Thank you Gill and James for such honest and sensitive conversation. It transported me to so many places when I experienced this feeling of not having no where to go. I cried many times... You mentioned that writing is the only way to express certain experiences. I recall the time my uncle tried to assault me when I was 11—a boyish girl only interested in playing wildly with my brother and cousins. The only way I could express that unspeakable violence was through writing. I felt so shattered that I couldn't even utter his name. Writing became my only mean of putting onto paper what had happened to me, albeit in a very raw form...I didn't have a clue what was that horrible experience only the feeling of shame, confusion, devastation, invasion... Writing is a powerful tool for healing... and Gill speaks beautifully about that. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging people to also voice such painful and traumatic experiences.
This is such an honest, tender, and deeply impactful response, Luciana. Gill and I cannot thank you enough for listening, and in doing so, sharing your own experiences. It really means everything.
I found this to be profoundly moving and thought provoking. There was so much in here.
The state of hypervigilance and continuous danger Gill found herself in, the inability of some to understand her situation ‘from the inside out’, to understand the very real danger her perpetrator exerted.
The less visible aspects of domestic abuse – relentless, coercive control which isolates and ‘shrinks’.
I’m struck by the psychological impact of this trauma. And how Gill kept her inner light and spirit alive throughout. How she found words to paint a picture of her experience.
The erasure poem struck me on many levels – erasing the usual words about what is ‘love’,
Gill’s careful choosing of the words that fit her situation – it felt like a kind of morse code.
The ‘love’ in domestic abuse being ‘lethal’ and annhialating.
How her partner tried to ‘erase’ her, but did not succeed.
I found Gill’s writing an act of bravery, declaration and defiance as well as shedding light on what is too often hidden. I am full of admiration for Gill’s courageous spirit. Saddened that her experience is so widespread.
Thank you, Gill and James, for bringing up the topics of domestic violence. I love that Gill expresses her passion for poetry and finds the space for creativity while being a busy mom. Sending lots of love to both of you ✨
I love your empathy, Jim and how you are able to connect and create a safe space for people to share.
This is such an important topic and I understand that it's not black or white and as simple as asking for help. In a very different situation, when I went through a burnout, I was unable to put my hand up and say those 3 words: I NEED HELP.
It's important to create communities where people can feel listened and heard.
I truly value your taking the time to listen with such an open heart, Veronica. Thank you for also responding with your own insights and reflections. We appreciate it!
I was only able to listen to the first 30 mins, but I was struck, Jim, by your close engagement with Gill’s poem and your sensitive feedback, reflecting what a highly attuned teacher you are who, I’m sure, makes such a positive impact on your students. I experienced this when you responded so tenderly to one of my pieces of writing in the past, too.🥰 Gill’s poem was powerful and her courage and vulnerability are inspiring. I like how she described being surprised by how the words found her to tell the story she didn’t realise she wanted to tell. Great podcast! Wish I had more time to hear it in one go, but wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your work.
Thank you Gill and Jim for bringing this powerful podcast to us. Your erasure poem, 'Valentine?' hits doubly on the re listen. I was extra grateful this morning to wake up feeling safe in my own home. I wish the same for you Gill.
This was such an excellent and important interview. I think there needs to be more public discussion, and books, that describe what triggers in women and men. As an educator, and school head, for 43 years, I observed something about men and women at administrative meetings. Men invariable didn't have patience with length discussions around social/emotional issues, or even any issue. They wanted wanted to discuss, argue and then have a solution....even if it was clear that they needed more time to have the 'right' solution. Women, on the other hand, had a different pace and could have gone on, but they seldom said so. Suggestions of continuing the discussion at the next meeting was always,and in a jovial way, killed by the men.
What a fascinating response, Sandy. I am glad you found the conversation important, and that more public discussion is needed for the areas Gill talks about within this episode. Really appreciate your attentive listening and insight.
