ABOUT ME

I am still learning more and more about myself every day... I think that, in reality, I know very very little about who I am/what this life is. In most ways, life seems to be mysterious, vast and wonder-full way beyond my small mind’s comprehension. I love it like this! - there is so much room for trust, for wonderment and for possibilities.

In terms of what i have been doing with my time lately: for some years now I have been alternating between spending several days to several months in silent meditation retreat and spending time "in-the-world" visiting/playing with family and friends, earning money and engaging in causes I'm passionate about.

I am the 3rd born in a family of six - with two older brothers and one younger gender-neutral sibling. I was born in Vancouver, Canada and grew up in Monterey, California.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love connecting with others, giving and receiving our basic human generosity, learning from and just being with others.

I notice how often I get caught in myopic views about myself, others and about life in general. Spending time with others who have grown up in a different family, culture, time etc. can often allow me to see more clearly the limited and relative nature of my own opinions and beliefs in a way that is very fun, freeing, and connecting.

I enjoy living simply and have little money.

I also really love when "strangers" spontaneously help each other out when the opportunity arises.

Interests

Although I still forget/get caught up in old egoic patterns on a regular basis, I am most interested these days in awakening to an inwardly honest and free life, learning to actually live from an open-heart, and benefiting my family, friends, mother earth and all beings as much as possible in this moment right now.

Sometimes this looks like formal meditation practice or service work, more often like nothing special - just doing my best to be present with myself and others as I go about my days and to allow life to show me how to best offer myself to the moment.

Sometimes this takes shape in enjoying meditation practices, dancing, backpacking, cooking, watching movies, yoga, conscious listening practices, culture jamming, singing khirtan, bicycling, running, swimming, group processes (council, OST, conflict resolution, and NVC), listening to music, massage trades, star-gazing, freestyling, working/learning with resettled refugees, hospice patients, and our brothers and sisters living on the streets.

• cats
• dogs
• culture
• poetry
• singing
• dancing
• cooking
• yoga
• meditation
• gardening
• movies
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• basketball
• astronomy

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

a 5-month long solitary meditation retreat

What I Can Share with Hosts

Down-to-earth connection, basic decency and respect of others and their homes, love for dogs and cats, honest authentic communication, some gardening skills, poetry, tv-mounting, painting, attentive compassionate listening, singing, 8-years of a daily meditation practice, beginner's heart/mind, and as much of an open and compassionate presence as I can offer (still learning and growing in this regard).

I have done a fair amount of informal training and practice in Qi Gong and some "healing energy" type meditation work and would be happy to offer 1 or more free sessions for anyone who has injuries or sore spots in their body, or is interested in being supported in awakening to their own inner capacities for healing, resilience, dignity, humor wisdom, joy and compassion, or anyone who just wants to see what a session feels like.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, United States