Philosophy Blog

I was dusting my office—once my mother-in-law’s library—when I stumbled upon The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard. The very book I had searched for in every library in Christchurch, hiding on a shelf I had not dusted in years… or perhaps ever. Or maybe just not attentively enough.

So I’m taking a moment to honour the memory of this incredible woman—with whom I did not always have an easy relationship.

You were—you are—an exceptional person. And I am so grateful we kept all your books. Thank you for this trove of treasures.

I cannot wait to offer the next series of poetry workshops inspired by The Poetics of Space next spring.

I am very excited to start facilitating workshops at the Canterbury Workers Educational Association / Roopu Kaimahi Matauranga o Waitaha from Spring 2025!

Dates and details to be confirmed.

I have been so humbled by the doors opening in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Kia Ora.

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.