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Clasp


Synopsis


Clasp is award-winning poet Doireann Nì Ghrìofa's first English-language collection of poems. In three sections entitled 'Clasp', 'Cleave' and 'Clench', Nì Ghrìofa engages in a strikingly physical way with the world of her subject matter. The result is by times what one poem calls 'A History in Hearts', among other things an intimate exploration of love, childbirth and motherhood, and simultaneously a place of separation and anxiety. In one poem set in the boys' home in Letterfrack, a place of undeniable terror, we see how, in the name of religion, "The earth holds small skulls like seeds".

The final section of the book comprises a single poem, Seven Views of Cork City, which, swooping in and out of personal history, paints a convincing if sometimes unsettling portrait of the poet's adopted city, and of urban life's ubiquitous restraints on "our dream of speed".

Doireann Ní Ghríofa

Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of Connection

* Explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being and success.
* Example: A study of elderly people in nursing homes found that those who received regular visits from loved ones had better physical and mental health outcomes.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Intentional Connection

* Emphasizes the need to make a conscious effort to build and maintain meaningful connections.
* Example: A company encourages employees to participate in team-building activities and host monthly social events to foster camaraderie.

Chapter 3: The Five Languages of Connection

* Introduces five ways people show and receive love and support:
* Physical touch
* Words of affirmation
* Acts of service
* Quality time
* Gifts
* Example: A couple realizes that they both value quality time, so they prioritize spending evenings together doing activities they enjoy.

Chapter 4: The Power of a Listening Ear

* Highlights the importance of active listening and empathy in building connections.
* Example: A friend provides a compassionate and non-judgmental listening ear to a colleague who is experiencing personal challenges.

Chapter 5: The Benefits of Vulnerability

* Encourages individuals to share their true selves and emotions with others, fostering trust and intimacy.
* Example: A team member opens up about a difficult experience, which allows colleagues to connect with them on a deeper level and offer support.

Chapter 6: The Art of Appreciation

* The power of expressing gratitude and recognizing others' contributions.
* Example: A manager sends thank-you notes to employees after a successful project, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

Chapter 7: The Importance of Forgiveness

* Discusses the transformative power of forgiveness in breaking down barriers and rebuilding connections.
* Example: A couple reconciles after a disagreement by forgiving each other and letting go of past hurt.

Chapter 8: The Impact of Conflict

* Acknowledges the inevitability of conflict and provides strategies for resolving it constructively.
* Example: A business team uses a facilitated mediation process to resolve a disagreement, fostering understanding and improving communication.

Chapter 9: The Connection Challenge

* Offers practical tips for building and maintaining meaningful connections in various aspects of life.
* Example: A group of friends sets up a weekly virtual check-in to stay connected despite geographic distance.

Chapter 10: The Ripple Effect of Connection

* Emphasizes how positive connections spread and create a ripple effect throughout society.
* Example: A community volunteer program connects isolated seniors with high school students, promoting intergenerational bonding and breaking down stereotypes.