Poorna Bell’s New Zealand vista
From The Clearing with Katherine May by Katherine May
February 21, 2026 · 1h 1m · Season 7 · Episode 13
About this episode
Poorna Bell discusses finding joy in everyday moments and the importance of rest and retreat after personal loss.
Floor to ceiling windows overlooking a temperate blue ocean off the coast of New Zealand is where this week’s guest, journalist and author Poorna Bell, dreams of rest and retreat. Since the death of her husband in 2015, Poorna has become well-versed in making the most of the everyday. As a result this is a conversation filled with the joy of small things. From relishing the prospect of unstructured days, to finding unquantified pleasure in movement. From an appreciation of the smell of toast to being able to say no to picnics. And why she never wants to receive another present again. Ever. Links from the episode: Poorna’s Substack As I Was Saying Poorna’s website Poorna’s Instagram Banana Yoshimoto’s novel Kitchen Lucy M. Boston’s The Children of Green Knowe Lottie Hazell’s novel Piglet Visit The Clearing website www.theclearingpod.com for a full transcript and to discover how to enjoy the episodes ad free Buy Katherine’s books: Enchantment | Wintering | The Electricity of Every Living Thing: UK / US Follow Katherine on Instagram Visit Katherine’s Website Production Credits Guest Booker and Admin Support - Meghan Hutchins Substack Manager - Rebecca Armstrong…
People in this episode
Host: Katherine May
Guest: Poorna Bell
Topics covered
- grief
- self-improvement
- mindfulness
- everyday joy
- movement
- personal growth
Keywords
- grief
- self-care
- mindfulness
- joy
- movement
- everyday pleasures
- personal growth
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Poorna’s Substack, Poorna’s website, Poorna’s Instagram, The Clearing, Acast
Books & works: Kitchen, The Children of Green Knowe, Piglet
More episodes of The Clearing with Katherine May
- Anna Brones’ Scandinavian saltwater idyll · June 11, 2026 · 1h 2m
- Alice Vincent’s joyful soundscape of human togetherness · June 4, 2026 · 56 min
- Joycelyn Longdon on imagining an abundant future · May 28, 2026 · 49 min
- Yasmin Khan’s warm seas and verdant greens · May 21, 2026 · 55 min
- Kate Bowler’s Bridge of Absurdity · May 14, 2026 · 52 min
- Jeffrey Boakye’s city path to peace · May 7, 2026 · 1h 5m
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