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Journaling and Adversity

January 6, 2022 @ 10:00 am 11:30 am PST

Join us for a discussion of resilience, adversity, and the power of paying attention.

Join John Muir Laws as he sits down with Storyteller Gene Gryniewicz for a Thursday Workshop … to talk about changes, challenges, adapting, and moving forward in the face of adversity.

In 2005 Gene was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease; the most prominent symptom of the disease was a burgeoning tremor in his right hand … which made drawing difficult at best … so he quit it.  He also quit writing, and storytelling, and waited to die (since that is what people with Parkinson’s are supposed to do … he was told).  And when he didn’t die he waxed bored, and took up, again, his abandoned watercolor brush, and his pen and pencil, and he re-started drawing. He never really stopped telling stories. He uses his nature journal as a springboard to writing stories and poems, and  (most recently) with watercolors.

Suggested donation: $20. Your donation helps support me and my family. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and it makes an immediate difference in my ability to continue to offer these programs. Your donation is tax-deductible. Click here to donate. If you are not able to donate at this time, no problem–please continue to enjoy the classes and find another way to pay it forward in your community with acts of kindness and service. Thank you!

If you are new to Zoom or are having trouble with the meeting controls, please see these notes and suggestions on Zoom Tips for Online Classes with John Muir Laws to help you get more out of the online workshop. When possible I will also make a recording of the workshop and post it on my blog. I look forward to seeing you there!

Bring

  • Your Journal and favorite drawing materials. Taking notes while you watch and participate will help you remember the new techniques and incorporate them into your journaling.
  • Your sense of humor!
$20 Suggested Donation

3 thoughts on “Journaling and Adversity

  1. Sandra D’Onofrio says:

    Hello Jack. You did a valiant job keeping today’s Zoom meeting together. I could barely attend because I was agonizing for Gene and you. I helped myself to stay by doing a nature sketch of dried material on the window sill while listening intently. The show brought a flood of memories and sadness. It’s okay; I’m used to it. I think today’s show deserves a follow up with a knowledgeable person. Your community needs information about brain disorders and how “carrying on” is such a challenge.

    • John Muir Laws says:

      Thank you so much for sharing part of your experience too. I take your suggestion to heart. I so wish we had a full audio connection. That was really hard. Gene was wonderful.

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3 thoughts on “Journaling and Adversity

  1. Sandra D’Onofrio says:

    Hello Jack. You did a valiant job keeping today’s Zoom meeting together. I could barely attend because I was agonizing for Gene and you. I helped myself to stay by doing a nature sketch of dried material on the window sill while listening intently. The show brought a flood of memories and sadness. It’s okay; I’m used to it. I think today’s show deserves a follow up with a knowledgeable person. Your community needs information about brain disorders and how “carrying on” is such a challenge.

    • John Muir Laws says:

      Thank you so much for sharing part of your experience too. I take your suggestion to heart. I so wish we had a full audio connection. That was really hard. Gene was wonderful.

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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *