One thing for sure... This blog is not for everyone.  

The biggest, most complex challenge for all of us humans, I think, is freedom.  This notion was introduced to me by Erich Fromm in his book, Escape From Freedom (Amazon).  Yet frogs seem to handle the complexities of freedom very well.  Once, I had a backyard frog that followed a schedule and began croaking exactly at five o'clock pm.  But aside from my favorite five o'clock frog, frogs have no schedule of daily obligation.  They do exactly as they please.  And... they do not get bored.  Frogs are pleased by just being frogs.  And this is very smart.  It is something that humans cannot do.  Humans need to have scheduled activities, rituals, ceremonies, and structure.  Humans get bored when left to just their humanness.  If you want, blame it on our big brain.  Big brain or not, you won't find any frog saying, "Hey, want to have some fun?  Lets go splash water on that little cricket over there."  They won't do that.  But of course, humans do it all the time.  It's not very smart.  And our excuse:  We have this big brain ...we get bored.  And so we have an Easter egg hunt.  This keeps the little humans entertained.  And on it goes.  We need our funny little traditions and conventions.  Because freedom is a big challenge for humans.  Freedom requires imagination.  Freedom requires a willingness to take risk.  And freedom requires one to make a decision. 
I want to be as smart as a frog.  Only then will I be free to do exactly as I please (in a froggy sort of way). 

If your brain was a dog ...you would take her out for a walk everyday.   Let your brain touch the paper.  Scribble.  Meander.  Be free.  Play.  Throw the ball.  Run and fetch it.  Be a doodle dog.  Loosen up.  Let go.  And then, there it is.  You did something spontaneous.  You did something different.  You did something that changes everything.  You have planted a little synaptic seed in the soil of your mind.  And at the very least, you have managed to treat your brain as well as you treat your dog!

Chris Hammond deepens the conversation on how to cultivate fertile soil for growing mindful, creative touch in a connection economy and a future arriving soon that is finally 'open season' for artists.  Connect with Chris here.

In making an honest effort, a sense of humility and compassion becomes necessary.  And out of it grows the feeling that 'touch' can reveal something vital and compelling that lives hidden beneath.   

What does the conversation center around?  It's just a sketch page.  It's just a piece of paper.  Don't over-control it.  Feel free.  Honestly.  Chip in your two cents.  Put it on the table.  Encourage the Drawing Beneath.