The five yurt festival of thanks

The culmination of my creative journey and PhD exploration is manifested in the heartfelt celebration known as "The Five Yurt Festival of Thanks." This festival is a genuine expression of gratitude and a heartfelt invitation to my friends and colleagues within the nursing profession and AHP's to come together in a space of peace and safety. It is not intended as a political statement or a quest for media attention, but rather a sincere opportunity for me, as a nurse myself, to show appreciation to my fellow nurses. The festival day will be filled with poetry, music, flowers, massages, woodland walks, and, above all, meaningful connections. It is rooted in the extensive work I have undertaken across various platforms and fields of thought. My aspiration is for this festival to become an annual event that I can curate as a researcher.

Looking ahead, I envision a second event called "The Unmasking." This gathering will provide a safe and liberating space for individuals with hidden disabilities to freely express themselves without fear or constraint. My goal is to secure funding for this event and potentially establish a semi-permanent research space that aligns with the values embedded in my forthcoming children's book, "The Butterfly Farmer."

As depicted in an excerpt from the poem within "The Butterfly Farmer," my vision revolves around nurturing the chrysalises of possibility and embracing the emergence of awareness, existence, consciousness, and becoming. The farmer in the poem finds solace under the talking tree, witnessing the delicate beauty of each butterfly's transformation. The meadow becomes a sanctuary of organic purity, where the wings of butterflies fill the skies, and the farmer rests against the reassurance of the tree, knowing that his aspiration has been fulfilled. It is a place of safety and serenity for these fragile and beautiful creatures.

Through these events and creative endeavours, I strive to create spaces of gratitude, connection, and empowerment. I believe in the power of community, art, and research to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals, fostering understanding, compassion, and the celebration of diversity.