My Story in Brief
I grew up in the midwestern US in a multi-ethnic family. On my father's side we are ADOS (American descendants of slavery). On my mother's side we are emigrated from the central region of Europe (Poland/Germany/Czechia). My maternal great-grandfather's lineage supposedly traces itself back to the Mayflower (Alden family). My childhood and teen years were spent between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
As a young man, the first dream that I pursued was to be a champion MMA fighter. I started fighting at age 19, and after 10 fights and 9 wins, I found myself at a crossroads. I had managed to reach my goal and had obtained two amateur championships, but I'd undergone a shift in my heart- I no longer had the fire to compete with others in that way. From that point on I chose to direct my fighting spirit in service to the well-being of my Human and Earth family.
After transitioning out of MMA competition, I continued coaching other fighters for several years more. During this time I also joined the corporate world and started working in Project Management and later as the HR Business Manager for a Medical Device company. I thought the corporate world might be for me since I seemed to excel there. But after more than 8 years, I was at my limit working for corporations where human dignity was often the first thing sacrificed at the altar of profit. I know this isn't true of every corporation, but it was very common in the industries I was involved in. I'm grateful for the many valuable skills I developed during this portion of my career. I'm grateful too, to have moved on. I've since been able to leverage the skills I cultivated to give strength other movements and organizations, including Connect Humanity, The Cosanti Foundation/Arcosanti, Angelica Village, and more.
Since my teen years, I’ve been writing stories and poems, and practicing nondual spirituality. I’ve been enchanted and uplifted by the works of Rumi, Gibran, Lao Tzu, Yogananda, ACIM, the Nag Hamadi library, and so many others. It’s now my great treat and blessing to be able to share my own writings with the world via my blog and book, The Witness.
Since coming to Arcosanti in 2018, I have been immersed in a living study of community and urban thought. In 2019, I was selected to join the inaugural cohort of Emerging Sustainability Leaders for the state of Arizona, a program developed by Arizona Forward, the longest running environmental nonprofit in the state. I currently serve on a committee for AZ Forward aimed at developing a statewide sustainability roadmap.
As a young man, the first dream that I pursued was to be a champion MMA fighter. I started fighting at age 19, and after 10 fights and 9 wins, I found myself at a crossroads. I had managed to reach my goal and had obtained two amateur championships, but I'd undergone a shift in my heart- I no longer had the fire to compete with others in that way. From that point on I chose to direct my fighting spirit in service to the well-being of my Human and Earth family.
After transitioning out of MMA competition, I continued coaching other fighters for several years more. During this time I also joined the corporate world and started working in Project Management and later as the HR Business Manager for a Medical Device company. I thought the corporate world might be for me since I seemed to excel there. But after more than 8 years, I was at my limit working for corporations where human dignity was often the first thing sacrificed at the altar of profit. I know this isn't true of every corporation, but it was very common in the industries I was involved in. I'm grateful for the many valuable skills I developed during this portion of my career. I'm grateful too, to have moved on. I've since been able to leverage the skills I cultivated to give strength other movements and organizations, including Connect Humanity, The Cosanti Foundation/Arcosanti, Angelica Village, and more.
Since my teen years, I’ve been writing stories and poems, and practicing nondual spirituality. I’ve been enchanted and uplifted by the works of Rumi, Gibran, Lao Tzu, Yogananda, ACIM, the Nag Hamadi library, and so many others. It’s now my great treat and blessing to be able to share my own writings with the world via my blog and book, The Witness.
Since coming to Arcosanti in 2018, I have been immersed in a living study of community and urban thought. In 2019, I was selected to join the inaugural cohort of Emerging Sustainability Leaders for the state of Arizona, a program developed by Arizona Forward, the longest running environmental nonprofit in the state. I currently serve on a committee for AZ Forward aimed at developing a statewide sustainability roadmap.
My Approach - Practical, Loving, Soulful
Although I do a large variety of work, I approach it mostly the same. That is, like writing a poem.
When writing a poem, I don't know how it will end. I have to meet with each new word, with each new line as it emerges. I have to follow inspiration, which means I have to remain quiet and still enough to hear the Muse. I chart a course, and yet I remain fluid. I trust my intuition, believe in my efficacy, and am willing to be vulnerable. Perhaps this is yin and yang. Structure and flow.
Whether working with a person in a private session, facilitating groups, guiding meditations, or advising business leaders, this is how I carry myself. I've done my preparation, I've lived a great many experiences and survived some incredible circumstances, and now I'm showing up resourced and ready for action. All that's left to do is execute to the best of my abilities. Maybe I have a sense of where this is going. Either way, stay here, stay attentive, and be fluid.
Interested in working with me? Contact me and let's have a conversation.
When writing a poem, I don't know how it will end. I have to meet with each new word, with each new line as it emerges. I have to follow inspiration, which means I have to remain quiet and still enough to hear the Muse. I chart a course, and yet I remain fluid. I trust my intuition, believe in my efficacy, and am willing to be vulnerable. Perhaps this is yin and yang. Structure and flow.
Whether working with a person in a private session, facilitating groups, guiding meditations, or advising business leaders, this is how I carry myself. I've done my preparation, I've lived a great many experiences and survived some incredible circumstances, and now I'm showing up resourced and ready for action. All that's left to do is execute to the best of my abilities. Maybe I have a sense of where this is going. Either way, stay here, stay attentive, and be fluid.
Interested in working with me? Contact me and let's have a conversation.
