Two Inconvenient Women

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.

Dive into the fascinating concept of being 'inconvenient' as the hosts discuss personal reflections on gratitude and nature. They highlight the connection between autumn fashion and natural beauty. The conversation encourages authenticity, addressing uncomfortable truths, and the resilience found in community support. Embracing inconvenience can spark societal change, especially in health and education. Finally, the idea of rest as a form of resistance pushes against societal pressures while nurturing genuine connections.

Explore the enchanting world of trees and their hidden lives beneath the surface. Discover how these giants communicate through a vast network supported by fungi, emphasizing their vital role in ecosystems. Reflect on the deep connections between trees and our wellbeing, and how they can teach us about community health. Delve into the contradictions of viewing trees as both commodities and invaluable beings, and appreciate the benefits of nature, including practices like forest bathing. Uncover the importance of preserving these ancient guardians for future generations.

Exploring the intricacies of leadership, the conversation dives into navigating uncertainty and redefining the role of leaders in today’s world. It contrasts traditional hierarchical models with connections rooted in trust and care, emphasizing the invisible yet vital emotional work behind effective leadership. The discussion embraces nature-led principles, encouraging authentic relationships and shared journeys in personal and organizational growth. Reflections on sleep, community, and the joy of everyday moments add a relatable touch to the deeper themes.

The hosts dive into our hectic lives, exposing the epidemic of time poverty despite our many time-saving devices. They discuss the art of slowing down and rethinking our relationship with time, contrasting urgency with mindfulness. Personal anecdotes illustrate the therapeutic value of being present, especially in creative tasks. The conversation touches on the deep time concept, encouraging awareness of our actions' long-term impact. Ultimately, they challenge societal notions of productivity, advocating for rest and reflection as vital for a meaningful life.

Dive into a spirited exploration of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, unraveling why these values are crucial for thriving societies. The hosts scrutinize the alarming legal shifts prioritizing biological sex over gender identity and their risks for marginalized groups. They discuss the tension between law and political power, echoing Orwell's warnings about rights to protest. Highlighting the beauty of individual narratives, they advocate for inclusive environments that embrace diversity as a source of strength in our communities.

Discover the taboo around self-care and how it's essential for resilience and well-being. Reflect on joyful experiences from a community garden workshop, highlighting collaboration's impact. Learn the importance of intentional breaks to combat burnout and embrace a mindset of abundance. Reconnect with nature and your inner self through simple practices like breath and laughter. Explore how gratitude enhances resilience and prepares you for life's complexities. Prioritize self-care to recharge and foster a more intentional future.