CURRENT MISSION

To maintain a solid foundation and build from there.

ABOUT ME

(I have a two bedroom apartment in Betanzos, it’s a 25 minute bus ride to and from A Coruña. Betanzos is really nice)

Before Galicia I was living in Maine and before that in Norway etc etc … Maine is in the far north east of the US. I es experimenting with a new type of work - one on one interventions for people in profound struggles. I worked with adolescents and adults in therapeutic programs and it was the best and most challenging thing I’ve done - and now I moved to Galicia! I feel so lucky. The most gorgeous region.

I have lived and worked in NYC and Boston for a while. I traveled and lived/worked abroad on and off for many years. I learned exponentially more in those travel years than all of my years of being "educated" in school. And all that learning lead me to realize that I dont really know too much.
I had work as a real estate agent and because of this was lucky to travel quite a bit and when I wanted. Then I finally had a chance to live in Europe (Norway) for several years - a dream I had since college.

I realize more and more that it's the people I meet and can be around regularly that has the greatest impact on how and why I do what I do. Then, of course, there is the growing awareness of ourselves, and life in general, which is the foundation for what attracts the right people and helps to process what this is all about.

I try to be here for more than just myself. I fantasize about being an instrument to help others. Helping by leading the life I wish for others is the best way to do it - but I'm so good at not taking all the advice I can give - so that's a hard one. If people can see me experience freedom with out all the resources that they think they need - then I'm cool with that. I hope through CS I will find people who are crazy for life and who live their dreams and these people can remind me about this gift we all have.

I'd like to be more curious. I'd like to have more energy to do everything. I'd like to make music. I'd like to write novels that catalyze change. I'd like for everyone to experience real freedom and feel the benefit of a balanced life.

Be my Buddha and ill be yours. Lets trade places, back and fourth, on the path in the cave towards the light.

PHILOSOPHY

Keep trying to be better. Keep finding ways to help others. Enjoy as much of this cosmic gift as I can. Laugh as much as possible. Cherish your friends for being so amazing and crazy. Try your best not to live too much for your future.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am a host when I have a place to live myself. So it all depends. If I don't have a place then I know plenty of people who do and I can meet up with you for party or chat or whatever.

IMPORTANT: if you want to stay with me or meet up please email me at benjaminsilverman1@gmail.com. I dont check the CS email that much.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have met the most incredible, special people through Couchsurfing. This was either from being a host, being hosted, or going to gatherings in local and different areas. If it weren't for couchsurfing the landscape of my life would be much flatter. I wish everyone would have the balls/interest to participate. But I am a 5 star salesmen and I try my best to spread the word of this genius project.

Interests

hiking,biking(touring) pilgrimaging, reading, philosophy, tennis, cloudy days, cool weather(not too hot and not too cold), finding ways to help people, writing, meditation, camping, campfires, the forrest.
i suppose im on that self discovery thing, but i dont know what that actually means or what it will ever amount to. but its definetely interesting.

• meditation
• reading
• philosophy
• volunteering
• food
• biking
• europe

Music, Movies, and Books

on the road, siddhartha, Steppenwolf, dharma bums,Shantaram, The Prophet, Walden,Celestine prophecy, the peoples act of love, the magus, razors edge, of human bondage, alchemist, sophies world, solitaire mystery, the corrections, world according to garp, prayer for owen meany, The Red Lion(good luck finding this one). neitschze, descartes, jostein gaarder. keruac is one of my gods.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Camino Portugués 2022 Tui to Santiago
Camino dos faros 2022 Malpica to Muxia
Cared for the elderly for an extended period
Helped adolescents find themselves in nature
The Camino de Santiago de Compostella- Ronsesvalles to Santiago. **the best
I did the Camino for a second time in Oct 2012 - the best, again. (this time to the ocean)
10 day Vipassana courses
Biked Switzerland over the Alps.
Started a community mindfulness group in Oslo that has + 1000 members already!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/211056846067562/
Biked from Acadia Maine to Vermont
India - jaw dropping and affective.
Bariloche.. incredible
Camped in Alaska, worked at Denali...
Lived in different parts of Spain,
Traveled through Eastern Europe - nicest people.
LIved in Australia
Iceland looked like another planet.
Road trip from Boston to San Diego
Solo travel.
Bartended on the south coast of Spain
Lived in London
Travelled through South Africa and Malawi.
Hiked the long trail, Vermont.
Went back "home" for a while...
Stopped doing work that wasn't healthy
Created/did my own 5 day solo meditation retreats

Teach, Learn, Share

i like good listeners. a trait that i dont posess enough of. i like good listeners not so i can talk more and they can listen, but i like to watch them listen - to learn thier art...

Ask yourself why you really want some things.

Do you really need all your money that causes you the stress to earn it? Is it fear that drives your success, or is it passion and interest?

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States

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