Two Inconvenient Women

This August, we're taking a break here at ThoughtBox, so we're sharing a collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of personal wellbeing and what it means to learn to care fully for ourselves. In this mini episode, Holly shares a poem on the theme of personal wellbeing, and introduces some of the highlights from our past three seasons, which make up this week's mini series:Season 1, Episode 2 (Rest): What if rest is the most radical thing we can do?Season 2, Episode 10 (Spirituality) Are we living in a spiritual vacuum?Season 2, Episode 12 (Resourcing): What does it mean to re-source ourselves?Season 3, Episode 10 (Self-care): What is self-care was actually a self-less act?If you'd like to join us for any of the Triple WellBeing opportunities mentioned in the podcast, you can find more information at:Triple WellBeing Introduction workshop: a free, one-hour session (Wednesday 27th August 2025, 1pm-2pm BST)Triple WellBeing Practitioner Course: a one-day, online workshop (Friday 26th September 2025, 10am-3pm BST)Transforming Education Retreat: a three-day residential programme (Monday 6th - Wednesday 8th October) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the transformative power of reconnecting with nature and how it can shape our relationship with the environment. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need to appreciate the natural world and fosters a sense of community through initiatives like urban gardening. Explore personal journeys of bravery and self-gratitude, highlighting how these experiences can enhance our connection to the earth. Ultimately, the conversation reveals that nurturing ourselves is essential for effective earth-care, advocating for a collective responsibility towards our planet.

Dive into the profound impact of human connection as the hosts discuss the importance of 'people-care' in a hyper-individualized world. They explore how music fosters relationships and reflect on the beauty of nature's sounds, from the cries of crows to the empathy towards pigeons. Cultural narratives and the contrasting behaviors of bonobos and chimpanzees shed light on our own social dynamics. The episode emphasizes compassionate listening and the healing potential of community, urging us to embrace diversity for true well-being.

Self-care is often dismissed as selfish, yet it's essential for our well-being and the well-being of others. The conversation dives into practical daily routines like gratitude journaling and meditation to enhance mental health. It also highlights the importance of setting boundaries, comparing them to riverbanks that allow for balance and flow. Shared experiences in self-care foster deeper connections, urging us to prioritize wellness amidst societal pressures. The episode champions personal resilience as a foundation for supporting those around us.

Dive into the enriching world of holistic education, where learning engages the head, heart, and hands. Discover the significance of authentic connections and lifelong friendships in navigating life's stresses. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence in education, critiquing traditional methods for overshadowing creativity and well-being. With insights from alternative educational models, the hosts advocate for integrating arts and emotional engagement to nurture the whole person, promoting healthier learning environments.

In a world that glorifies busyness, rest can feel inconvenient—even rebellious. But what happens when we stop doing and simply allow ourselves to be? This episode explores rest as resistance against the belief that worth is tied to productivity. What happens when we slow down? Who benefits when we pause? And how might reclaiming rest help us build a healthier, more human way of living? This week's conversation is all about slowing down and redefining what it means to be a 'human being' rather than a 'human doing'.In this episode, we reference the following:PACTS (a new education initiative empowering UK students to engage in democracy)The Rebelliousness of Rest by Rachel Musson (blog article)Rest is Resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life by Tricia Hersey (book)Bayo Akomolafe (writer and speaker)Frederick by Leo Lionni (children's book)The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren (book)The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck : A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson (book) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Inconvenience of Joy“I will never apologise for embracing joy and beauty - even when the world is falling apart – for joy and beauty are the fuel for my activism”. These words by Karen Walrond are one of the inspirations for this week’s conversation on 'Joy', exploring how cultivating joy is both a way to resource ourselves and build the resilience needed to meet the challenges of our world. Joy is often seen as being the same thing as happiness, and yet these two emotions are profoundly different; one coming from external sources, one being cultivated from within. It is not a surprise that the practice of joy is embedded into all world religions as it can become a deeply spiritual practice – as well as a beautifully infectious state to find ourselves in.In this week's conversation we dive into the meaning of joy, how it shows up in our lives; how activists across history have cultivated joy in their lives and work and what happens when we learn to practice joy as part of our daily rhythms.In this episode we reference the following:Mission: Joy – Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu (video)Habits for practising joy - ThoughtBox (PDF)Seeking Language Large Enough – David Whyte / On Being (podcast)Climate Courage Campaign – Climate Majority Project (website)Joy Over Fear – St Ebbe’s School (website)Schools of Dreams - Kimberley Oliff Cooper TEDx Talk (video)The Fun Habit - Mike Rucker (book)Glorious – MaMuse (Rachel’s current favourite joyful song) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world is feeling a very broken place right now, with all that is erupting out of the Middle East, and with continued suffering across the world. When we do engage in conversations about what is happening, we often find ourselves sidetracked into the dance of moral outrage and the opportunity for a conversation is lost. And yet simple human connection sits at the heart of all that we're yearning for - each of us carrying the innate need to be seen, to be heard and to belong. So what happens when we offer to meet those needs in others, simply by noticing their shared humanity?This week's conversation is raw, personal, honest and deeply human. With no apology. For we don't need to hide our humanity to be professional. In fact, that is perhaps the reason why so many of our institutions have become so inhumane and it also holds an invitation for how we can each start to re-humanise the landscapes we are part of.In this episode we reference the following:Most shocking second a day video - Save the Children (video)Human: A Portrait of our World - Yann Arthus-Betrand (film & photography)Immigration & Refugees curriculum -ThoughtBox (learning resource)Meeting a broken world - Rachel Musson (blogpost) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change is both inevitable and often uncomfortable. The hosts explore the dual nature of transformation, balancing fear and liberation in personal growth. They dive into the joys of community, creative honesty, and the therapeutic power of gardening. Embracing lunar rhythms, they reflect on nature's influence on emotions and the importance of stability. Through breath and self-connection, listeners are encouraged to navigate life's shifts with grace and adaptability. It's a journey through uncertainty, finding beauty amid the chaos.

Explore the art of listening and its diminishing role in modern culture. Discover how true presence can create deeper connections and transform relationships. The hosts discuss personal stories that highlight the joys of family and community while emphasizing the balance between speaking and listening. Dive into the concept of active listening and its emotional benefits, along with insights from The Listening Project and the importance of silence in a noisy world. Finally, connect through storytelling and understand how sharing experiences enriches our lives.