Christina Baldwin

Christina Baldwin (born April 16, 1946) is an American writer and co-founder of the Washington State based educational company, PeerSpirit. An influential figure in the therapeutic writing movement, she is the author of five books and a renowned teacher and conference presenter. Baldwin has contributed two classic books to the exploration of journal writing, including the well-known classic, Life's Companion, Journal Writing as a Spiritual Practice, revised and reissued in 2007 after 100,000 original sales. This work led her to a long study of personal growth and group dynamics and as a result of that experience she wrote Calling the Circle, the First and Future Culture to explore how social container releases needed wisdom. In recognition of the requirement for increased spirituality, she wrote, The Seven Whispers, Spiritual Practice for Times Like These. Her most recent book, reminds readers of the necessity of story to communicate in all areas of professional and personal life.
Background and Education
Baldwin's lifelong fascination with story began early in life. At age 12 she began writing a diary, and at age 30 became a founder of the journal writing movement. Since the 1970s, she has taught tens of thousands of people about the importance and power of story. She is co-founder of the PeerSpirit Circle Processwhich focuses on story, insight, decision, and action. She offers a variety of conference keynotes and small workshops where she guides groups in releasing their stories in writing, speaking, and community building.
Baldwin holds a B.A. in English with honors and Phi Beta Kappa from Macalester College, and a M.S. in Educational Psychology from Columbia Pacific University. She currently lives on an island near Seattle, WA, from which she travels extensively to lecture, teach, and call people and organizations into conversations of heart, meaning, and activism.
Books and Audio
Baldwin is the author of the following books and audio:
*Storycatcher, Making Sense of our Lives through the Power and Practice of Story (New World Library, 2005)
*Lifelines, How Personal Writing Can Save Your Life (Sounds True, 2005) audio curriculum
*The Seven Whispers: Spiritual Practice for Times Like These (New World Library: 2002)
*Calling the Circle: the First and Future Culture (Bantam: 1998)
*Life's Companion: Journal Writing as a Spiritual Practice (Bantam: 1990 & rev. 2007)
*One to One: Self-Understanding Through Journal Writing (M. Evans: 1977, rev. 1991)
Anthologized essays include:
*Field Guide to Relationship-Based Care, Visions, Strategies, Tools and Exemplars for Transforming Practice, ed. Mary Koloroutis, et al, (Creative Health Care Management, 2007) "Inspiration, Four Leaders' Reflections"
*The Change Handbook, The Definitive Resource on Today's Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems, ed. By Peggy Holman, et al (Berrett-Koehler, 2007) "PeerSpirit Circling, Creating Change in the Spirit of Cooperation" with Sarah MacDougall
*Light of Our Times, Conversations with Today's Leaders in Health and Spirituality, edited by Daphne Michaels, (Vibrational Health Press, 2006), "On the Power of Story" The Soul of Creativity, Insights into the Creative Process, edited by Tona Pearce Myers (New World Library 1999) "Writer and Witness, Healing through Story"
*Walking in Two Worlds, Women's Spiritual Paths, Edited by Kay Vander Vort, et al. (North Star Press, 1992) "Solo Dancing on the Spiritual Quest"
Selected Conference Presentations
*Journal Conference 2008 - The Power of Writing
*National League of Cities, 2008
*Shambhala Institute, Authentic Leadership Program, 2006, 2007
*Financial Planning Association of America, 2007
*American Association of Housing & Services to the Aging, 2007
*American Organization of Nurse Executives, 2004, 2005, 2008
*International Coach Federation, 2006
*School for Servant Leadership, 2006
*ICAN Omaha, Women in Leadership, 2005
*True North Wellness Conference, 2003, 2004
*Story Circle Network, 2003
*Hollyhock Retreat Centre, 2000- ongoing
*Women Within International and The Mankind Project, 2002
*Women in Lucent Leadership, 2000
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
*Organizational Development Network
*Spiritual Directors International
*Storytellers Network
*Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter
*Berkana Institute/Kufunda Village: Eagles Council
*Shambhala Institute
*Circle Connections, Advisory Board
*Collective Wisdom Initiative

 
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