Derren

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

I am in Santa Barbara, CA and happy to meetup for tea or meditation.

Description

I'm excited to connect with other people around the world that share a vision of co-creating a more beautiful existence for all. That could look like cultivating consciousness community, deeper connection to self, finding harmony with nature, inspiring others through art, or leading people to remember their highest potential. I love learning, growing, and open to new perspectives that broaden my appreciation for life. I have been gifted with many talents from a wide range of disciplines including but not limited to art, music, design, business, working with my hands, and service. A few things near and dear to my heart are meditation, tea, and poetry.

Interests

Self development

Sustainability

Vegetarian or vegan

Videography

Technology

Events & social

Farming

Charity work

Culture

Plant care

Music

DIY & crafts

Art & design

Blogging

Gardening

Photography

Writing

Performing arts

Drawing & painting

Yoga / Wellness

Outdoor activities

Nature

Hiking

Mountain

Dancing

Fitness

Camping

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Tagalog: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I'm interested in learning Spanish, Tagalog, or Punjabi. I am able to teach English if a curriculum provided.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Animal Care

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Some knowledge of:  

Eco Projects

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Life at a Farmstay

Babysitting and creative play

General Maintenance

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Able to teach about:  

Charity Work

Art Projects

Languages

Teaching

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

Helping with Computers/ Internet

House sitting

Being an elderly companion

More details about your skills

I have been an entrepreneur for 19 years and have played many roles within a digital business with the exception of programming. My skills in this space would be too long to list everything, but everything from photo, video, graphic, web design, social media, marketing, operations, business development, and more. I have run a creative agency for over 12 years, a mobile app development company for 3, a social media marketing company for 5, and currently own and operate a mindful tea house.

Travel Experience
I lived overseas in Phillipines for about 2 years. I lived as a digital nomad traveling the world for about 5 years. I have lived in eco villages, communities, and permaculture farms for 2 to 3 years and have visited 15-25 community projects around the world, but primarily in Central America and California.

Most notably
I did an apprenticeship at Finca Morpho in Costa Rica and have spent probably a year on that land in a community that fluctuated between 25 and 50 people. This was more regenerative agriculture focused.
I did an apprenticeship at the Mystical Yoga Farm in Guatemala and spent probably 4 months on that land living in a community of about 10 with up to 20 guests. This was more hospitality focused.

I worked with the land, designed landscapes, planted food, aided in the kitchen, cleaned, performed maintenance, and facilitated events. I am a great decorator and designer to create sacred spaces, altars, and livable areas.

I am physically fit and able to perform physical labor. I am not the best cook or construction worker, but a great assistant in those fields if someone else takes the lead. It has been a few years since I have lived the permaculture lifestyle, so my knowledge may be a bit rusty, but I'm sure it will come back quickly when I am fully immersed in the environment again.

I am a community leader here in California and host a weekly meditation for free as part of my sewa (selfless service). I have traveled to over 33+ countries and studied a variety of spiritual lineages and schools of thought. I am a Sikh, but do not preach my way of life to anyone and respect everyone's individual path. I have held over 1,000+ events in my lifetime ranging from cha dao tea ceremonies, sound baths, meditation, breathwork, authentic relating, self inquiry, and creative expression workshops such as dance or poetry. I help co-lead two retreats around the world every year and these days my primary practices are rooted in mantra meditation and sewa (selfless service).

I have many more skills, but my primary areas of focus are business, eastern spirituality, and permaculture.

Age

39

What else ...

I am very easy. going and enjoy living a relaxed and peaceful life. My family used to run an English cultural exchange in San Francisco, CA. I couch surfed for a few years and met a lot of amazing people through that experience when I was younger. A few other fun facts, I have a published poetry book, I am a very good dancer, I play 10 instruments, I am hyper creative, I am independent, but can take direction as well depending on what is needed. I love supporting others, lifting others up, and celebrating their wins. I enjoy work and working with others, but can also manage myself if needed. I do not strive to be on stage, but if someone wants to put me there I am happy to share my gifts and shine. I have been on the path of awakening for 10+ years. I love creating beautiful soulful experiences for people. I love to create beauty. I do not smoke, drink, or do drugs, but I do drink copious amounts of tea which I am happy to share as well. =P

There is much more, but if you've made it this far we should probably setup a video call so we can see if we are aligned.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  No

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  Special dietary requirements
  Vegetarian