When four years in college failed to result in any substantial discoveries of life purpose, I decided to continue the search with more schooling and earning my MA in organizational psychology. I'm fascinated by the world of work and the various factors that determine how we find meaning in life and enjoyment in our jobs. Self-development / psychology books make up a bulk of the reading I do for pleasure. But, what is life's purpose really?

Several years in the working world punctuated with a few short trips abroad have only stoked the fire in my heart to see the rest of the world.

Still working to discover my purpose but I think it's somewhere in the realm of "find meaning in life and contribute positively to the world."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Personalized recommendations top any google research for things to do in a new place. What better way to get recommendations and learn the secrets of a city than by staying with locals?

Interests

Music festivals rich with camping and workshops in addition to amazing artists are some of my favorite weekend adventures. Through the festival scene I've discovered the flow arts and a driving passion for fire spinning.

Hiking and yoga will always be favorite forms of physical activity for me. My evenings after work are spent at the gym and sewing sweet festival clothing, cooking good food, reading, and crafting handmade gifts for friends.

My overarching quest includes living eudaimonically. Eudaimonia is a form of happiness that comes from finding meaning in life, and states that we find this meaning by challenging abilities, flexing talents, and contributing positively to society.

• books
• music festivals
• dining
• yoga
• meditation
• reading
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• crafting
• flow arts
• gift giving

Music, Movies, and Books

Music; deep house, techno, temple bass, classic rock, alternative, hip hop
-- Beats Antique, Tara Brooks, Desert Dwellers, Devendra Banhart, Luna, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Flume...

Reading: Stumbling on Happiness, Dune, Think and Grow Rich, The Alchemist, The Prophet, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, waitbutwhy.com, markmanson.net

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hiked the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, witnessing glacial lakes, butterfly filled jungles, and of course archaeological ruins.

Attended Festa do Monte in the tiny village of La Guardia, Spain. This historic festival traditionally focused on welcoming fishermen back from the seas, but nowadays is transformed into a raucous caucauphony of different colored costumes parading down the streets, never-ending drums that continue their beat for the full weekend, and chugging wine from barrels while everyone marches up the mountain for a climactic celebration of wine stained clothing and family connectedness.

Solo traveled the southwest coast of India, exploring Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, and Kerala. Celebrated Holi in Mumbai, getting my face painted by small children running the streets, before heading to Goa for an all night psytrance party that ended with sunrise on the beach.

Teach, Learn, Share

Happy to teach you how to sew, spin poi, hula hoop, or cook simple tasty meals, and always eager to trade book recommendations.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can teach you how to draw a pretty realistic-looking eyeball :D

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, England, France, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States