My Mission:
Currently on a journey to travel the world in search of answers to a simple question; "What is happiness"? I decided that the best way for me to attain these answers was by traveling to every corner of this world and learning from all sorts of wise people along the way. I have a dream to become someone who can create positive changes to people. In order for me to achieve that, I feel that I need to seek knowledge while at the same time spreading answers.

I'm all about peace and love. I try my best to always give back and do good for others. That is my way of life and an important source of happiness for me. Meditation is a big part of my life. I practice it daily and try to learn as much as possible about it so I can share its important benefits to the world.

I like to look at all the positives and not the negatives. I love the outdoors and yet at the same time I also love just hanging out at home.

Here is my travel blog if you wish to learn more about what I do. www.themindfultravelexperience.com

Instagram: @Jivko_Valkov

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because its the best way for me to meet genuine locals from the places I travel to. I want to learn absolutely everything about the culture of the country that I am visiting. Our minds are as vast as the universe. It constantly expands and discovers new things. Having a simple conversation with a stranger could teach you something that you can value for the rest of your life. Valuable information that you can pass down to anyone forever.

Since one of my goals is to meet people from all over the world, I figured this would be a great opportunity for me to do that. I want to live among people who can share some great stories and wise words that I can remember forever. And also allow others to live in my world where I can share everything that I have learned throughout my journey.

Interests

Hiking, Swimming, working out, yoga, meditation

• culture
• meditation
• traveling
• hiking
• scuba diving
• snowboarding
• tennis
• volunteering
• adventure travel
• buddhism
• mindfulness

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: House/EDM, Classic Rock, Reggae, Classical

Movies: Scarface, Fight club, Inception, The Avengers, Rush Hour, Forrest Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Books: The 4-hour work week, Vagabonding, On The Road, Real Happiness, Geography of Bliss.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I went solo backpacking across Asia for 3 months with the purpose of learning more about meditation and Buddhism.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: Yoga, meditation, breathing techniques. What is happiness? What are the key things to a happy life? I have gathered a lot of data and reached many answers but there is still a lot more work to be done.

Learn: About other people! I want to learn everything about a total stranger and their experiences. What are the things that make them most happy?

Share: My own knowledge and experiences that I have gained throughout my life and from connecting with others. I want to share the importance of focusing on happiness, doing good for others, being mindful, and practicing meditation.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have spent a long time doing research on the study of happiness. During my studies I found meditation to be something that was always mentioned when it came to happiness. I have now been practicing it for around 8 years. I have given guided meditations to a lot of friends and people that have been to my home. That is what I can share, stories from my travels, answers from my research, and a good time.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bulgaria, Philippines, United States