Sounds and silence

  Inspiring; thought-provoking, stretching outside my comfort zone This afternoon looked at the interweaving of philosophy and creative practice. Very helpful - how can creativity help us to approach our research in new ways?  How might it pare down our results, get the essence out? Looking at the word "axiology" I decided to write a poem. I ended up writing two complementary ones - cut-up from the Oxford D ictionary of Philosophy "Axiology" definition and a text from Kae Tempest (On Connection 2020 p.103): Axi -connect   it blooms with dark shapes about the world Those shapes can feel objective validity to make claims about the darkness with light     Ion -ology my work can be dark rooted in emotions in large rooms  about what is  acting  from the stage  everyone deserves pleasure and moment    When I meet      the judgement that  pleasure is  that creates  the galvanising philosophers  not so r...

I have been so excited recently to delve a little more into why I think Zen has a part to play in my research.  There is something about embodiment in there; and about relationship.  However, articulating my ideas has been a huge challenge.  Zen is all about direct experience - so how can I distil something about this multifaceted, 6-year experience into concepts and words without shrinking it?  I need to start with the here and now.  How am I in my body today?  I woke at 6am.  The light is beautiful - it reminds me of Aberdeenshire - cold clarity.  I feel warm and energised.  Yesterday at our Student International Community of Practice I learned so much about person-centredness.  The others' supportive welcome demonstrated the power of it.  I came away feeling valued - and had some questions to consider: 1: How will my research questions (or methods) reflect who I am as a person - (and Zen student)? 2: How will I develop confidence...