This time of year often beckons us to go "back to work". For some it's the beginning of a new academic year. For others it's a return to work after an extended holiday or summer break. For others it's the time to begin a new cycle. But do we really want to be 'going back' and do we really want to be 'working' for a living?In this week's podcast we inquire about the nature of work, and think about why so many of our lives have become centred around work - in particular 'going to work' - rather than about nurturing livelihood. We explore some of the significant shifts in our human evolution that led to this way of living; think about what it means to match purpose and passion with contributing to the larger whole; explore some of the limitations of life's focus being about contributing to the market economy and question the meaning of success.In this episode we reference the following:Ikigai - a Japanese framework for thriving (Website / framework)Gross National Happiness - Bhutan's wellbeing index (website)Buen Vivir - a social philosophy (article)The Story of Triple WellBeing - ThoughtBox (PDF download)The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction - Ursula Le Guin ( short story PDF)On New Beginnings - John O'Donoghue (Podcast / poem) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:03:31
Why are flags so controversial?
What is national pride all about and where does it stem from? Following a recent surge in the flying of the Union flag and St George's flag in parts of England this episode dives deeply into the meaning of national pride, the complexities and emotions it stirs up and the painful histories involved in the creation of nation states. From exploring a brief potted history of countries and colonialism to diving into some of the inherent human behaviours that stem from a need to belong, this episode is a chance to explore some of the behaviours, controversies and complexities that accompany flags and how we can move through some of these current challenges with a deeper sense of connection.In this episode we mention the following:Beyond Civilisation - Daniel Quinn (PDF non-fiction)The Danger of a Single Story - Chimamanda Adiche (TedTalk)Tamar Nafar - Palestinian rapper and journalist (website)Notes on Nationalism, George Orwell (Essay)Politics JOE - Is the St George’s Cross Racist? (Video)Is England Flag Flying Campaign Patriotism or Provocation? (News report)Belonging, Owen Eastwood (Book)‘This is Our Flag… We are Proud British Muslims’ (News article)The Wheel of the Year, Fiona Cook (Book) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:01:46
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ON NEW BEGINNINGS: Rachel shares a poem by John O'Donohue
A new season is upon many of us at this time of year. Summer shifting into Autumn, the beginning of a new school year, a new work cycle. Maybe just returning to work after a rest. In all of the excitement of 'beginning again' there often comes also a slight pause within us all, asking us "Am I wanting to keep doing this? Is this allowing me to be all I want to be?"This week, Rachel shares a poem from John O'Donohue called 'For a New Beginning' inviting us to listen to that quiet voice deep within us. We look forward to being back together for Season 4 of Two Inconvenient Women next week.For a New Beginningby John O'DonohueIn out-of-the-way places of the heart,Where your thoughts never think to wander,This beginning has been quietly forming,Waiting until you were ready to emerge.For a long time it has watched your desire,Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,Noticing how you willed yourself on,Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.It watched you play with the seduction of safetyAnd the gray promises that sameness whispered,Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,Wondered would you always live like this.Then the delight, when your courage kindled,And out you stepped onto new ground,Your eyes young again with energy and dream,A path of plenitude opening before you.Though your destination is not yet clearYou can trust the promise of this opening;Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginningThat is at one with your life's desire.Awaken your spirit to adventure;Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,For your soul senses the world that awaits you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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WELLBEING SERIES: Reflecting back on the inconvenience of environmental wellbeing
Our August break continues here at ThoughtBox, so this week we're sharing a short collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of environmental wellbeing and what it means to learn to care for our planet. Some of the highlights from our past three seasons are this mini-series are below:Season 1, Episode 4: Falling in love with the worldSeason 2, Episode 7 (Exploring the inconvenience of nature connection): Are we connecting with nature, or just using it?Season 3, Episode 4 (Exploring the inconvenience of trees): What can a tree teach us about relationships?Season 3, Episode 12 (Exploring the inconvenience of earth-care): Why is caring for the planet essential for all life to flourish?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.
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WELLBEING SERIES: Reflecting back on the inconvenience of social wellbeing
Our August break continues here at ThoughtBox, so this week we're sharing a short collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of social wellbeing and what it means to learn to care fully for our communities, both local and global. Holly also shares a poem by Rosemary Wahtola Trommer called 'Belonging'.Some of the highlights from our past three seasons are this mini-series are below:Season 1, Episode 14 (Gathering): Why do we gather—and what are we losing when we don’t?Season 2, Episode 3 (Empathy): Is the modern world making us less human?Season 3, Episode 1 (EDI): How do we hold onto humanity when the law lets go?Season 3, Episode 11 (People-Care): What can happen when we look to find our shared humanity in others?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.
In a world which can feel increasingly volatile and uncertain, join Holly and Rachel from ThoughtBox as we explore some of the inconvenient truths, possibilities and opportunities of our rapidly changing world.Each episode we’ll be diving deep into the big, tricky issues of our time, exploring what it means to be ‘inconvenient’ in our work to transform lives, communities and mindsets towards a healthier future for people and planet.To find out more about the work we do at ThoughtBox Education, visit www.thoughtboxeducation.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland