I'm a spiritual, compassionate, low-maintenance, physically fit guy with a sense of humor and playfulness; someone who enjoys simple pleasures and genuine connection with others; someone sincere, authentic, adventurous, fiercely loyal and endlessly curious about life. At this point in my life, I feel stable, grounded and comfortable in my own skin.

Socially, I prefer small, low-key get-togethers or quiet/nurturing activities. My spiritual practice and love of nature form the foundation of my life. I have a regular meditation practice and attend various workshops, classes and retreats related to Eastern spirituality and personal growth. I don’t take anything for granted and live my life with a spirit of gratitude – for my health, my family, my friends, all the Bay Area has to offer…and so much more! (I’m not perfect by any means, but I’d like to think of myself as a “diamond in the rough.”)

I'm seeking a kindred spirit -- someone open to friendship first as well as evolving chemistry -- someone mature, spiritually grounded (but not above being silly at times), who loves being in nature, comfortable with her life direction, committed to growing, evolving and making a difference in the world, intellectually curious, possessing a spirit of shared exploration -- someone with a sense of humor about the irrationalities of life, who values honest communication but is equally comfortable sharing moments of silent loving presence, and is not afraid of a man expressing his feelings.

Rather than the let's-meet-for-dinner-where-we-feel-every-moment-has-to-be-taken-up-by-conversation type of dating, I prefer more activity-oriented get-togethers -- things which nurture my spirit and/or my mind. Do you enjoy checking out museums? going for a hike? reading plays? exploring a new neighborhood? attending festivals? Great! If we don't click, at least we've had a good time doing what we love. And if we click as just friends, also Great!, since I deeply believe that the love and support friendships provide are just as important as finding "the one."

I'm not so much looking for "romance" as for that spark of resonance and commonality which can plant the seed of friendship and connection. I also know that the development of deep, trusting friendships that have the potential to become much more, is an unhurried, gradual, organic process. Care to be a co-traveler on that journey?

I have worked in various aspects of Information Technology for about 25 years and I’m good at what I do. Currently, I develop websites for the Haas Business School at UC Berkeley. I enjoy the creative process and intellectual challenge of translating day-to-day needs into solutions which make the lives of my customers a little easier. I get along great with my boss and co-workers (something which, based on past experience, I most definitely do not take for granted).

Physical activity is important to me. In addition to running and exercise, I hike extensively in the Bay Area and know the trails pretty well. To say that I "love" hiking doesn't quite describe my experience along the trails of e.g. Point Reyes, Briones Regional Park or Mount Diablo. I've recently returned to backpacking as well. I also do what I can to help save Mother Gaia by volunteering with environmental organizations.

In the meantime, I'm rekindling my passion for music. In various former lives, I was an aspiring pianist, clarinetist and choral singer. I'm now learning to play the mandolin and loving it. My listening tastes tend toward the low-key, acoustic side.

I love spending time in small groups where people share what's important in their lives. That's why I lead a Joseph Campbell study group and a spiritual discussion group, as well as participate in many other groups where personal sharing and deep listening take place. I'm a student of non-violent communication (NVC) and have discovered that truly acknowledging another's feelings and needs is one of the greatest gifts one can offer.

Oh, and can't forget cooking. Since becoming single again, I discovered how much I enjoy it and have slowly increased my repertoire of vegetarian and fish dishes. When I really need to veg out I immerse myself in -- I hate to admit it :( -- sci-fi, Star Trek and word-puzzles.

I enjoy various types of non-fiction including biography, history, popular science and social science (the biography of Charles Lindbergh and “Guns, Germs and Steel” come to mind). I’m also inspired by books relating to Buddhism, eastern spirituality and mythology. I particularly enjoyed “The Power of Now” (Tolle) and “The Hero With a Thousand Faces” (Campbell). Herman Hesse is one of my favorite fiction authors. Finally, Shakespeare and plays in general are beginning to grow on me. When I can, I love going to the “Shakesperiance” workshop where we get to read one of his plays in its entirety out loud and discuss it.

As far as music goes, my favorite genres are classical, classic rock, new age, folk, Celtic and Eastern European, although there’s always room for some of the classics from my childhood (“Bridge over Troubled Water”, “Hey Jude”, “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, and many others from the post-Presley, pre-Disco era.)

I'm pretty eclectic when it comes to movies, shows and food.

Meditation
Music
Nature
Exercise
Community
Authenticity

How to live a life that matters; finding ways I can be of service.

Recovering from the week, eating with friends or catching a movie.

Spirituality, love of nature and authentic connection are important to you.