How To See Yourself Bloom - A Conversation with Kyunghee Kim
Aug 23, 2023
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In this episode, Morgan Harper Nichols interviews Kyunghee Kim, author of 'See Us Bloom: Poems on Compassion, Acceptance, and Bravery'. They discuss the challenges Kyunghee faced in publishing her book and the importance of addressing challenging emotions in a simple and accessible way. They also explore the journey towards embracing authenticity and finding community, emphasizing the significance of support and creating safe environments, both in real life and in fiction.
Embracing authenticity is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.
Literature can create safe spaces, foster compassion, and inspire personal growth.
Deep dives
Embracing Authenticity and Speaking Up
In this podcast episode, Kyang He Kim, the author of 'See Us Bloom,' discusses the importance of embracing who you are and speaking up for your truth. Inspired by her own experiences as a Korean American, Kyang He emphasizes the significance of accepting oneself and expressing one's identity without fear. She highlights the theme of authenticity and explains how being authentic is an evolving process, as we continuously grow and change throughout our lives. Kyang He also explores the power of simple language in conveying complex emotions and experiences, both in her book and in her own writings.
Creating a Safe Community through Literature
Kyang He shares her experiences of creating a safe community through her book 'See Us Bloom.' She explains how she drew inspiration from her own primary experiences as a child and her work as an educator to address challenges and emotions that children often find difficult to articulate. Through her poetry and illustrations, Kyang He aims to provide children with an avenue to express themselves and to initiate conversations about various themes, including bravery, acceptance, and compassion. She also discusses the importance of setting in her book, where different settings mirror the diverse experiences that children encounter in their lives.
Themes of Authenticity and Community
The podcast also delves into the themes that resonate with both the author and readers of 'See Us Bloom.' Kyang He reflects on the theme of authenticity, which she feels deeply connected to. She explains how authenticity is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth, where each version of our authentic self is valid and valuable. Additionally, she discusses the unexpected response from readers regarding the theme of community in her book. Readers resonated with the idea of growing together and supporting one another, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Impact and Takeaways
Kyang He hopes that readers, both young and old, will walk away from her book feeling braver, kinder, and more curious. She aspires to encourage individuals to embrace their true selves, speak their own truth, and foster compassion and kindness within themselves and towards others. The podcast conversation highlights the power of literature in creating safe spaces, building connections, and providing insight into personal growth and development.