At the moment I am reading some different things.

I am enjoying the book ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May. I am finding it inspiring and reassuring. She writes poetically and sometimes quite humorously about moving through dark times and learning the art of wintering.

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I prefer books that I can hold in my hand but I also read stuff (mainly articles) online such as this one by Ann Bauer

https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/i-have-been-through-this-before-bauer

It resonates because throughout this covid craziness I have felt like I was witnessing what happens in psychiatric settings suddenly happening throughout society. The controlling, authoritarian approach to ‘health’ and the certainty that ‘science’ and the medical industry will saves us all. The invitation to comply and submit or be labelled bad and lacking insight. The dismissal of any questioning and the horrible feeling of powerlessness and futility in the face of a system that demands conformity and bulldozes individual self-expression and disregards personal freedom and bodily autonomy, all in the name of safety…

I am still reading my favourite book ‘All that remains’ by Sue Black. She reflects on death and dying and shares stories about working with the dead human body. A lot of it I find deeply moving and I don’t want the book to ever end. Hence why I am dragging it out trying to make it last as long as possible (2 years so far).

I am also listening to Abir Mukherjees 4th Wyndham and Bannerjee book ‘Death in the East’. Keeps me company when I need to get to sleep at night and when I am drawing fake stained glass window decorations.

The books take place mainly in Calcutta during early days of the non violent civil disobedience movement. There are some interesting descriptions of British imperialism and colonialism and the dynamic between the white elite minority and the indigenous population and how the British rule was even possible and so tricky to rise against – it all feels pretty relevant to current times. The author also delves into various themes around culture which I appreciate.

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I am about to finish this short but (for me) helpful read by Thomas Hardmuth. I have enjoyed reconnecting with anthroposophical and holistic views on human health.

I am lucky to not have a career I feel the need to protect, but I still struggle to articulate my deep concerns about what I feel is happening on a collective global level. This quote nicely captures my feeling of committing social suicide by not agreeing with the dominant narrative around virus and ‘the right way to respond’ and my deep fear of losing friends or being excluded from various social things.