EP 2: What Animal Do You Have Under Your Cloak? feat. Jay Griffiths
May 18, 2021
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Jay Griffiths, an acclaimed author known for her powerful works on nature and activism, joins Martin Shaw for a captivating conversation. They reminisce about the solitude of lockdown and how melancholy can lead us to greater compassion. Griffiths shares insights from her new book, exploring creativity birthed from personal adversity. They discuss the importance of rebellion against climate apathy, and embark on a whimsical journey through storytelling, revealing the humor and magic found in unexpected places.
Jay Griffiths emphasizes how personal experiences and the nurturing influence of her mother shaped her identity as a passionate writer and environmental activist.
The podcast discusses the transformative nature of grief and activism, highlighting how personal struggles can inspire collective awareness and ecological responsibility.
Deep dives
The Myth of Keridwen and Transformation
The story of Keridwen from ancient Welsh mythology illustrates themes of transformation and the pursuit of wisdom. Keridwen, a figure often regarded as both a goddess and a homemaker, seeks to enhance the intelligence of her physically unattractive son, Morfan, through a magical potion. However, an unexpected accident causes a boy named Gwyn to gain enlightenment instead, leading to a transformative chase between the two. This tale underscores that personal growth often involves unexpected turns and the connections between the material world and the mystical.
The Influence of a Creative Upbringing
Jay Griffiths shares how the nurturing environment created by her mother profoundly influenced her passion for language and the natural world. As a child, Griffiths learned to appreciate the significance of words and the green landscape around her, which sparked her deep curiosity. Her mother introduced her to the names of flowers and the essence of the world, instilling a sense of integrity and depth in her understanding. This foundational relationship with language and nature shaped her identity as a writer and activist.
Navigating Grief and Mental Health During Lockdown
The lockdown period brought profound personal challenges for Jay Griffiths, compounded by the loss of her father and a breakup. She describes a rigorous routine of physical activity, including mountain biking and gardening, as a means of coping with her grief. The act of painstakingly removing a deeply rooted weed symbolized her emotional journey through sorrow and healing. This experience illustrates how personal struggles can lead to transformative practices and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Extinction Rebellion and Activism
Griffiths reflects on her involvement with Extinction Rebellion, emphasizing the group's commitment to nonviolent activism and raising awareness about climate issues. She describes how the movement successfully transformed silence about environmental crises into public discourse, enabling crucial conversations about ecological responsibility. This engagement reflects a broader theme of activism, suggesting that individual actions can resonate across communities to drive social change. By participating in such movements, individuals contribute to a collective awakening regarding the urgent need for environmental advocacy.
Martin Shaw chats with author and Boudicca incarnate, Jay Griffiths. They discuss their calling to the creative arts and Jay’s new book, Why Rebel. As they look back to lockdown and the ensuing pang of melancholy that comes with solitude, they realise that melancholy can make us self-forgetting and look beyond ourselves. This episode is for those seeking compassion in compassion-less times.
Get 30% off Martin’s new book Smoke Hole at chelseagreen.co.uk using the code SHS30
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