My understanding of physical autonomy began at home.

My father was a Master Fitness Instructor for the U.S. Military, and I grew up watching my mother wake every morning at 05:00 to train her body. From them, I learned early that caring for the body is not simply an activity—it is a practice and a responsibility.

That path eventually led me to the U.S. Army, where I served as a U.S. Paratrooper at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Throughout my life, I continued exploring what the human body is capable of through bodybuilding, powerlifting, semi-competitive roller skating, Kung Fu, Capoeira, Yoga, Russian Kettlebells, gymnastics, sport and traditional rock climbing, and many other forms of physical training.

Eventually, my exploration moved beyond strength, performance, and physical achievement. I discovered Qi Gong and Tai Chi, along with Taoism and meditation.

These practices changed my understanding of what it means to be physically capable.

Physical autonomy isn't simply about being strong. It is about developing the awareness, mobility, balance, coordination, breath, and confidence to participate fully in your own life.

It is learning to understand your body, listen to it, challenge it appropriately, and care for it—so that your physical practice serves your life rather than becoming an end in itself.

This is the foundation of Mixed Wellness Arts: helping people develop a body they can live in with greater freedom, awareness, and confidence.

My exploration of consciousness began with Christianity. Raised in the Christian tradition, I eventually found myself drawn toward the possibility of becoming a pastor. That desire led me into a deeper exploration of faith, meaning, and the nature of a life well lived.

As life unfolded, I discovered Stoicism, which gave me a different framework for understanding discipline, adversity, responsibility, and the things within our control.

From Stoicism, my path led deeper into rock climbing. What began as a sport gradually became something more—a practice in presence, awareness, trust, and confronting fear.

Over time, I was drawn toward Taoism and its understanding of balance, naturalness, and living in accordance with the way things are. Alongside this, I discovered Shamanic practices, which I found to be a beautiful complement to my Taoist philosophy and an invitation to experience consciousness in a more direct and experiential way.

These traditions have never represented a single doctrine for me. They have been different lenses through which I have explored the same fundamental questions:

How do we live?
How do we relate to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us?
And how do we become more present to the life we are actually living?

This ongoing exploration of consciousness is an essential part of Mixed Wellness Arts.