In Antarctica, the storms were so intense, they could not safely go outside. Photo \/ NZ Woman’s Weekly<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really bedded in my view we need to protect this planet and take care of it as much as we can,\u201d she reflects. \u201cThe interests of our planet are in our own interests. Ultimately, nature wins. We can fight it or work with it. That\u2019s what Antarctica reminded me of \u2013 how precious our world is.\u201d<\/p>\n
At times, the storms were so intense, they could not safely go outside.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe winds can be formidable and get so strong they shake the base,\u201d she shares. \u201cIt\u2019s a whiteout, so you can\u2019t see anything out the windows, but it\u2019s also super-cosy because the base is always kept at a lovely, liveable temperature.<\/p>\n
\u201cInto the third week, I started missing my family<\/a>. The daily delays didn\u2019t help. You\u2019d be ready to go at 6am, then find out an hour later there was another delay. It started to become a bit soul-crushing because I really wanted to see my family. But I never lost the sense of privilege of being there.\u201d<\/p>\n Back home again, Miriama has channelled the same curiosity and gratitude into her latest project The Elephant, a panel discussion series she co-hosts with longtime friend Mark Crysell.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re trying to provide a platform to discuss difficult subjects where we can listen to each other with an open mind, whether we agree or not,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n Tackling tough topics, like public shame with former politician Golriz Ghahraman<\/a> and ex-Wellington mayor Tory Whanau<\/a>, or modern masculinity with social commentators, has pushed her to lean into some difficult conversations.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I\u2019m confronted with a view I don\u2019t like or don\u2019t understand, the challenge for me is to say, \u2018Let me listen and try to understand,\u2019\u201d she tells. \u201cWe\u2019re losing the art of listening and debating. Instead, we\u2019re defaulting to knee-jerk reactions.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m often challenged by people\u2019s views. But when I listen, I\u2019m finding more understanding, more enlightenment and more empathy for views which I wouldn\u2019t normally accept or understand.<\/p>\n \u201cAs you get older, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you become wiser, but certainly you collect more experience. I feel so grateful to be alive and able to do that. We often think of ageing as something to be avoided. I think of it as an extraordinary privilege.\u201d<\/p>\n For Miriama, both journeys, to the edge of the world and into the heart of human conversation, have taught her the same lesson.<\/p>\n \u201cThe longer I live, the more I want these experiences and to live well into my old age,\u201d she says. \u201cIn a time of division and chaos, what might be useful for people as they navigate tricky times? That\u2019s what drives me \u2013 to serve and hopefully to add something useful.\u201d<\/p>\nThe Elephant is a panel discussion series Miriama co-hosts with Mark Crysell. Photo \/ NZ Woman’s Weekly<\/p>\n
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