Get more out of your journal and your life's journey.  Artist's Kayak Workshops are held in places and spaces of reflection and touch.   They are about noticing nature and developing the stories of our lives.  Learn to develop a new personal story that can heal.  And the outcome can be life changing.  So discover it for yourself... your journey and story of healing.  

​Chris Hammond and The Healing Journey Workshop... Let's deepen the conversation on how to cultivate fertile soil for growing mindful, creative touch in a connection economy.  The future is arriving now with more opportunities for artists than ever before.  Connect with Chris here.

It's never about the situation or activity.  It's about all the memories and feelings that we associate to the situation or activity.  There's something about the situation of waiting at the DMV that causes me some internal consternation and anxiety.   And there is something about doodling and drawing that causes me to calm down and relax.    

My journal is a whirling collision of external surroundings and internal dreams, memories, and imagination.  I keep playing.  I keep trying to develop my sense of touch.  For me, it is curious anticipation, and the surprising ideas that emerge on the pages.  That's the fun of it. ​

Okay, so exactly what is Artist's Kayak and who is it for?

I'm a little bit mystical about trying to describe it.  I want to be open to what the posts are trying to tell me.  I don't want to over-control it or force it to be something that it is not. 

But at the core of it, there is this story that we all tell ourselves and the story already lives within us.  It is a story that we desperately want to believe.  It goes something like this:

Amid the haste and noise of modern life... a life that has become terribly out-of-balance, we can choose to take a better path that is more human and more sustainable.  We can choose to take the road less traveled.  We can step into our little boat, push off, and head down the river on a life-changing journey.   

On this adventure, we begin by connecting with the sensations of the planet - the scent of the trees, the reflections on the water, the wafting breeze, the dragonfly that lands nearby.  We take a closer look at the nature that surrounds us and we discover ourselves.  We connect with something mystical and profound. 

What happens to us on our journey?  We exercise and develop our sense of being 'in touch' and 'in sync' with the universe. 
Through this process of developing touch... On all planes - mind, body, and spirit - there is a sub-conscious awakening:  We have taken initiative to save ourselves and restore balance in our lives.  This is the road less traveled by.  We realize our strength of will to reach out, appreciate, and love life.   We made a choice.  We can find what we are looking for.  We can discover the amazing power of a personal quest.  It is a healing journey. 

​And it's more than just a romantic idea or symbolic adventure story.  There is some reality and truth to it.  

What is the outcome of creative journaling and personal publishing?  Artists have their way of searching for a personal truth.  We take the risk to reach deep within ourselves to find helpful stuff (answers) that can begin to emerge and grow. We may even discover something profoundly honest and real. 

This process of developing clarity about our life is something that definitely matters.  Creative journaling, as a matter of habit, is a healing journey.  The work can lead us away from disease and despair and toward a revitalization of mind, body, and spirit.  How do I know?  What qualifies me?  How is it that I'm an authority?   

​So often, in the middle of the night, I've awoken with a flood of adrenaline racing through me that sent me racing to the toilet where I ritually heaved up my anxiety attack.  As I held on to the toilet seat - quivering - my wife hurried off to kitchen to bring out the saltines and tea.  Finally, I would settle down and fall back asleep.  What a life.    So much worry.  So much over-reaction.  So much panic and drama.

Creative journaling is the habit that supports my choice to engage and connect with curiosity, wonder, and the Great Mystery of it all.   Here's what saves me and sustains me:  My perspective, attitude, and state of mind.  I allow my curiosity to rise and have power.   When everyone stresses over the big project, in secret, I am learning to find a way to make it personal and fun ...to satisfy my sense of curiosity.   

What has to be at stake for me?  It seems that I mostly care about the personal satisfaction related to my sense of curiosity.  Perhaps it is extremely selfish, but that's it for me.   That's who I am.  That's my personal truth.

The curiosity that I'm developing... This saves me time after time after time.   And at this point, sixty years into it, I have a pretty strong point of view.  I'm compelled to share it.  If there was one thing I could say to my kids in a way they might listen:   You don't need to suffer, but you do need to be curious. 

So, do I hold a degree in this or have some sort of certificate?  Not really so much... Unless there is a degree in how to hang on to the toilet seat at 3 am!  :-)       

Connect to what you care about.  Closeness and Touch... Make reading to your kids a more beautiful experience.  Ask 'Camp Cookie Chris' how to get a Soft Light Reading Lamp for free!  ​Connect with Chris here.

The quality or state of being closely connected.

​​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.