“For me, the wonderful aspect of Poetry as Transformation is Nathan’s guided meditations as prompts which lead participants into a creative process of bringing their own dormant poetry to life.

It is such a surprise and delight to hear fellow poets conjure their work, as if by magic, in response to these short meditations and equally satisfying to engage in meaningful reflections on these poems.

In addition, Nathan’s choice of varied poetry, which he offered to our group for close reading and discussion, was inspiring and instructive.”

- Cheree

“I’ve never taken a [poetry] workshop before, I’m in my 50s, and I came back as soon as I found out there was another one. It was fantastic and Nathan was amazing. Can’t wait for more!”

- Robert Roman, Producer at Sony Entertainment

“I do not know too many people who are poets, so it was wonderful to share time with people who are willing to write poetry… It felt like a retreat experience. My soul was nourished listening to weekly meditations that got my creativity flowing, and I felt safe whether I wanted to share my poems or not. Nathan Hassall set the tone for everyone to be encouraging to each other.”

— Celeste Sibolboro

“Nathan is a sublime poetry instructor, and we’ve had a terrific time reading and writing and getting to know each other. It’s just been a lovely experience. I’m so glad I found this group! Nathan’s workshops are a thoroughly fulfilling experience. I just thought it was marvelous.”

- Julie Daniels, Voice/Speech Instructor at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts

“I am a disabled submitting poet. And I LOVE workshops. I open myself up and always learn something - from the workshop leaders and from the other participants… Even looking at the backgrounds of the other participants gave me inspiration, listening to the readings of other participants gave me inspiration… I will leave Poetry as Transformation up to the brilliant Nathan and Rachael.”

— Tobi Alfier

“Nathan believes so deeply in poetry and in the power of the spoken word and in community…With these workshops that he’s given, Nathan nourishes that and makes community possible.”

- Dr. Ann Buxie, PhD in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, focusing on Hinduism and Buddhism.

“The Poetry as Transformation workshop was a completely thrilling experience! The focus concept for each week was explained in a thorough handout with quotations and poems for illustration. Nathan was engaged and energetic in his deft leading of the entire workshop… As a result of the three writing periods in each workshop, I now have the core for many new poems based on Nathan’s prompts. I expected this workshop to be good, but it surpassed my every expectation! I wholeheartedly endorse this course without any reservation!”

 — Carol Louise Munn

“The choices of the poems have moved me, and sometimes I find one phrase that brings up a poem for me, so that’s been my favorite part. Nathan has shared an inner obligation to express drive musically. A song to sing, a rhythm to thrum, we listen applaud all that stirs us to breathe poetry into the bright community air. Thank you, Nathan!”

- Charlotte Ward, Author, MBTI, Neuro-Linguistic Programing, Photo Reading, and Success Unlimited Network expert.

“The most valuable takeaway from The Poetry Vessel's debut workshop for me was the human connection made with like-minded others. The poetry selections by the hosts were mindfully paired with each week's topic… I recommend this workshop to anyone who loves poetry, is poetry-curious or who needs a connection with authentically poetic minds.”

— Robbi Kulik

“Not only is Nathan a really good poet, tonight’s event was spectacular. We pulled the largest audience we’ve had so far, which is fun to see, and tonight exploring the transformative dark-side was really a fun and interesting experience. The different exercises were fun and engaging and had a great audience response. A good number of people shared their experience, and the whole thing went extremely well, and I was very glad to be part of it.”

-Gerald Zwers
Artist, Writer, and Board Member at Studio Channel Islands

“I really enjoyed tonight’s [poetry workshop] about writing poetry for transformation. I enjoyed what Nathan said about pausing when you read your work, as that’s an area I really want to grow in. [My favorite part is] just connecting with others in a stress-free environment and learning and creating together.”

- Jennifer Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist, Artist, Writer, and Board Member at Studio Channel Islands

“I love when we do the timed writings. Nathan has incredible prompts, he really puts a lot of effort into his worksheet that he gives us, and brings in wonderful poems. It’s just very rich and inspiring, and makes poetry just sing…I’ve met all kinds of wonderful poets here and I just hope [Nathan] continues doing all his great work in the world.”

- Tracy Katz, Poet & Creative Writing Instructor

“It’s hard for me to be motivated to write but because of the workshops I write regularly. And the sweetness about the workshop is that there’s an intimacy in these classes that I share with everybody who shares their writing that I don’t share with anybody else. When you share your writing, you’re sharing a sacred part of yourself. And because of you guys, I get to do this. I’m honored to be apart of this poet society that Rachael and Nathan have created for our community. They really have blessed us with creativity and sweetness and community.”

- Debbie Pommer-Siegel, Poet and Yoga Instructor

“Poetry As Transformation is more than a generative workshop; it's a foundational step for writers and poets at any stage of their journey. The space was a perfect setting for growth. We listened to each other and drew on our strengths, and offering my work each session allowed me to acknowledge where I had improved and where I should focus next.

Nathan views poetry openly, which made for a wonderful approach to exchanging our creative writing. He builds on what's working rather than focusing on what isn't, letting us expand on each of our unique writing styles rather than suppress them.

Aside from writing, another dynamic that impressed me was the inherent comfort and ease within our group. One might not think that it would be so easy to connect with a room full of writers you've never met, but the distinctive devotion to studying, sharing, and cherishing poetry brought us together as if we had known each other all along.

I am very grateful to Nathan and Rachael for their diligence inside The Poetry Vessel, as they were the catalyst for this joyful experience.”

-Lawren Murray