I am called John, Buddha, neighbor, Inserra and A-Man. I often use the name Dirk when waiting for a table or ordering take-out. A British instructor once called me Jack. These are some of my names.
I garden, play guitar, help startup companies raise money, pick up litter, build things, ride my bike, play and nap with my dog, Louie. These are some of my common activities.
I love to laugh, to wonder, to be quiet, to immerse in music, to play with my dog, walk slow and go fast, to nap. These are some of the things I love.
I care about family, friends, neighbors and all people who are hungry, cold or both. I care about the health of our planet: its critters, plants and fungi. I care about clean air and water, and glaciers. I care about those who are oppressed. These are some of the things I care about.
I have the attention span of a gnat. I start more things than I finish. I lose stuff. I can get defensive and lash out if I feel attacked. I am not a good listener as I often interrupt people mid-sentence. These are a small sampling of my faults.
I believe in creating a kinder world where we treat everyone the way we want to be treated, all people have access to good food, healthcare, education, a warm home and a safe neighborhood. I believe none of us is better than another. I believe in working together. These are things I believe.
These are some of my names, activities, loves, cares, faults and beliefs. But, who am I? I’m gonna take a hike. Walk with me a bit. Let’s see what we find out together. Some of it will be more about me.