Introducing myself: yogi, hiker, gamer, crypto enthusiast and seeker of financial independence!

Greetings steemit!

I want to talk about reality. The way things really are. I want to face truth and not be afraid of what it reveals, even when it reveals hard facts about myself. As a yogi I am always learning, and while I have many human teachers, life itself is my main teacher. She is a tough mistress to be sure, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ive practiced meditation for 16 years, have studied many of the worlds spiritual systems and religions both eastern and western, Ive been involved with Dharma study and practice for the past 7 years. Not much compared to teachers I look up to, but I hope to live much longer and keep adding to my experience and knowledge! Ive worked with Shamatha, Vipassana, Mindfulness, Metta and Dzogchen.

I don't think very highly of myself, actually. Doing this is hard for me, but I am out of options. I've tried everything I can, but nothing makes me as happy as sharing this knowledge with others. Ive considered numerous platforms to do this on, and was leaning towards Youtube/Wordpress, until I found steemit! As odd as it is, meditation, spirituality, inner work, psychology, the human mind and the human experience, enlightenment, Dharma- these are my passions in life. This is what lights me up. Its what I can talk about for hours and hours. Ultimately Im non-sectarian, and am just here to extend whatever help I can to others.

My plans for this blog are manifold. I hope to cover many of the topics above, as well as other topics surrounding spiritual subjects, meditation, and mindfulness in general. Some of my posts will be specific to Dharma traditions, others will be non-sectarian. I plan on an entire non-sectarian series dealing with the science and psychology behind meditation and what has been found out about it to date, exploring new and recent discoveries in this field.

I also want to share my other passions in life, namely hiking and gaming. A few months ago I bought an HTC Vive, and I love it. Its everything I hoped for as a child many years ago dreaming of the day VR would be a reality. Ive also recently gotten into cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I am learning C++ on the side, and in general I seek financial freedom and the ability to work for myself. I hope to merge my experiences on the path of meditation with these subjects as well and impart a unique perspective to the world of technology and trading.

As for hiking, mostly I just like sharing the natural beauty I find myself in living in the NW of the USA. I find that nature brings out the best in me. As Longchenpa, a great meditation master once said:

"Her form, a peaceful grove of fresh blossoms,
Pleasingly dappled with the soothing moonlight of compassion —
The sole restful tonic for those long exhausted —
I honor the miraculous wildwoods,
Which I see now as if for the first time.
Since I am broken-hearted here in the city of existence,
My mind sends these tidings its own way —
A story about resorting to the peaceful forest
For someone who will apply their heart to the Dharma path.
I see the truth that this life won’t last and is swiftly heading toward ruin,
That even this body which I’ve so lavishly cared for will be lost,
And I’ll have to head off alone to parts unknown.
So now, I’m off to the wildwoods."

-Song of the Enchanting Wildwoods by Longchen Rabjam

My dream in life is literally to just be a wandering yogi. Maybe someday I can do that, and be...

Someone who is free to go from place to place
Who always rests in the natural state
Whose mind is free and never fake
Where I will to go would be mine to make
Traveling from teaching to teaching
Never searching, never reaching
Just abiding and delighting
In turning away the tides of suffering
Sharing what I have to offer
Giving abundance from my coffers
Imparting knowledge, peace, and wisdom along the way
Leading and sheltering beings from going astray...

I am also a writer of Dohas from time to time, spontaneous poetry that arises out of ones spiritual aspirations and experiences. Above is one such example.

I look forward to meeting the community and seeing you all around on steemit!