Forum From the Archives: Travel Writer Pico Iyer Celebrates the Joys of Sitting Still

This KQED Forum interview focuses on author Pico Iyer's book, *Aflame*, exploring the power of solitude and silence in coping with life's challenges, particularly in the context of wildfires. The interview begins with Iyer discussing his experiences losing his home in a wildfire and finding solace in a Big Sur monastery, followed by a discussion of the book's themes and Iyer's personal experiences with solitude. Listeners call in to share their own experiences with silence and stillness. The conversation concludes with Iyer emphasizing that solitude isn't about disengaging from the world but rather about gaining perspective and inner strength to better engage with life's difficulties. Iyer uses the example of his experience during his mother's illness to illustrate the importance of inner resources in times of crisis.