The background noise of life today is a constant siren of uncertainty for the future. It’s easy to feel out of control and lose sight of what matters.
When the opportunity to interview Kirli Saunders arrived, I felt a pull to also talk about the future of our planet.
Kirli is a proud Gunai woman. Her writing has received numerous awards and critical acclaim. An Artist and consultant on culture and diversity. She is an advocate for the environment, gender and racial equality and LGBTIQA+ rights.
In 2020 Kirli was awarded NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year.
In our conversation we discuss the environment and listening to each other, our elders and to country. We follow Kirli’s trajectory from a career in teaching that inspired her to write ‘The Incredible Freedom Machines’. To the moment her mentor said “Kirli… you need to start taking this [writing] seriously.” And the pressure that comes with stepping into the unknown, success and responsibility.
The thing that struck me was that under the barrage of worldly heaviness and uncertainty, Kirli is a figure of calm resilience founded in daily practice.
A voice of hope and possibility for the whole community. Kirli’s message begins with compassion and alignment to values, country and community. It’s in her voice when she talks, her writing, her art. Everything she applies herself to.
It’s a reminder that making any change in the world needs to start with ourselves.
Enjoy,
Az 🙏