the quickest way to get to know me is to read or listen to my work. My writing can be seen here :
https://facebook.com/Jonny-Heath-484610158699786/

Or on Instagram @ jonnywriteswords

(working on a non-social media website too, coming soon - sorry abstainers)

And here's a few songs of mine if you'd like to listen. One from my band, and one solo.

https://youtu.be/e34lSIB3Cew

https://youtu.be/8XKlHNjfabg

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My name is Jonny. I'm a 26 year old human being. I am also a writer, musician, deep thinker, occasional activist, joker, listener. I love people of all descriptions (some of them I want to be around longer than others, but I've find something in everyone, so far at least).

To me, life is an absurd and wonderous and mysterious dream. Often I am having a good dream, but I also have my struggles, because life can be hard on the heart.

I have been lucky enough to have been saved countless times by countless individuals, during this sometimes difficult thing that we call 'life'. Some of these people have been my friends, and some of them I have never known personally, but encountered through books, music, ideas, art. So many times I have been scooped up out of the gutter by a conversation, a piece of music in my headphones, a stranger's words on a page - and reminded instantaneously of the rhythm of life, and the act of play being alive can be. Or I am reminded that I am not alone, and that someone understands, and this is healing.
This is the reason I haven't given up on being an artist. If I can scoop another out of the gutter, even in a small way, even just make someone's day, provide relief, release, through an act of creativity, this is enough. So, slowly I am learning to integrate my wounds, and transform the pain we all have to feel sometimes into something beautiful, that someone could find something in.

I care about all forms of life, a lot. But at the same, I time try not to take things too seriously - this can be unhealthy I've found.

I've spent most of my adult life playing in a band based in Manchester called Johnny Sly. We've been going for about 6 years. I write the songs, play acoustic guitar, and sing from my heart. I live for the magic of live performance, whether it be an audience of one or a hundred, and whether I'm on the stage, or in the crowd.

Now after 7 years my band are having a break, and so I have started a new project. This is travelling across North America, writing stories and poems for strangers on the street with a portable typewriter.

I sit with an explanatory sign, people give me a subject of their choice, and I'll make for them there and then a unique piece of flash fiction or poetry that they can take away, hopefully sprinkling their daily life with a bit of magic.

I'll be an publishing online journal documenting my adventures, including some of the stories I'll create.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

People are endlessly fascinating. Everyone has something to teach you.

When travelling, the perspective of a local is hugely valuable.

To get a small window into someone's everyday life is a privelage, and entirely different from staying in a hotel or hostel.

Interests

• arts
• writing
• meditation
• music
• philosophy
• science
• travel
• nature
• spirituality
• other people

Music, Movies, and Books

Music
Radiohead, Kate Bush, Neil Young, Nina Simone, Anderson.Paak, Beethoven's late piano sonatas, The Books, Tom Waits; a million more.

Books
'There but for the' - Ali Smith, 'The Heart is a Lonely Hunter' - Carson McCullers, 'Life of Pi' - Yann Martel, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' - Ursula LeGuin, 'Self Portrait as Exit Wounds' - Ocean Vuong, 'Cat's Cradle' - Kurt Vonnegut, 'The Bell Jar' - Sylvia Plath; a million more.

Movies

The Shape of Water, Fight Club, The Breakfast Club, American Beauty, Girl Interrupted, Moonlight; so many I can't recall...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Amazing depends on context. Amazing is everywhere. During my short life I've worked with the elderly in retirement homes, the young in schools, and the ill in a mental health centre. I have seen amazing things from all these people. It's not one big thing, but many apparently 'small' things that are the true amazing I have seen. Getting out of bed, doing the shopping can be amazing; recognising your grandson; writing your own name in joined up handwriting; catching a ball; laughing, despite everything. All amazing.

Birds. Birds flying. That's amazing. And water.

Teach, Learn, Share

In the areas of creativity, literature, philosophy, and meditation I know a few things. I taught mediation for a while, so I can share my experience in this practice. I've also taught workshops on creative writing before so if you'd like to do some writing, I'd be happy to show you some exercises to unlock the creative process.

I like learning about almost anything. Having knowledge in many different areas helps to build a rich picture of reality, and inspires creative work. I'd like to learn about you, your story, beliefs, dreams, culture.
Especially, I want to learn Spanish, so any helps and tips with this language would be awesome.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a good listener. I've also taught meditation in the past, so if you want I can do a guided meditation. I'll play you a song, or write you a story, or both. I can cook a pretty good curry too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Peru, Scotland, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England