Philosophy Blog

Please feel free to join any of these Wednesdays:

• 26th of February

• 12th of March

• 26th of March

• 9th of April (with guest teacher Susannah Kenton)

• 23rd of April.

Space is limited and bookings are appreciated so I can get the room ready, or change room if necessary. Please write to me at lucie@philia.co.nz. I would be delighted to answer any question you might have!

I can still welcome 4 more people to any of these sessions!

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.

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, 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.

Feel free to join anytime. Arrive on time, 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.

📅 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 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.