CURRENT MISSION

Creating a new culture based on love and freedom.

ABOUT ME

I live in an urban intentional community focused on progressive activism and personal growth.
http://snipurl.com/Chrysalis

I am polyamorous (and have been since my teens), and have the great privilege to live with one of my partners and several good friends, with another partner very close by.

My major area of focus is cultural activism: what can I do to help create a more tolerant, more intimate, and more caring society. Cultural activism involves looking at social change not as a collection of individual problems to be solved, but as something that has to come from a fundamental systemic shift. If we can change the culture, then the other changes that are needed will come much more easily; and if the activists are the ones who change their culture first, they will be more effective in their activism.

My activism takes many forms, including producing workshops and events that are focused on creating a culture based on love and freedom rather than fear and judgment. These workshops explore what living in a "New Culture" might be like, and what personal skills and resources would be needed to be most effective and vital in such a context. You can see more about one of the workshops that I help organize at: www.cfnc.us

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have been offering hospitality for many years; couchsurfing is just the latest way for me to do this. I'm particularly interested in people who are trying to make a difference in the world, who are involved in social change, environmental action, or applying cognitive sciences to personal growth and human potential.

Interests

I've never had a regular "job"; I've always been my own boss. So I've had the opportunity to explore many "professions", including psychological counseling, construction work, running several businesses, teaching workshops on relationships, real estate management, taking in teen foster kids, locksmithing, and computer forensics.

• culture
• running
• music
• folk music
• rock climbing
• business

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite music is homemade-- by me or by my friends. I'm a folk guitarist and vocalist, and many of the people I hang around with are accomplished musicians.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbing a waterfall in Jamaica. Spending the night on a rock in the middle of a roaring river. Starting a commune while in my teens. Breaking up a gang fight unarmed and alone. Starting numerous businesses with no capital. Living in a stone-age culture for a week.

Teach, Learn, Share

Computer skills, relationship workshops, small business experience, folk music,

What I Can Share with Hosts

Computer skills, relationship insights (I give workshops on relationships), small business experience, folk music, true stories, challenging ideas.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bolivia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, Portugal

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, France, Germany

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