A Poignant Response to Crisis Anxiety

In a world grappling with the profound challenges of uncertainty, few works offer as poignant and multifaceted a response as Take a Deep Breath: Living With Uncertainty by Igor Goldkind, with illustrations by Rian Hughes. This unique collection of poetry, fables, and philosophies serves as a timely balm for the pandemic of crisis anxiety that has engulfed our global consciousness since the turbulent events of 2020.

Exploring Inner Landscapes Amid a Pandemic

The book doesn’t just address the external chaos of a world disrupted by a pandemic; it delves deep into the inner landscapes of those living through it. Goldkind masterfully weaves together words that confront our fears and uncertainties while offering a path to resilience and understanding. Paired with Hughes’ evocative illustrations, this collaboration creates an immersive experience that transcends traditional literary genres.

The Healing Power of Words

Throughout history, the arts have been a source of solace and strength during times of crisis. As Goldkind reminds us, the ancient Egyptians believed in the healing power of words, creating remedies through ritualized language. Walt Whitman, in the throes of the Civil War, turned to poetry to comfort the wounded, demonstrating how literature can reach where medicine cannot

Goldkind follows this tradition by crafting pieces that serve as both a reflection and a remedy. He invites readers to explore their emotions, acknowledge their fears, and find beauty in the shared human experience of living through unprecedented times. As poet Amit Majmudar noted, “In dark and mendacious times we need poetry because its careful, precise way with language is a form of truth-telling.” This sentiment echoes throughout Goldkind’s work, where every line resonates with raw honesty and transformative power.

A Tour Through the Pandemic Experience

Through its pages, Take a Deep Breath becomes a mirror to the pandemic world—a time marked by disruption, disconnection, and the relentless barrage of news cycles. Goldkind takes readers on a journey that oscillates between the personal and the universal, capturing the essence of what it means to navigate uncertainty.

Chris Vannoy, US Beat Poet Laureate 2019, describes the book as a visceral experience: “Igor takes you into the guts of the pandemic and gives you a tour of the struggles and trials of the everyday environment of the virus that is stalking this dystopian pandemic world of the year 2020.” This raw, emotive approach compels readers to confront the weight of their own experiences, yet offers the comfort of knowing they are not alone.

Art as a Companion to Healing

Rian Hughes’ illustrations provide a visual counterpoint to Goldkind’s words, enriching the narrative with bold, thought-provoking imagery. Together, they create a tapestry of meaning, where art and poetry intertwine to offer both clarity and mystery. The book’s fables and philosophies further expand its reach, making it a work that defies categorization and invites readers to return to its pages again and again.

Living With Uncertainty

At its core, Take a Deep Breath is more than a book; it is a lifeline for those seeking grounding in a tumultuous world. It reminds us that while science can offer solutions, art provides the means to process and endure. Goldkind’s words are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of creativity to heal.

As the world continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the pandemic and the uncertainty it has sown, Take a Deep Breath offers a way forward—a reminder that through art, empathy, and reflection, we can find the strength to breathe deeply and embrace the unknown.

For a deeper dive into the themes and inspiration behind this powerful work, visit the book’s dedicated blog. Also, it’s available on Amazon grab a copy now!