CURRENT MISSION

Branching out to Newness! Opening up to the richness of people and places! Being centered. And losing my balance from time to time.

ABOUT ME

An American who moved to Germany from Michigan many years ago and ended up actually surviving it. ;-)
I'm as much a feeler as I am a thinker, with matters of the heart and soul winning out over those of the mind at the moment. I enjoy myself most with people who don't mind getting beyond superficiality pretty quickly.
Besides playing guitar and singing, I love to share thoughts and feelings on psychology, manhood, womanhood, relationships, music (both playing and listening), Reiki, homeopathy, ultimate frisbee, hiking and camping, soul-searching and so much more. Also love to be silent, esp. when in nature (where I try to stealth camp from time to time). I'm attentive and caring and appreciate all kinds of people except maybe binging party animals (though even they sometimes have hearts of gold, ya know?).

PHILOSOPHY

Live meaningfully, with passion for something - anything. No sitting in the Waiting Room of Life. Been there; done that.
And this, too: Thankfullness is the key!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've been to several CS living room concerts and joined groups of CS people going on hikes or playing frisbee in the area. Finally, in Sep. of 2015, I spent my first night as a CS guest - in Norway, with a great host!

Interests

Already mentioned quite a few interests above.
Foremost hobby: Singing and playing acoustic and electric guitar in an unplugged duo. Had an R.E.M. tribute band (in which I got to "be" Michael Stipe - yeah!), but unfortunately we disbanded even though it was a good thing.
Also could add Pilates, a wee bit of weight lifting (have some free weights, a crosstrainer bike and a floor mat at home if you want to use them), reading novels and books about matters of heart & soul. And if you like to toss a frisbee, I'm really into that! Used to coach a young peoples' Ultimate Frisbee team (though I've gotten rusty, now). I'm also avidly into researching my ancestors' roots in Ukraine. Went there by night train once, with my trusty folding bike (Brompton) fully loaded with camping gear a laptop and a scanner for capturing relevant documents, verbal history, etc. What an experience! :-)

• dogs
• writing
• books
• singing
• concerts
• cooking
• yoga
• pilates
• meditation
• reading
• bouldering
• music
• guitar
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• psychology
• alternative medicine
• homeopathy
• men's movement

Music, Movies, and Books

Believe it or not, I even like romantic movies, even the really corny ones with a predictable happy end. And I'll admit crying if the movie is good! But I also get a kick out of science fiction (if not too overproduced and under-messaged). Avatar impressed me a lot (not the action stuff, but the rest). Haven't watched many movies or much TV for a long time, though, because making music is more my thing.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Guess I already mentioned biking around Ukraine on my folding bike, but it fits in well here. It was a trip to discover my ancestral roots...and man did it blow my mind (and soul)!

Teach, Learn, Share

I couldn't say who I most enjoy meeting, because I've found that even those who seem to be "not my type" often end up bonding with me, and I with them. I'm just not much of a fan of superficial small-talk. I burn with a bit of intensity and feel inspired by those who also have a spark inside of them, or perhaps with some wound to heal.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you host me, I'll share with you my mindfullness, musicality, engaged conversation, life experience, cooking skills or whatever else you find valuable in me. :-)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Germany, United States