CURRENT MISSION

To live my purpose as a writer of personal stories, and as a social justice organizer

ABOUT ME

When I was twelve years old, I dreamt of starting a publishing company, and achieved that goal in my early twenties. More recently, I explored the artistic, cultural, and political dimensions of India, Ireland, Cyprus, Peru, and the Middle East. What I learned and felt during these voyages, in combination with higher education, inspired me to discover and live my purpose with gusto.

PHILOSOPHY

I am a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and other leaders/organizers of nonviolent social movements. My signature quote is "Conflict work is the art of the impossible." (Johan Galtung)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm new here, and looking fwd to being part of this community.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've surfed at friends' places around the U.S. and occasionally overseas. I'm always careful to clean up. I like to contribute to my host's environment by cooking, cleaning, or just having a soulful conversation.

Interests

Yoga, trail runs, skiing powdery slopes above the crystal blue surface of Lake Tahoe, hiking Yosemite, cycling, theatre at the Berkeley Rep, live music, culinary experiments, film, high-speed getaways…

• arts
• writing
• education
• environment
• cooking
• yoga
• coach
• partying
• music
• live music
• cycling
• hiking
• skiing
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Anything about Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and other spiritual/nonviolent leaders, gurus, and activists... The Red Tent; The Life of Pi; Eat Pray Love; The Other Side of Eden; The Power of Now; Running with Scissors; Nature and Madness; The Hope for the Flowers; Beyond the Promised Land; The Lord of the Rings; The Warm Fuzzy Tale; All the Shah's Men; and David Deida's musings about masculine and feminine.

Movies: Exit through the Gift Shop; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; Sliding Doors; Office Space; Adaptation; The Big Lebowski; What Dreams May Come; Being John Malkovich; Bliss; 24 Hour Party People; Sneakers; The Hours; foreign, art, independent, documentaries, comedies...

Music: 80s new wave, jazz, bluegrass, classical, modern rock, irish traditional, electronic, groove salad radio

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Soooo many options... Going to one of Obama's inauguration parties was pretty amazing, you can see a photo of me in the tux in my pics gallery. But I'm happy to couch surf with folks of all political persuasions! Also, Santorini is a breathtakingly beautiful greek island...

Teach, Learn, Share

Do you know nonviolent communication? www.cnvc.com -- I'm an NVC coach and mediator, happy to advise if that's helpful. Also I can coach you in how to write a memoir, that's my current writing project.

Countries I’ve Visited

Peru

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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