Self-healing through Self-empathy Presented by Fernando Albert Salinas

Event by Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival

Saturday, April 30 @ 5:30 p.m. Self-healing through Self-empathy Presented by Fernando Albert Salinas

Emotional trauma and isolation during the pandemic has had devastating and lasting effects on our mental and physical health. Friends and family report stress, anxiety, doubt, uncertainty, and fear in these unparalleled times. Educator and philosopher, John Dewey asserts, “We do not learn from experience…we learn from reflection on experience.” This cathartic poetry writing workshop endeavors to guide writers to self-healing through reflection and self-empathy, unmuddle chaotic thinking, and restore balance and wholeness in ones-self through the written and spoken word.

Born in LA County, Fox Hills, Fernando Albert Salinas is on the Board of Directors, the Ventura County Area Coordinator, and a Master Poet-Teacher for California Poets in the Schools. He is an award winning educator and has taught poetry workshops in over 25 schools throughout California. He is also an Adjunct Professor of English at Ventura College, the Ventura County Area Coordinator and a recitation coach for the California Arts Council’s Poetry Out Loud program, and the Editor-in-chief for Spit Shine Publishing. As Literary Arts Program Coordinator for the Ventura County Arts Council, he focuses on enhancing the presence and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts, raising awareness of the power of literature, poetry, and the spoken word. In 2012, Salinas initiated the Ventura County’s poet laureate program. In 2018, he implemented a youth poet laureate program for the county. His written poetry has appeared in several publications, including Askew Poetry Journal, Solo Poetry Journal, Miramar, and Lummox Press. He has performed his spoken word internationally. This year, he has been nominated for California Poet Laureate. Check out his book of poetry, Toxic Masculinity, a new release from Flowersong Press.