Thank you Gill and James for such honest and sensitive conversation. It transported me to so many places when I experienced this feeling of not having no where to go. I cried many times... You mentioned that writing is the only way to express certain experiences. I recall the time my uncle tried to assault me when I was 11—a boyish girl only interested in playing wildly with my brother and cousins. The only way I could express that unspeakable violence was through writing. I felt so shattered that I couldn't even utter his name. Writing became my only mean of putting onto paper what had happened to me, albeit in a very raw form...I didn't have a clue what was that horrible experience only the feeling of shame, confusion, devastation, invasion... Writing is a powerful tool for healing... and Gill speaks beautifully about that. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging people to also voice such painful and traumatic experiences.
This is such an honest, tender, and deeply impactful response, Luciana. Gill and I cannot thank you enough for listening, and in doing so, sharing your own experiences. It really means everything.
I found this to be profoundly moving and thought provoking. There was so much in here.
The state of hypervigilance and continuous danger Gill found herself in, the inability of some to understand her situation ‘from the inside out’, to understand the very real danger her perpetrator exerted.
The less visible aspects of domestic abuse – relentless, coercive control which isolates and ‘shrinks’.
I’m struck by the psychological impact of this trauma. And how Gill kept her inner light and spirit alive throughout. How she found words to paint a picture of her experience.
The erasure poem struck me on many levels – erasing the usual words about what is ‘love’,
Gill’s careful choosing of the words that fit her situation – it felt like a kind of morse code.
The ‘love’ in domestic abuse being ‘lethal’ and annhialating.
How her partner tried to ‘erase’ her, but did not succeed.
I found Gill’s writing an act of bravery, declaration and defiance as well as shedding light on what is too often hidden. I am full of admiration for Gill’s courageous spirit. Saddened that her experience is so widespread.
Annie: the time, effort and consideration to write such a wide-ranging and in-depth response to your experience of listening to the podcast. Wow.
Then again, I would expect from someone such as yourself.
No words.
Thank you, Gill and James, for bringing up the topics of domestic violence. I love that Gill expresses her passion for poetry and finds the space for creativity while being a busy mom. Sending lots of love to both of you ✨
We really appreciate your taking the time to listen respond, Everly. Not taken for granted - thank you!
Lovely podcast and conversation.
I love your empathy, Jim and how you are able to connect and create a safe space for people to share.
This is such an important topic and I understand that it's not black or white and as simple as asking for help. In a very different situation, when I went through a burnout, I was unable to put my hand up and say those 3 words: I NEED HELP.
It's important to create communities where people can feel listened and heard.
I truly value your taking the time to listen with such an open heart, Veronica. Thank you for also responding with your own insights and reflections. We appreciate it!
I was only able to listen to the first 30 mins, but I was struck, Jim, by your close engagement with Gill’s poem and your sensitive feedback, reflecting what a highly attuned teacher you are who, I’m sure, makes such a positive impact on your students. I experienced this when you responded so tenderly to one of my pieces of writing in the past, too.🥰 Gill’s poem was powerful and her courage and vulnerability are inspiring. I like how she described being surprised by how the words found her to tell the story she didn’t realise she wanted to tell. Great podcast! Wish I had more time to hear it in one go, but wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your work.
As always with you, Nida: a remarkably nuanced, intricate and kind-hearted response. Whole-hearted. All-encompassing. Thank. You.
Thank you Gill and Jim for bringing this powerful podcast to us. Your erasure poem, 'Valentine?' hits doubly on the re listen. I was extra grateful this morning to wake up feeling safe in my own home. I wish the same for you Gill.
What a moving, true response, Treasa. Thank you for taking the time to listen and respond.
This was such an excellent and important interview. I think there needs to be more public discussion, and books, that describe what triggers in women and men. As an educator, and school head, for 43 years, I observed something about men and women at administrative meetings. Men invariable didn't have patience with length discussions around social/emotional issues, or even any issue. They wanted wanted to discuss, argue and then have a solution....even if it was clear that they needed more time to have the 'right' solution. Women, on the other hand, had a different pace and could have gone on, but they seldom said so. Suggestions of continuing the discussion at the next meeting was always,and in a jovial way, killed by the men.
What a fascinating response, Sandy. I am glad you found the conversation important, and that more public discussion is needed for the areas Gill talks about within this episode. Really appreciate your attentive listening and insight.