Friday Selection Box: 4th June 2021

Care-full Closures fund

A new fund to help organisations explore the possibility of ending well. Not an easy topic to consider but the Stewarding Loss project is finding different ways to help organisations consider their options with dignity and compassion. I am proud to be part of the Care-full Closures Network. Expressions of interest for the fund close on the 14th June 2021.

Vulnerability as a strength

 I have had a rotten few weeks (hence the slightly erratic blogging) and a number of people have been very kind and supportive. As the one who is generally supporting others it is not always easy to share my own state of being. These thoughts on vulnerability really resonate for me.

…vulnerability is the underlying, ever present and abiding under-current of our natural state. (David Whyte)

How to regain the lost art of reflective thinking

I’m already seeing it – all those good intentions we discussed during lock down on working differently, taking time to reflect, slowing the pace a little – are giving way to ‘busyness’ again. Here’s a quick reminder of the benefits of scheduling time to think.

Sweatbox – inside a prison van

On 9 June Clean Break will be hosting a streaming and discussion of Chloë Moss’s play about three women’s journey to HMP Holloway in a prison van.  It is one of the most powerful and disturbing pieces of theatre I have ever seen.  The impact of the pandemic on those in prisons has been largely invisible but 23.5 hours a day in a cell is a lockdown of a different order than most of us have experienced. (Please note the trailer contains language some might find offensive).

 

Adults, Almost

On 8th June Radio 4 will broadcast a performance by members of Company Three telling their lockdown stories.  As well as being illuminating, funny and sad it feels so timely given the recent reports by the Education Policy Institute and Kevan Collins.

Biscuits as art

Ella Hawkins creates delightful biscuits decorated with designs inspired by art and heritage.  The illuminated manuscripts set are gorgeous.  I am just not sure I could bring myself to eat one.