Hi I'm Paul. I'm originally from Sacramento, California. A city now made relatively well-known because of the movie Lady Bird. I'm a designer. Specifically I do branding and product design. I lived and worked in San Francisco for many years working for start-ups and designing apps. Recently I've been living between Minneapolis and Sacramento because of my last design contract. I originally wanted to be a comic book artist or painter; somehow I ended up where I am after an internship as a designer for a magazine many years ago. I'm a very creative person, constantly thinking about the world, thinking up new things, dreaming about what's possible.

I'm also a serious meditator and philosophical sort of person. I've studied eastern "non-dual" philosophy since I was 15 and practiced with several interesting teachers. If we ever meet I'd be happy to fill you in on my escapades through India and the West. My current adventure is traveling through Japan and Thailand to learn more about Zen and Theravada Buddhist practice.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Adventure! Serendipity! Meeting new people! I'm going on an extended trip and thought I'd give Couchsurfing a try. I made an account years ago but never actually took the plunge. Normally I stay at hotels and hostels and this seems like it could be a great way to meet people and visit new places.

Interests

• design
• yoga
• meditation
• calligraphy
• philosophy
• art
• zen

Music, Movies, and Books

There are too many to list. I'm also horrible at naming favorites. If you asked me I'd struggle to remember a single one.

Books:
Mathilda
Ender's Game
Harry Potter!
The Diamond Sutra
The Platform Sutra
The Little Prince
Momo
Neverending Story

Currently listening to on Spotify:
Little Dragons
French Kicks
David Guetta
Jade Bird
Epic45
Twin Shadow
Japanese Breakfast
Mesita
Kings of Convenience

Movies: (Some old and recent favorites)
Labyrinth
Boy
Pulp Fiction
Shawshank Redemption
The Hunt for the Wilderpeople
The Isle of Dogs (everything Wes Anderson)
2001 Space Odyssey
The Big Lebowski
Groundhog Day

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've had a lot of amazing experiences in my life. One was almost a decade ago. I sailed a boat up the coast of California and survived being hit by a wave that rolled the boat and threw me into the water in the middle of the night.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you're interested in meditation I'd be happy to teach you, I've been sitting for 20 years.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share stories of my life, my humor, and company. :) I'd be happy to contribute to cleaning, cooking, and any chores while I visit.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Nepal

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States