Hi, my name's Cole.

I look at the world and see a place calling for my contribution. How can I realize my potential and give to the world? I believe we are all here to help one another reach this point in life where we can give of our hearts without the threat of loss.

I'm a deep thinker; I ask a lot of questions; I seek to understand before I judge. I consider myself to be a passionate person; I like to talk with people and get to know their experiences and gleam their deeper insights about life and truth.

I also enjoy playing guitar and singing, reading and writing, and daily meditation. I'm fond of a good beer and a good coffee or tea; I like to stay in more often than I go out, but am up for the latter.

I studied numerous disciplines at school and since graduating in 2014 have been living and working back in my hometown with my folks. And now (as of January 2016) I'm looking to hit the road and see the United States (and now Canada!)

Everyone has something to teach and I have a lot to learn.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm taking my first solo roadtrip! I'd love to meet new people and share stories, insights and perspectives. I can be a little shy at first meeting new faces, but I'd say I'm a curious and open person, and feel like new experiences provide new opportunities to learn.

Interests

I'm a lover of music and have been playing guitar for eleven years now, mainly blues, rock, folk, funk, improvisational. One day I'll get the discipline to pick-up bluegrass.

My studies at school were concentrated in writing, humanities and the social sciences; I enjoy employing various perspectives to engage with ideas, experimenting with how we might conceptualize the world in order to see it differently, and how this can help make communication more effective. Yet, I recognize that Truth and wisdom is known through direct experience.

I have a respect for all the world's religions and see them each as distinct pathways back to God. I see the need for a greater tolerance, responsibility and compassion in a changing world, and I feel called to bring my life into harmony with this recognition.

• humanities
• writing
• singing
• beer
• coffee
• meditation
• reading
• music
• guitar
• blues
• religion
• social science

Music, Movies, and Books

I love all kinds of Blues; I love Bob Dylan; Tom Waits...not good with lists. I'm always interested in hearing new music, but don't find myself actively seeking it out so much. I rely on trading collections with others.

Books - I love Henry Miller's novels and essays. Ralph Waldo Emerson's essays. Too much poetry over the years (meaning, not enough). The books of the New Message from God.

Movies - too many, but I always enjoy a good film!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I feel like this roadtrip so far has been pretty amazing. By a leap of faith, I quit my job packed up my car full of things and hit the road. I had a few destinations at the outset, a couple of hospitable friends to take me in for various periods of time--but the more I venture on without a clear direction of where I'm going, it's challenged me to trust the mystery. To reach out to people, to learn to be self-reliant, to trust my deeper inclinations. I can say confidently that I've changed since I began this trip. I've been on the road since mid-January, and I can't foresee where I'll next land. [To be continued..]

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd love to play guitar for/with you!

I'd love to talk and get to know you and share our inspirations.

I'm great at doing the dishes.

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Belize, Canada, Croatia, France, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States