NOTE TO POTENTIAL GUESTS: I lived in Oregon till August 2016, and returned home to East Lansing, Michigan. Details in guest references regarding my homes and guest amenities may no longer be relevant, since I downsized to a small condo in summer 2019. I love hosting guests of all ages who have a COMPLETE profile and write a personal, detailed request that demonstrates you have read this profile and are invested in the principles /benefits of couch surfing.

I love discovering the bonds that connect us. I was a peace corps volunteer (almost 40 years ago, but it was a pivotal experience) and more recently volunteered as a clinical educator for Es Salud Hospital in Peru (Lima/Cusco). I consider my home a sanctuary from consumer culture (no TV). I am inspired by classic and contemporary art/music--i'm captivated by how artists combine techniques and materials to execute their visions and experiences. I am passionate about exploring how we can improve healthcare from many angles: patient rights and dignity, creating healing spaces, improving access, true holism.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Hosting has been an easy way to share space, and become inspired by others' talents and adventures. From August--October 2016 I surfed with wonderful folks here and in Europe. Surfing taught me so much about other cultures. There is so much to learn. I'm curious about how others live, make decisions, prioritize, and what lessons they've learned. Each time I step into someone's life, I come away richer from the experience. I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to travel occasionally. I want to transcend the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of what an American is.

As a host: I treasure authentic connections.
I believe we are all one human race and am eager to meet more of my brothers and sisters.
I love sharing time/space with kindred spirits.

Interests

I cook for fun.
***improving quality of life for my clients is a big priority.
***the intersection of biological and cultural evolution fascinates me.
***hiking, biking, swimming, car camping with small tents.
***dabbling in cartooning.
***everyday nuts and bolts zen meditation.
***writing essays and poems, but they percolate for months before making it into print.
***learning about my roots. My grandmother was a Polish immigrant and I spent a month in '16 in Poland. I have read lots of books and watched endless documentaries and movies about Poland.
***I fantasize about getting into performance art and documentary film making and envision redesigning the US health care system in 8,000,000 ways.

I love craft beers and don't eat sugar or any processed flours.

• culture
• writing
• poetry
• contemporary art
• documentaries
• film making
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• meditation
• reading
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC: funky latin/arabic a la Putamayo and "the beat authority" podcast, folky stuff (girlyman, etc..) DMB always and forever, socially conscious reggae, celtic, west african (oumou sangaro, youssou n'dour, baba mal). I haven't been a classic rocker but lately the nostalgia factor is kicking in for old 70s rock. Relaxing classical music helps me focus on work.
MOVIES: the fast runner (attanajurat), boyhood, apollo 13, baraka, crash, hair, high fidelity, precious, DOCS: 13th, forks over knives, michael moore's work. I rarely see a movie more than once but have watched hair at least 7 times and Bend it Like Beckham 4 times.
BOOKS: Lately it's a challenge to read rather than scroll news on my phone, but I devoured "the signature of all things". Past favorites include: kite runner, namesake, zookeeper's wife, middlesex, slammerkin. old futuristic dystopias like: the 5th sacred thing, parable of the sower, brave new world .non fiction: a list of things that didn't kill me. snow leopard, social histories/anthropology, pema chodron, ken wilbur, the New Yorker: since the 70s.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Attending home births including an amish community and twins who resumed their in utero postures in a shared crib. They evolved a language during gestation and continued in the open air. Lucky me, to witness new life emerge.

Teach, Learn, Share

recipes, quiet time, I specialize in balance and coordinationtraining.
I like to explore ideas about the future of humanity, climate change, social disparities--but need to be cautious to maintain optimism and enthusiasm for new trends.
I love to learn about people's hobbies, work, and cultural backgrounds and listen to people play music and sing--joining in during uninhibited moments( I have a piano and guitar). My listening skills are challenged when someone talks at length about computer specs and esoteric electronics.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Dream interpretation/facilitation.
Info/feedback/resources for managing chronic health conditions, upon request.
Listening.
off-key campfire singing.
food--time--space--wit and laughter--thoughtful inquiry.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Senegal, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Senegal, United States