Philosophy Blog

Yesterday, we had our final gathering of the season, exploring Gaston Bachelard’s fabulous philosophy of poetry.

As a conclusion to his work on the poetics of the elements—and a transition toward his reflections on the poetics of space—we grounded our writing in the chapter “The House of Our Birth and the Oneiric House” from The Earth and Reveries of Repose.

It was one of my favourite sessions, with participants deeply moved by the theme of home, especially in a city like Ōtautahi.

We had the joy of welcoming a new gifted participant to our philosophy/poetry group tonight! His name is Harley Bell. He teaches creative writing and it’s been both humbling and inspiring to have him in the group. He even delivered targeted feedback to one of us - who had specifically requested it. No one here receives feedback that they have not explicitly asked for! But I really appreciated the way he did it - it resonated very well with Bachelard’s idea that “To revive a language by creating new images—this is the function of literature and poetry.”

Together during this session, we explored how certain images of the earth can foster rest and even wrote a poem for our Friday meditation group—Earth’s Lullaby. We also created another piece inspired by more dynamic and stimulating earthy objects.

There is always an incredible creative atmosphere in these sessions—both nourishing and stimulating—offering a deep connection to oneself and others.

If you'd like to experience it for yourself, a few sessions remain this autumn:

March the 26th

April the 9th (with guest teacher Susannah Kenton)

April the 23rd

⏰ 6:30 PM

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.

Yesterday a teacher I have been meeting every couple of weeks for the last two months wrote to me one of the most touching texts I have ever received:

A thousand thanks—if someone is breathing down my neck, you are the one watching over me. 🙏😇

As you can infer from the text, they are currently confronted to micromanagement.

Aristotle’s notion of eudaimonia (flourishing) suggests that environments promoting growth, responsibility, and virtue lead to better outcomes. I aim to provide them with this environment at least once a fortnight and this regard on their work and who they are.

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.