Solastalgia

Ciarán Hodgers' second poetry collection, Solastalgia, explores the intersection of environment and mental health, offering exercises in reciprocity to heal ourselves and the planet. It considers geopolitical history and cultural perspectives on climate change, celebrating the resilience, tenderness, and connection between the human and more-than-human worlds.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Burning Eye Books

In his captivating second poetry collection, Solastalgia, Irish poet Ciarán Hodgers delves into the intricate interplay between environment and mental health. With a keen eye on the impact of climate change on our global well-being and our inner selves, this exploration of ecopsychology seeks to unravel the essence, sensations, and relationships we can cultivate with the greater-than-human world. Interwoven with counseling sessions, this book sheds light on transformative healing processes, not only for individuals but also for the planet. It explores profound questions such as what a tree can teach us about grief, how evolutionary biology can inform the counseling journey, what the water cycle reveals about time, how autumn prompts us to reflect on lost friendships, and how a mountain can aid in overcoming trauma.

Moving beyond the individual, Solastalgia also examines geopolitical history and cultural perspectives on climate change, aiming to transcend present limitations and engage creatively with the concept of the symbiocene. This collection celebrates the resilience, tenderness, and interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, providing a sacred space for the profound emotional response to the climate crisis. It fosters a sense of commonality with our surroundings, challenges us to think innovatively about solutions, and ignites a collective determination to take action against the most pressing issue our planet has ever faced. Through his poetic lens, Ciarán Hodgers invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and collective action, as we navigate the complexities of our relationship with the environment and strive for a harmonious and sustainable future.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913958435