Philosophy Blog

Yesterday at thé CWEA, we gathered around à fire and shared our poetic memories. At least it felt like it. We shared memories of prayers in front of a candle, or marshmallows cooked on a camp fire.

It’s been one of my favourite sessions. I am so humbled by everyone sharing their experience of poetic reveries. Connecting like this on a poetic level feels like something so primal, that humans have always done and yet we rarely do it now.

Thank you Lottie and the CWEA to allow us to gather like that! It feels really precious.

The photo is from a memory that came back as we were writing of my spending a few seasons in a beautiful castle where a friend of my uncle had very kindly invited me to stay. The open fire had been my best friend through this winter. Comforting me, keeping me warm, but more importantly, allowing me to dream and drift off in reveries…

As the conditions are perfect to go wingfoiling in the estuary (North East non gusty wind, high tide) I am left alone trying to ride a different kind of wind, floating mid-air.

Recovering through poetry.

Gus is helping me preparing for my workshop of tomorrow at the CWEA, based on Bachelard’s Air and Dreams.

I always feel so humbled when I come back from a poetic workshop. It’s so wonderful to meet people on a poetic level and we don't often have this opportunity in life.
Participants today were so incredibly talented and I’m so grateful they shared their writing on a Sunday afternoon about their relationship with the water element.
It can be vulnerable to share something that we’ve just written on the spot so sharing is always optional!
Most people did share and I’m so grateful! We burst into laughter and had goosebumps, felt dreamy, joyful and melancholic ...
Next time we will gather around the “air” element. Based on Air and Dreams, which is my favourite I think.
The room today was full and I think people subscribe to the whole cycle but you may want to check this on the CWEA website!

It can be hard to know how to move from the rhythm of the workweek to the pace of the weekend. These Friday poetry evenings offer a beautiful way to slow down and reconnect.

Inspired by Gaston Bachelard and his luminous writings on the four elements, we’ll explore our memories and experiences of air, water, earth and fire - and notice how our imagination transforms them into something new.

Bachelard is one of France’s most remarkable philosophers. After devoting the first part of his career to the philosophy of science, he turned to the phenomenology of poetry, asking how it feels to create and to read poetry. Among his many works are Air and Dreams, Water and Dreams, Earth and Reveries of Will, Earth and Reveries of Repose, and The Flame of a Candle.

Each of these Friday evenings will be dedicated to one element. We’ll listen to extracts from Bachelard’s work (the English translations are excellent!) and reconnect with that element through a creative writing experience. Everyone will have time to write, and you may share your text only if you wish to in the moment. ✨

Bookings are through the Christchurch WEA website - the taster session last month filled up quickly, so be sure to book early if you’d like to join! 💫

Four fortnightly Fridays starting 20th February, 6–8pm, $51

At the WEA, Christchurch 🌿

✨ Looking Ahead: From Learning Design to Bachelard’s Evenings

Until the end of 2025, I’m dedicating my time to designing training modules for the Graduate School of the University of Canterbury, working as a learning designer with their Researcher Development Team.
It has been such a joy to collaborate with them - a space of thoughtful exchange, creativity, and purpose.

🌿 In 2026, I’ll have time to return to my other beloved activities, including the Bachelard’s Evenings.

From February to April, two cycles will take place:

🔥 Every other Friday, 6.00 pm at CWEA - on the theme of the four elements
💭 Every other Wednesday, 6.30 pm at Cherish - on the theme of reverie

I’m very much looking forward to these gatherings - to thinking, dreaming, and sharing together once again.