In this episode of the Liminal Writing Podcast, Ces and Lee are sparked by a quote from Rumi, found in a book entitled, 'The Rumi Prescription' by Melody Moezzi. They discuss their personal experiences and insights on the idea that true gold lies within oneself. The episode delves into themes of self-worth, inner beauty, and the power of self-acknowledgement, drawing on past hardships, imposter syndrome, and the notion of inherent value.

Listen in for a rich discussion that encourages listeners to unearthing their own inner treasures.

Trigger phrase: "You went out in search of gold far and wide, but all along you were gold on the inside.”

00:39 Today's Trigger Phrase and Source

01:11 Ces’ writing

02:49 Lee’s writing

03:51 Discussion: The Gold Within

05:49 Personal Experiences and Imposter Syndrome

11:27 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Liminal Writing, Ces and Lee explore a thought-provoking quote from Robert Greene's book entitled 'The 33 Strategies of War' - "You are judged in this world by how well you bring things to an end.'

Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they discuss the complexities of concluding projects, relationships, and life chapters. They openly share their struggle with having ADHD, why the unfinished hobbies, and the desire to leave things in a better place.

00:00 Introduction to Liminal Writing

00:21 Discussing Robert Greene's line from “33 Strategies of War”

01:11 Ces’ Reflects on Endings

03:23 Lee's Perspective on Endings

04:16 Challenges and Personal Insights

07:24 The Concept of Endings in Life

11:32 Concluding Thoughts

In this episode, Ces and Lee revisit the pieces they wrote in 2021,, exploring themes of exclusion and the power of creating one's own conversations. The writing exercise was triggered by the question, 'What are the conversations that we are excluded from?'

They discuss their experiences with exclusion, both personally and professionally, and how they have facilitated meaningful dialogues in their work, particularly in challenging contexts like the HIV-affected communities. Their discussion also highlights the role of art and theater in empowering marginalized voices and creating inclusive spaces for authentic expression.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:21 Ces and Lee read their works based on the trigger phrase

00:43 Exploring the Free Writing Exercise

02:01 Reflections on Exclusion from Conversations

04:05 Facilitation and Empowerment

08:21 The Power of Theater and Creating Spaces

12:24 Revisiting the Written Piece

14:57 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Liminal Writing, Ces and Lee explore the profound quote by Virginia Woolf: 'The beauty of the world has two edges. One of laughter. One of anguish, cutting the heart asunder.' They bravely share their freshly-written pieces reflecting on the interplay of joy and pain in life's experiences.

Their conversation delves into the idea of laughter as a form of rebellion, especially in the face of adversity, drawing examples from personal anecdotes and cultural practices. The episode also touches on the defiance and resistance, particularly in the context of queer identities and the Filipino spirit.

Listeners are invited to engage in a free writing exercise, encouraging creativity and bravery in self-expression.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Trigger Phrase: Virginia Woolf's Quote

00:29 Ces’ work: Exploring Laughter and Anguish

02:37 Lee’s work: Virginia and Vita's Letters

04:00 Discussion: Laughter as Rebellion

07:32 Relating to Literary Figures and Personal Reflections

11:09 Conclusion and Writing Exercise

Using the trigger line 'What made me laugh?', Ces and Lee share personal anecdotes, including a scene in a church and a reflection on the humor from a column in the Sunday Times. The conversation explores themes of memory, the joy of reading, and the influence of early experiences on writing.

Listeners are encouraged to try the exercise themselves to discover what makes them laugh.

00:39 Lee looks back on a specific childhood memory

02:36 Ces shares her light hearted moments

04:09 The Joys of Reading and Forgetting

06:00 Memorizing Verses and Personal Reflections

08:20 Encouragement for Timed Writing Exercises

08:40 Conclusion and Farewell

In this first episode of the third season of Liminal Writing, hosts Lee and Ces reflect on the experience of aging as a blessing. They draw inspiration from an article written by the artist, performer and activist, Common (Men's Health Magazine, July -August 2024), discussing personal experiences with physical changes and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The hosts share their thoughts on overall wellness and the emotional journey of aging, emphasizing gratitude for their physical abilities and the lessons learned along the way.

Ces and Lee encourage listeners to explore their own reflections on aging and its blessings.

In this episode, Lee and Ces return (after an unplanned break) to read and reflect on a piece that they wrote in 2021 - 'what I hear when I listen to my inner voice.' They get to reflect on grief, specifically the loss of a beloved pet, and the dual nature of the inner voice—both critical and celebratory. They explore how balancing these voices is crucial, especially as they grow older.

The discussion is interspersed with personal anecdotes and reflections on how their inner voices influence their lives and work.

Ces and Lee draws inspiration from a line in Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes' book, "Women Who Run With The Wolves". The book is a seminal work on the vitality, resilience, grandeur and wisdom of women. Ces writes about her circle of friends who have known each other from their teens, and have seen each other through the valleys and peaks of life. And this trigger line spurs Lee to write about the bloom and waning of a relationship, and the wishful hope for love's return.

Come and join us!

Episode 11 is where Ces and Lee write and talk about a place in the northern part of the Philippines called Sagada. A town nestled in the middle of rice terraces, limestone cliffs, pine trees where tribal traditions of the Mountain Province live strong amongst its people.

Ces and Lee visited Sagada at different times so listeners get to hear their unique experience of this wondrous place.

Notes:

• The name of the falls that Ces and Lee are referring to is called Bokong Falls in Sagada.
• William Henry Scott was a historian of pre-colonial and colonial Philippines. He lived in Sagada from 1954 until his death in 1993.

In this episode, Ces and Lee reflect on what sense-making is about and its impact on their lives. They discuss the struggle of making sense of past experiences, the importance of finding meaning and purpose, and the challenges of overthinking (sometimes).

They also explore the themes of control, vulnerability, routine, creativity, and the foundational aspects of life like breathing and discipline.

Caution: they also lightly touch upon sexual abuse and the struggle of coping and healing from that experience.