Beyond Birth & Memory

Are you – your memories? Or your body? I sat down with Christine – a dear friend, artist, and profound thinker whose vibrant mind dives deep into the name of my podcast…

What does it mean to be a human?

Can you be your brain without your body, or your body without the brain? Maybe it’s where we look at the biological foundations that make up our species… but there is uncertainty how those foundations would withstand the changing world where birth and consciousness are no longer tied to our physical bodies. A nod to the increasing role of technology in reshaping identity and its boundaries that define us – and often confine us.

Being human isn’t just about being born—it’s about connection, memory, the blend of mind and body. How does your experiences shape you and what happens to your sense of self when memories fade or alter?

…Christine taught me how to love playing guitar – and while this episode was recorded over a year ago – her approach stuck with me enough that I haven’t dropped what turned out to be my lifeline from anxiety and restless thoughts in the months to come after. The way she relates to making music is a combination of intuition with mathematics often dissolving into its flow and shapes. Her one “twist” that shifted my perspective – that guitar wasn’t something I had to practice – but something I get to play…

I don’t remember actually ever meeting her – just some years ago she wasn’t in my life – and now she is. It was probably in Wales we met. Since that unknown time, we have had our car broken down above the clouds of Andean peaks and looked into the dark depths of the Amazon river, amongst a few other places. She continues to shine the soft light of her big heart in my dark moments and reminds me of the brightest ones – so I don’t miss them as they unfold.

I love that I can share a snippet of my friend with you today – with the backdrop of this podcast. And I hope you enjoy turning your brain into a pretzel as an attempt to make sense of your own becoming.