On Wednesday afternoon all members of AIRE came together for our first Philosophy in the Wild workshop at the Ballinfoile-Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre in Galway.

The session explored Mary Midgley’s idea of mixed communities, bringing attention to the ways humans and nonhumans co-inhabit shared spaces. Through a biodiversity walk and talk led by scientist Caitríona Carlin, sit spot practices, creative activities, and group inquiry, participants were invited to notice what usually escapes attention and to reflect on how different forms of attention can reshape our relationship with the natural world.

Some highlights from the session:
•⁠ ⁠We discovered overlooked local species and their role in Galway’s ecosystems.
•⁠ ⁠We engaged in creative activities inspired by biodiversity and its presence (or absence) around us, and philosophical quotes from our favorite philosophers, work that will go on to inspire the creation of a community mural on the theme of mixed communities, led by artist Ronan James Connor.
•⁠ ⁠We reflected together on how attention transforms perception, making the ordinary extraordinary.

We asked: Can paying attention to nature change our relationship to it? The group’s resounding answer was yes, because attention fosters appreciation, care, and a sense of connection.

We’re grateful to all who joined us in conversation, to Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe / Galway City Council and Creative Ireland, especially Adam Stoneman and Fergal Cushen for their support, to the Ballinfoile-Castlegar Centre (with special thanks to Milma Urroz and Hannah Arosomade) for hosting us, and to Caitríona Carlin for her wonderful guidance.