Welcome to the first episode of ‘The Hello Frequency’: I am your host, Caya.
Episode 1: Context to Facilitate Resonance
This podcast acknowledges the Tainui people, the tangata whenua of the Waikato region, where it was recorded. Respects to elders, past, present, and emerging.
As we embark on this journey together, let us reflect on the collective stories of empathy that lead to positive transformation and healing.
Please be advised that this podcast mentions about war, violence, and their impacts. While I do not delve into gruesome details, I understand that these topics can be sensitive and may trigger emotional responses or memories for some listeners. If you find these subjects distressing, please exercise caution while listening. Your wellbeing is important, and I encourage anyone who is affected by these topics to seek support from friends, family, extended family, a mental health professional or whoever you choose to. Please take care.
My passion for humanitarian causes has always driven me to challenge dominant narratives and amplify the voices of those marginalised for various reasons. As someone who has experienced marginalisation firsthand, yet also held certain privileges, I have sought to bring forward the voices that are often overlooked or silenced. I wrote a PhD thesis on this.
Today marks my first foray into the world of podcasting—a mix of excitement and sheer terror, but that’s okay. Embracing this journey’s challenges with hope and compassion helps manage the anxiety.
Through this platform, I aim to nurture vulnerability and honesty, fostering empathy with others. When we share our stories and connect, we create a space for collective healing, growth, and solidarity. The collective power we weave together will be magical. That’s the essence of this podcast.
In this episode, I’ll answer two questions to give you more context about my story, helping you decide if this podcast resonates with you.
Why this medium? My coming-of-age in the late 1980s, amidst a brutal civil war in northern Lanka, was a time of finding community and joy in the little things as the world around us crumbled. The paradox of a government providing free education and free healthcare while bombing schools and hospitals from the sky led me to question everything—myself, my community, my identities, the government, and other warring parties, and why there is so much pain and suffering. Some questions remain unanswered.
During those times, the radio was our lifeline, our muse, providing news and entertainment for those who could afford batteries. We had no power. We studied under kerosene oil lamps or street lights. I was 17 when we had access to regular power. The government’s supply of goods and services was sporadic at best in the war-afflicted areas. I’ll spare you the harrowing details, but suffice it to say, even the most basic necessities were scarce, and when available, they came at a steep cost.
The point I’m making is that the radio was more than just a device; it was a source of solace and a sliver of normalcy for those fortunate enough to power it with precious batteries. We tuned into broadcasts, primarily in Tamil and occasionally in English. And amidst the chaos, we found laughter through comedy shows. It’s my firm belief that humour is an essential companion for survival.
So, radio was a critical source of information and a means to gauge political matters, both locally and globally. We learned to read between the lines, a skill honed over time and space, shaping our perspectives.
My early exposure to radio in the 80s, the precursor to today’s podcasts, along with a reintroduction to this medium in 2017, which I’ll share in detail in the next episode, nurtures my excitement to explore it further. I’ll be asking questions and seeking meaningful answers about empathy, aiming for positive transformation and healing.
Why explore empathy? Empathy has the transformative power to change lives. It’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others, stepping into their shoes, and viewing the world through their eyes. By exploring empathy, we can uncover the threads that connect us, despite our diverse experiences. We can agree to disagree without causing hurt or harm. It’s a concept that can bridge divides, foster understanding, and lead to genuine connections.
Since I was 8 or 9 years old, I’ve been on a quest—a search for something elusive. Now, as I approach my 45th birthday, I find myself reflecting more on the connections I’ve forged across continents, cultures, and with the natural world. These genuine connections have been my lifelines, helping me navigate not only a civil war but numerous other challenges.
Imagine the delicate threads that connect us—the shared laughter, the whispered secrets, the silent understanding. Flora and fauna become our companions, their resilience mirroring our own. And then there are the human connections—the friends who’ve stood by us, the strangers who’ve shown unexpected kindness. They’ve been our anchors, our sources of hope among others.
As I celebrate this milestone, I honour the resilience that has carried me through. These connections, woven into the fabric of my life, remind me that empathy knows no boundaries. It bridges gaps, transcends time zones, and offers solace in moments of struggle. Something that must be acknowledged and celebrated on a regular basis.
Here’s to survival, to the seeker within us all. May our connections continue to sustain us, weaving the fabrics of compassion and healing across the vast span of our shared existence.
Consequently, in this podcast, we’ll dive deep into empathy’s role in personal and societal transformations. We’ll hear stories that demonstrate its impact and discuss how nurturing empathy can lead to a more compassionate world.
Together, we will increase the frequencies of learning and remembering to share, listen deeply, connect, empathise, heal, and transform.
In the next episode, I will share more context and a few insights on the word pluriversal.
Please follow my podcast for insightful discussions on empathy and related themes.
Should you find it relatable and valuable, please share it with your networks.
Thank you for tuning in to “The Hello Frequency”.
Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language!
Until next time, this is Caya, tuning out from the Hello Frequency :)
Copyright and Citation
© Divakalala, C. (2024). Context to Facilitate Resonance. The Hello Frequency, A Lifestyle Podcast.