Philosophy Blog

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 Gatherings

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.

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

Come Play with the Four Elements – A Poetic Teaser at WEA

While I’m currently in France for a few weeks, I’m already looking forward to being back in Ōtautahi Christchurch in time for a special session at the Canterbury Workers Educational Association.

📅 Monday 8 September
🕡 6.30 – 8.00 PM
📍 WEA, 59 Gloucester Street

Come play with the four elements!

This is a poetic taster session inspired by the beautiful writings of French philosopher Gaston Bachelard. His meditations on fire, water, earth, and air will be our starting point for poetic games and shared creative time.

No prior experience with philosophy or poetry is needed – just a bit of curiosity and a love of language.

All activities and readings will be in English – no French required!
Come and let yourself be inspired by the philosopher of the four elements, and leave with your own crafted poem and the memory of a warm, playful encounter with imagination and words.

Spots are limited – feel free to RSVP or come early to grab a seat!