Having the opportunity to travel is hands down the best things that has ever happened to me.

I spent a chunk of my early 20’s rooted in a small but tightly knit community of bodyworkers, artisans, and artists in Southern Oregon, learning all about the various ways that each of us can not only live, but thrive, outside of the structured career paths that many Americans pursue. Having spent a large portion of life in formal schooling and working "traditional" 9-5 office jobs, I'm enjoying my time aimlessly traveling, experiencing, and connecting.

Most recently, I finished up a post-bacc program so I could enroll in medical school to pursue my interest in trauma-informed care. I’ve also been working with survivors of torture seeking refuge and asylum in the United States, which has been fascinating, heart-breaking, and deeply rewarding. Needless to say, I also lean pretty far left socially and politically.

I wholeheartedly enjoy the outdoors, making art, cooking, random philosophizing, reading, anything at all that involves using my body, and the general exploration of everything the world has to offer. I value my patience and methodical nature, as well as my adaptability and versatility, capable of thriving on retreat at a monastery in Dharamsala, India just as well as at a music festival in the heart of New Orleans or an English tutoring office in Beijing. I have spent prolonged periods of time in both India and China, as well as briefer stints in Israel, Tibet, Thailand, and various place across Latin America and Europe, and have always been blown away by the remarkable experiences that coalesce when you leave yourself open to possibility and the kindness of one's fellow humans.

Although I have experience in the worlds of academia and agriculture, my role as a healer through yoga, massage, and teaching has become particularly important to me in recent years and I always relish opportunities to learn more to expand my practice, as well as to offer my skills and limited but growing knowledge to whomever is receptive. My ultimate goal is to develop any and all useful skills to help my fellow humans reside more comfortably in their own bodies and minds so exploring the many different ways of being that the world has to offer is essential to my mission.

I'd love to share knowledge and experience with anyone that would be willing to host me. I'm adventurous and open-minded and want to discover whatever it is your home and community has to offer.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The more I've traveled the more I've grown to appreciate getting locals' perspectives on wherever I'm passing through. I enjoy the communal aspect of hostels and love sharing stories with travelers but find that there's no better way to really get a feel for a place than spending time with someone that actually lives there.

I'm game for just about anything so if I'm in your area definitely hit me up and show me how you like to have a good time!

Interests

Rock climbing, yoga, reading, general exploring, cooking, hiking

• performing arts
• dancing
• cooking
• yoga
• reading
• hiking
• rock climbing

Music, Movies, and Books

Aldous Huxley, Jung, Nietzsche, David Foster Walace, Tom Robbins

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

During my time in Dharamsala, India, I witnessed the Tibetan state oracle go into trance, perform a remarkable sword dance while wearing over 200 lbs of armor, and then answer questions from advisors to the Dalai Lama before collapsing unconsciously back into his throne.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm trained as a massage therapist and yoga teacher, and also dabble in teaching mindfulness and a handful of alternative medical treatments. I'm no expert but always happy to share!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, India, United States