In the autumn of 2019, my mum was in serious cognitive decline. She was finding it increasingly difficult to retrieve her memories or find the right words. She had even forgotten the name of the house she’d lived in for 25 years. As she was losing her grip on language, I started reflecting on its power. And that’s when I found this quote, from spiritual teacher Jeff Brown: Words. So powerful. … [Read more...] about As Mum lost her grip on language, I wrote a book about words
language
At last, a leader who believes in ‘we’ rather than ‘me’
As I watched the swearing-in of POTUS 46, I wept like a baby - just like I did when the networks called the US election for Joe Biden back in November. They were tears of exhaustion and relief that, finally, 45 no longer has the power to wreak damage on the world. After an anxious wait during which American democracy was shaken to its core, Trump finally departed the White House (I had to … [Read more...] about At last, a leader who believes in ‘we’ rather than ‘me’
Why words matter more than ever
I watched with grim fascination as the storming of the US Capitol took place yesterday – an act that was demonstrably incited by the sitting president. In the early videos shown on news channels, some of those who forced their way into the building seemed to behave like tourists, taking selfies and videos for the folks back home; others were full of rage and self-righteousness. It put me in … [Read more...] about Why words matter more than ever
The vulnerability of visibility
I’m currently writing my third book*. It’s about language and the powerful role that words play in creating our reality and the stories we tell about ourselves. I’ve curated a list of words that have had an impact on me at various stages of my life, and used them as gateways in order to explore how language affects us in positive and negative ways. And I recently had a wonderful conversation … [Read more...] about The vulnerability of visibility
Language in living colour
It makes me feel a little bit guilty to admit this but, for the most part, I’ve enjoyed lockdown. I’m acutely aware of the suffering of others, and like everyone else I’ve been affected by the collective stress of living through a pandemic, but I’ve been fortunate enough to stay healthy and present enough to allow creativity to blossom. I’ve managed to write the first draft of a book … [Read more...] about Language in living colour
Why we should speak the language of love, not war
About a week ago I noticed that military metaphors were becoming more and more prominent in the government’s messaging as well as in the media. Wherever I turned, I heard and read that we were fighting a war against an invisible enemy with leaders forming war cabinets, with constant references to the Blitz spirit, the Second World War and how we are all conscripts in this battle. This … [Read more...] about Why we should speak the language of love, not war