So who am I? I am fascinated by systems. I know, I know, you say, "What????? 'systems', how boring!", but hold-on, much of the cool stuff in nature and technology breaks-down to the interactions of the pieces of a bigger thing, a system. Systems have parts that interact; these interactions can make life interesting (more about systems). There is a philosophy of life that proclaims that a person is wise who can keep a childlike wonder about the world. I aim to keep that wonder (example of an amazing system).

The delicate balance of the basic forces of nature creates the Universe we know. Understanding these principles is a great joy. I am a life long learner.

Balance is essential.

Balance is achieved through a synthesis of mind, body and spirit. These parts of being human compose a system with the interplay and feedback that is generally inherent in systems. The results are often as surprising as any observed elsewhere in nature.

The intellectual understanding of nature is fun, but the physical part of being human must be recognized as well. Health and fitness are important. To keep the animal fit whether a horse, a dog or a man, a significant part of each day should be devoted to vigorous physical activity. In Bellingham, Washington there are great trails (RideGalbraith). This geography provides the opportunity to mountain bike on single track trails.  Riding trails deep into the forest, feeling, hearing and smelling the natural world, challenges the body while refreshing the spirit. The frequent crashes make the 'feeling' a little hard at times, but the scratches and bruises are are a small price for the healing smell of pine and the soothing sound of wind in the trees.

The third part of the human system is the spirit. A good spirit can be cultivated, and the act of cultivation produces good feelings. This cycle of good begetting good is an important feedback process of the human system. Spirituality is personal; as such, one should proclaim one's own beliefs, in humility and not pass judgment on another's beliefs. I understand that some would disagree and claim to have received instructions directly from a higher power. Even so, humility is essential to grow in good spirit. We should refrain from proclaiming that our beliefs are superior to another persons. Having stated that, it is good and could be helpful to others to confess one's beliefs. I believe that we each must find a purpose to be happy. I have chosen to believe that the purpose of life is to grow the density of goodness of the Universe. This, I believe, is done by accepting other individuals as they are, by embracing the goodness in one’s self and by helping others recognize the goodness in themselves. Simply, to be nice and not nasty, to help others feel good. My choice of purpose is not to the exclusion of a higher power. To the question of the existence of a higher power, I must, in humility, confess that I don’t have the answer. I will admit that I am biased toward a belief in God by my early childhood upbringing. In fact, I have chosen, as an adult, to believe in Goodness (more on my beliefs).

Balancing the sometimes opposing drives of being human- body, mind and spirit is challenging. Facing this challenge is necessary to grow in goodness. Life’s challenges, our experiences, make us or break us. I choose to be made better by these challenges. (special interests)