Join internationally bestselling author Katherine May as she delves into themes of enchantment and community. She shares insights from her latest book, emphasizing the joy of 'tasting words' and the wisdom of slowing down, whether in art or literature. May discusses the balance of mindfulness in parenting, the transformative power of poetry, and how wonder can combat anxiety. Water's grounding nature becomes a metaphor for connection, revealing how nurturing relationships and shared silence can enrich our lives in today's fast-paced world.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Poetry as a Toolkit
Find a poem you love and carry it with you.
Learn it by heart, so you always have it.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Intense Art Encounters
When visiting an art museum, focus on just three pieces.
Engage deeply with them instead of superficially viewing many.
insights INSIGHT
Wonder vs. Anxiety
Wonder and anxiety are intertwined; wonder quiets anxiety.
Wonder creates humility, placing us within a larger context.
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Katherine May's "Enchantment" is a captivating exploration of the power of wonder and the importance of reconnecting with the natural world. May weaves together personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and scientific insights to illuminate the ways in which enchantment can enrich our lives. The book encourages readers to cultivate a sense of awe and curiosity, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the world around them. It's a thoughtful and inspiring read that reminds us of the magic that exists in everyday life. May's writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making this book a pleasure to read for anyone seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the world.
Wintering
The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Katherine May
In 'Wintering', Katherine May shares her personal experiences of coping with illness, career changes, and family challenges, and how she found strength and healing through the concept of 'wintering'. The book draws on lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, highlighting the importance of rest, retreat, and embracing the cyclical nature of life. May discusses various cultural and spiritual practices related to winter, as well as her own experiences with cold-water swimming and other winter activities, to illustrate how winter can be a time of renewal and growth.
The Electricity of Every Living Thing
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Katherine May
Katherine May's "The Electricity of Every Living Thing" is a memoir that intertwines personal reflections on her midlife autism diagnosis with observations of the natural world. May's writing style is introspective and lyrical, exploring themes of sensory experience, self-acceptance, and the search for meaning in everyday life. The book delves into the challenges and joys of living with autism, offering a unique perspective on neurodiversity. Through vivid descriptions of nature walks and personal anecdotes, May invites readers to connect with their own bodies and find solace in the present moment. The book's exploration of self-discovery and acceptance resonates deeply with readers seeking understanding and connection.
Ariel
José Enrique Rodó
Ariel, de José Enrique Rodó, es un ensayo que explora la identidad latinoamericana en relación con la cultura europea. Rodó critica la imitación ciega de Europa y aboga por el desarrollo de una cultura propia, basada en los valores espirituales y morales. El ensayo utiliza el mito de Ariel, el espíritu aéreo de La Tempestad de Shakespeare, para representar la aspiración latinoamericana hacia la libertad y la belleza. Rodó destaca la importancia de la educación y la cultura como herramientas para la construcción de una sociedad justa y equitativa. Ariel ha tenido una gran influencia en el pensamiento latinoamericano y sigue siendo una obra fundamental para comprender la identidad cultural de la región.
"I love Katherine May’s new book, Enchantment.… It’s a beautiful offering of light, truth and charm in these strange, dark times."
— Anne Lamott
Katherine May is an internationally bestselling author and podcaster living in Whitstable, UK. Her most recent book, Enchantment became an instant New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. Her internationally bestselling hybrid memoir Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times was adapted as BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week, and was shortlisted for the Porchlight and Barnes and Noble Book of the Year. The Electricity of Every Living Thing, her memoir of a midlife autism diagnosis was adapted as an audio drama by Audible. Katherine’s podcast, How We Live Now, ranks in the top 1% worldwide, and she has been a guest presenter for On Being’s The Future of Hope series. Katherine lives with her husband, son, two cats and a dog. She loves walking, sea-swimming and pickling slightly unappealing things. Katherine and I talk about tasting words, the wisdom of beholding only a handful of pieces in an art museum per visit, and we examine the necessity and importance of community drawing on specifically her chapter titled “Congregation” from her latest book, Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age, and so much more.As always you can visit contemplify.com for the shownotes on this episode and learn more about Katherine by visiting katherine-may.co.uk, signing up her Substack newsletter, and listening to her podcast How We Live Now.
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