals who understand the value of working on oneself to overcome bias. Sara’s legacy lies in her ability to inspire change through the simple act of mindful reflection and through the power of inspiring words that appeal to the heart and mind.
Sara Ting’s read “Small Book with a Big Idea,5-Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World” provides a reading experience to inspire readers to see their journey and challenges each one of us to be mediators of change in our own lives and the communities around us. It encourages us to reflect on how we can live together more peacefully by understanding and addressing the biases that separate us. As she continues to write, speak, and inspire, her message of unity and understanding is needed increasingly in our world today. Whether through her engaging interviews or her impactful writing, Sara Ting continues to be a vital voice for unity, empathy, and societal change.