More than 40 years into this incarnation, I have learned enough to know that attempting to broadly delineate who I “am” in any sort of “about” writeup is antithetical to my understanding of the depth, breadth, and nuance of a self.

I will, however, outline some roles I have played, some activities entailed, and some thoughts around them; name some personal characteristics; share some of what brings me joy and causes me pain; and offer some beliefs and notions in hopes these, together, will elucidate my evolution and intentions.

I have called myself a writer, researched many topics, interviewed many people, wove many stories, served as a creative conduit between those willing to share and those willing to listen, and felt proud to be part of this simple exchange of humanity.

I have called myself an editor, reviewed a lot of articles and books, crafted a lot of paragraphs, labored over a lot of details, provided the best representation for authors and the best quality to readers, and felt satisfied to be part of delivering relevant, optimally-organized information.

I have called myself a project manager, steered concurrent work streams, collaborated on cross-functional teams, monitored time and cost, and felt accomplished to see ideas take shape through solid strategy, planning, organizing, and coordinating.

I have called myself a team leader, delegated tasks, negotiated with team members and stakeholders, provided direction and encouragement, and felt gratified to generate supportive environments and foster motivation and productivity.

I have called myself a yoga teacher, guided individuals and classes through pranayama and asana, supported students seeking to advance their practice, passed on (what little) yogic theory and philosophy I have had the fortune to learn, and felt honored to share the tradition.

I have called myself a caregiver, looked out for my Nana most of my adult life (after she looked out for me a better part of my life), tended to her needs through several years of progressive dementia, “waited” with her during the last few months of her embodiment and prayed by her side her during her transition, and felt humbled to have been called to care for another soul in this way—though I am quite certain my level of care did not equal her level of grace.

Beyond all this, however, I call myself a human being, experiencing the uncontrollable and mysterious nature of the universe, dwelling among and between all its dualities, knowing the hurt and the healing, the confusion and the clarity, the fear and the love, and feel blessed to wake up every day and give it another go.

I would describe myself as analytical, innovative, driven, industrious, determined, trustworthy, idealistic, reasonable, introverted, curious, contemplative, spiritual, empathetic, emotionally intelligent, disciplined, efficient, organized, independent, open-minded, and socially intelligent.

I am nourished by the improvisational quality of music—specifically jazz and jam—revealing what’s possible when presence and creativity meet skill developed through discipline, along with the effect of the individual on the whole. I am equally nourished by the experience of nature—particularly hikes and bikes in the woods—abundant with lessons around the inherent wisdom and impermanence of all life forms.

I am captivated by Katonah Yoga®—a syncretic theory developed by Nevine Michaan over 40 years that incorporates classical Hatha yoga with Taoism, geometry, magic, mythology, metaphor, and imagination - and working toward a teacher certification via 200 hours of classes, workshops, intensive trainings, and mentorship. The framework is, for me, a sacred means to navigate life’s inherent polarities.

I am absorbed in studying anthropology, psychology, and sociology via books, documentaries, and podcasts—especially Hay House publications, the Public Broadcasting Service, and The On Being Project—and understanding how spirituality, ethics, and emotions impact individual and collective psyche and behavior and, beyond that, social structures.

I am disheartened by the pace of progress on social and political issues in the face of deep human suffering and potential planetary peril—and more so by the apparent inability of individuals to consider dissimilar views and engage in civil dialogue to grapple with said issues, despite humans’ supposed capacity for complex reasoning and introspection.

I am equally hopeful for far-reaching transformation as we address what is beneath the breakdowns—that is, an unacknowledged shared spirituality. Recognizing one another as uniquely divine and intrinsically connected demands an inner journey, and therein a willingness to excavate and explore.

It is my aim to contribute to communities, organizations, and initiatives that lift consciousness and shift paradigms—and to co-create a world where exploration of the heart together with social and civic engagement realize dignity, justice, and security for all humanity.