Philosophy Blog

I'm coming back from a workshop based on the chapter The Aerial Tree from Air and Dreams by Gaston Bachelard.

Together, we explored this image of the aerial tree through reveries of the nest and the act of leaning against a tree.

We also wrote poems and guided meditations for those who come on Fridays to Cherish from 1 to 1:30 PM for a revitalizing break in their busy day.

After a poetry workshop, I always feel so full of optimism and joy—humbled, too. Connecting with others on a poetic level is a privilege I never take for granted.

Thank you to everyone who was here tonight, both newcomers and regulars. Connecting with you was the highlight of my day—even on an already lovely day.

Picture is of a nest we found last spring in our garden!

Every Friday from February to April, from 1:00 to 1:30 PM, I invite you to a Poetic Reverie at Cherish, a moment to pause, breathe, and immerse yourself in poetry inspired by nature. In the quiet oasis of this room by the garden, we take a step away from the rush of the day, letting poetry and music transport us into landscapes of forests, rivers, winds, and earth.

How It Works

• 1:00 PM sharp – I close the door, and we begin.

• We listen to a carefully chosen piece of music, always in harmony with the theme of the poetry. Yesterday, it was an adaptation for harp of a piece by 19th-century Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, evoking the song of a nightingale.

• I read a selection of poetry about nature. Yesterday’s session featured Hélène Dorion, a French Canadian poet who studied philosophy before dedicating herself to poetry. I read from a collection she wrote during lockdown, a meditation on the forest surrounding her—its silence, its shifting light, its deep presence.

• Since most attendees do not understand French, I read the original text alongside an English translation, allowing both the rhythm of the language and the imagery of the words to work their magic.

• We then sit in five minutes of silence, letting the poetry settle and expand within us.

At 1:25, the session ends, and professionals needing to return to work can leave on time. For those who have a little more space in their day, I stay until 1:45 for an informal tea and chat.

This is just one of the daily meditation sessions at Cherish, each led in a different style. Mine is daydreaming break through philosophical poetry, a space to breathe deeply, to listen, and to reconnect.

Feel free to join anytime. Arrive on time (at 52, Bealey Ave), settle in, and let poetry do the rest.

Thank you to Aaron Birch for this picture taken in Rotorua.

🌟 Reclaim Your Imagination with Poetry and Philosophy 🌟

As we step into 2025, take time to ground yourself and begin the year by nestling into a creative and reflective space. Join us every other Wednesday from February 12th to April 23rd, at 6:30 PM, for a transformative series of workshops exploring the poetics of the elements and the poetics of space.

Drawing inspiration from philosopher Gaston Bachelard's seminal works, including The Poetics of Space—a key text studied by interior design and architecture students worldwide—these workshops will guide you to:

• Reclaim your imagination: Free yourself from the unchosen images that dominate daily life (news, marketing, TV shows, and other pervasive influences) and rediscover the power of personal reverie.

• Nestle in imagery: Explore poetic ways to feel more grounded in your home, the earth, and your inner world.

• Harness poetry’s power: Develop your own imagery, inspired by nature and space, to connect deeply with yourself and your surroundings.

Cost:
We believe in accessibility during these challenging times. The fee is on a sliding scale:

• $10 per session (base price)

• $50 for six sessions (base price)

• You are welcome to pay more, up to $50 per session or $200 for the package, to help support others.

Everyone gives according to their possibilities, making it sustainable and inclusive for all.

📍 Where: Cherish, 52 Bealey Ave.
📅 When: Every other Wednesday, starting February 12th, at 6:30 PM

Spaces are limited—secure your place now and start the year by reclaiming your imagination!

For more details, contact us at lucie@philia.co.nz.

Yesterday was our last Poetics night at Cherish for this year. We listened to Bachelard telling us about water and reveries, rocked by Susannah’s lovely voice. We listened to the Spirit of Water ☺️, we each composed our own rocking water-themed reverie, and then we braided a poem together.

It’s been a very lovely session. Many Thanks to everyone who was here. And see you next year.

After our soirée at Cherish last night, on Air and Dreams, from Gaston Bachelard, I am still on my little cloud. This morning, I look at the sky differently. I pay more attention on the air on my skin. The sunrise felt even more fresh and new than other mornings. I feel so present. There is an harmony, an alignment that I had not felt for a while.

Yesterday was different from the first three sessions of this workshop. More “healing”. We used the chapter on “silent speech” to create a breathing exercise that the delightful Susannah led for us with her extraordinary voice. Then we composed a poem inspired by the imagery of the blue sky, the constellations, the clouds …

And finally we created our own guided imagery exercise. Inspired by the chapter on Robert Desoille, one of the father of sophronosation. It is the first of Bachelard’s book that feels so “therapeutic”.

Participants loved it. They expressed this was “gold”, “awakening”, that they felt “nourished”, and that what we had created would have “ripples” beyond what our imagination can consider…

And my intention for today is that my inner state stays with me in some way throughout my time a d that it helps me take even better care of the young adults and teenagers I’m interacting with, or that I can return to it when needed.

Images can heal. They are not simple metaphors to express a deeper truth. They exist, and affect our psyche. So let’s pay attention to the images we let in…