What is national pride all about and where does it stem from? Following a recent surge in the flying of the Union flag and St George's flag in parts of England this episode dives deeply into the meaning of national pride, the complexities and emotions it stirs up and the painful histories involved in the creation of nation states. From exploring a brief potted history of countries and colonialism to diving into some of the inherent human behaviours that stem from a need to belong, this episode is a chance to explore some of the behaviours, controversies and complexities that accompany flags and how we can move through some of these current challenges with a deeper sense of connection.

In this episode we mention the following:

• Beyond Civilisation - Daniel Quinn (PDF non-fiction)
• The Danger of a Single Story - Chimamanda Adiche (TedTalk)
• Tamar Nafar - Palestinian rapper and journalist (website)
• Notes on Nationalism, George Orwell (Essay)
• Politics JOE - Is the St George’s Cross Racist? (Video)
• Is England Flag Flying Campaign Patriotism or Provocation? (News report)
• Belonging, Owen Eastwood (Book)
• ‘This is Our Flag… We are Proud British Muslims’ (News article)
• The Wheel of the Year, Fiona Cook (Book)

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A new season is upon many of us at this time of year. Summer shifting into Autumn, the beginning of a new school year, a new work cycle. Maybe just returning to work after a rest. In all of the excitement of 'beginning again' there often comes also a slight pause within us all, asking us "Am I wanting to keep doing this? Is this allowing me to be all I want to be?"

This week, Rachel shares a poem from John O'Donohue called 'For a New Beginning' inviting us to listen to that quiet voice deep within us. We look forward to being back together for Season 4 of Two Inconvenient Women next week.

For a New Beginning

by John O'Donohue

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the gray promises that sameness whispered,

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

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Our August break continues here at ThoughtBox, so this week we're sharing a short collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of environmental wellbeing and what it means to learn to care for our planet. Some of the highlights from our past three seasons are this mini-series are below:

• Season 1, Episode 4: Falling in love with the world
• Season 2, Episode 7 (Exploring the inconvenience of nature connection): Are we connecting with nature, or just using it?
• Season 3, Episode 4 (Exploring the inconvenience of trees): What can a tree teach us about relationships?
• Season 3, Episode 12 (Exploring the inconvenience of earth-care): Why is caring for the planet essential for all life to flourish?

If you'd like to join us for any of the Triple WellBeing opportunities mentioned in the podcast, you can find more information at:

• Triple WellBeing Introduction workshop: a free, one-hour session (Wednesday 27th August 2025, 1pm-2pm BST)
• Triple WellBeing Practitioner Course: a one-day, online workshop (Friday 26th September 2025, 10am-3pm BST)
• Transforming Education Retreat: a three-day residential programme (Monday 6th - Wednesday 8th October)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.