I just try to make what difference I can for the better in today's world, and to learn what I can while doing so.

I have done a fair amount of international traveling on my own. I am a vagabond at heart, and have seen some amazing things (particularly in Central America).

My own struggles with epileptic seizures in recent years, however, have perhaps been the greatest teacher of my life. They've taught me both humility and confidence in my own strength, and have introduced me to a path of healing work that I would not have discovered if not for my own personal journey of healing. Nonetheless, I will always maintain that exploring the world is one of the most beneficial things that anyone can do for themself, even if it means just stepping outside to see what the morning dew has to offer the olfactory senses.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've stayed with more a few hosts, and have never had a bad experience. It's been great having free lodging with personality, and I hope to continue giving others traveling that same experience! I've had the chance to host just once, and it was good times. (Unfortunately, I am currently in a living situation that does not allow for the casual comings and goings of guests — the homeowner is adverse to strangers in the house. I hope to see this change in the near future.)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

The first time that I couchsurfed (although I had never heard the term when I was doing it) was in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Two friends and I were on the way to the beach (where I had a near-death experience, but that's another story) when we had to suddenly find a place to stay halfway there because no more buses were running that night. We had already found a sketchy motel to sleep in, but then we met two guys while we were getting some cheap Costa Rican pizza. We then proceeded to have the most amazing night of our entire stay in that country, simply relaxing, enjoying the company of newfound friends, and perfecting everyone's foreign language skills. Good times at the estuary.

None of my other CS experiences have been so spontaneous, but I have continued to enjoy the unique spin that each different host will put on my experience traveling.

Interests

Meeting new people to both enjoy their company and further demonstrate to myself that there is some sort of knowledge to be gleaned from everyone I meet!

Meanwhile, I study at the LightSong School of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine here in Portland, Oregon, USA.

• writing
• festivals
• dancing
• yoga
• traveling
• classical music
• anthropology
• etymology
• beaches
• linguistics
• metaphysics
• reiki
• improv comedy
• jazz music
• energy healing
• farmers' markets
• the british invasion
• spiritual explorations
• b-rated horror films

Music, Movies, and Books

B-rated horror films... The Nightmare before Christmas... Quentin Tarantino films.. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (or at least, I went through such a phase in college; I've not watched RHPS in years!)... The Quantum Enigma... Alice in Wonderland... the Witches of Eastwick... Beetlejuice... the Beatles... the Kinks... the Mamas and the Papas... T. Rex.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Um... Once upon a time, I ended my first ever long-term relationship in order to expand my horizons and meet more people worth meeting. It was a pretty solid decision.

There was also that time I almost drowned in Costa Rica and felt my extremities go numb while I lost mental consciousness through my struggle against the waves... then just surrendered to the water and obviously lived to type about it.

Oh, and now I can say that a small festival called Dreamtime (in Paonia, CO) was truly amazing. Never have I experienced such an atmosphere in which positive energy, love, and openness were not only abundant, but expected of people.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share some Spanish vocabulary words, and talk about quantum physics with others interested in the connection between spirituality and science.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Reiki healing! I actually am currently in the midst of getting my own business — Laera's Healing Lair — off the ground. I have gotten nothing but great reviews from all of my clients who have indulged in this Japanese stress-reduction technique thus far, and I am more than open to trades. I can also offer a great massage!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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