Eric Wootton

I had the true pleasure of making Eric's acquaintance at Tent Surf in Colorado. After a few hellish storms moved through the valley Eric generously offered his Hotel room as refuge and we had a real chance to connect. I am sure like so many in his life Eric was there for me in a critical moment and was able to remind me of the wonder and beauty in the world when I needed to hear it the most. If Eric is in your life then know that you must be doing something right.

I feel like I've been given a gift by being introduced to Eric. We shared some deep and personal conversation, and spent 3 days camped out together in the Colorado mountains at Tent Surf. I imagine we would have met eventually given that we have an extraordinary number of mutual friends... I'm so lucky it was sooner than later. Eric is an amazing human being... hands down one of the most genuine people I've ever met. You ought to meet him, too.

 

At Burning Man we shared the mutual understanding of the importance of dancing to good beats.
At TentSurf we continued dancing on different levels.
He is deep, steady, open minded, loving, caring, curious, not easily fooled, sweet, a lekker ding, FUN to hang around with and way more. I hope to continue dancing with him :-)

 

I was staying at Arcosanti, Arizona and came across Eric in a search for nearby couchsurfers. He came to visit, joined in with the Harvest Festival, and was such a sociable and attentive presence! He's got tonnes of energy, shows interest in lots of things and I was enthralled listening to his stories. Such a generous spirit.

 

I meet Eric at an Arcosanti Harvest Festival! He is great energy living life by his terms! Bravo! Only talked for a while, however nothing but amazing stories and fun times! See you at Burning Man next year...i'm sold!

 

Eric is a big ball of fun. I love his honesty and openness with who he is. In the short time I have known him we have had some good deep convo and some fun times.

I look forward to crazier adventures in the future with you Eric. ;)

 

This man's mind astounds me! I don't know if there is any topic he can't wax philosophical about for hours. Eric makes me want to be a better reader, thinker and person. He gives great hitchhiking advice and challenges me in previous assumptions. When my shoes got "borrowed" at Burning Man, he was there to gift me with a new pair of boots. He is kind, generous and I hope to talk to him in person again someday.

 

We were destined to meet eventually, as we've been orbiting each other for years, swinging in for an occasional driveby... We shared many experiences at Burning Man: deep thoughts, emotional healing, crazy fun dancing, and all kinds of hugs!!! I'm sure we'll be meeting again soon.

really motivated individual - intelligent and interesting with good stories to tell.
and he really looks fabulous in shinny slilky lyra golden flare pants.
--------------------------------------
after hosting him for a few days I was able to discover what a deep person and wonderful individual he is and really quite powerful communicator. He just was the perfect couch surfer and was always thinking of ways that he could prove his appreciation. it was quite amazing, he is very committed to the experience being extremely positive for the household.
plus he just loved my art and really inspired me and motivated me to do a huge art project out at burningman ... thanx 4 believeing in my ability

 

Eric and Jamie are ver special persons, respectful, kind, just gorgeous. I thank God to met people like you!

Great guy...he is the reason I looked into this. You won't have any regrets.

Eric is an interesting cat. I have actually walked through a minefield with him in southern Iraq. We went on the ultimate road trip: In the aftermath of the invasion of Iraq, we hitch hiked on military convoys (a long complicated story) and got to see the ruins of Babylon.

 

I used to think Eric Wotten and I were very different people. As we grew, matured, and went our seperate ways over time: we came back together many months later and I relaized "wow, we are more alike than I ever thought"... I have a lot of respect for Eric. He's always working to better himself and improve upon all his knowledge... hang around him and it will become contagious upon you.

 

I met Eric for the first time in 2006 at Burningman. Since than our paths crossed many times unexpected and wonderful. It started of in San Francisco, furhter in Quincy, norhtern California, half around the globe in Nelson, New Zealand and the circle closes a year later on Burningman again. I love knowing Eric and enjoy his many philosophical thoughts and talks. Where will we meet next Eric? ;)

 

UPDATE SEPT 08:
I was really glad I got to hang out with Eric at BM 08. I got to know him far better and really enjoyed the times we spent together, especially the night four of us just sat out in the middle of the playa. He really has an interesting take on life and I am sure everyone could learn something from him.

Eric is a lovely guy with some amazing stories to tell he is still only young but has lead a really interesting life. If you were ever in trouble I am sure he would be there to help out.

It was great meeting you Eric and hearing the stories you had to tell. I hope we get to meet again.

 

...no words would be enough and still i couldn't stop talking about & with eric.
we are kindred spirits. just a look is enough to get the energy flowing.
he introduced me to new perceptions in/on life - his amazing knowledge and experiences are simply liberating. can't wait for the book...!

Eric is a cousin and I've watched him grow at family reunions into a conscientious, responsible man. We had the chance to talk in more depth last year and that's how I learned about this site and opportunity.

Growth, love, and inspiration stem from him and I think he is wonderful.

 

Eric had en inseparatable relationship with his pillow for the weekend that was so hysterical to watch. I am glad he didnt decide to be a truck driver so that maybe we can party again under the stars.....there is always fire mountain 2008:)

 

Eric and I shared a lot of experiences, stories and philosophies on the back porch of St. Denis Collective. He helped me shop and cook. We just have a great connection because our spirits are on a similar wave length. He is really smart and focused and so open to learn everything in and about life. Take him in and you will have a wonderful friend. He is my other brother. I love this man

He's really a super-delightful human, out there philosophically experiencing the world, surprisingly good at mediating and working through emotional conflict, and he's a particularly rare kind of honest person that really goes all out to keep his word. And when you get him in the right kind of mood, boy, is he fun at parties. You should definitely say yes if he wants to surf your couch.

Give him a Big Wet Sloppy Kiss for me, but do treat him gently as he is a bit "Faint of Heart"!

 

I had with Eric some amazing conversations. He impresses me by the incredible road he had been traveling and how well he did it, the way he craves for life and being a better person. I would enjoy meeting him anytime anywhere again, to have some more endless talks with him and now how does this journey continue.

 

Eric is one of those person I admire because they can do great things and stay simple at the same time. Good times and conversations I won't forget. And no guys.. Eric is not trying to convice me to strip !! haha. Looking forward to see him again someday, somewhere.
---
June 2008 : He welcomed me in his family for a week and showed me around. I can express how much I enjoyed my time in his company. Ask him to take you to the Kaleidoscope shop ! ;-)

 

I waited a long time to meet my friend Eric here in person... first there was working on The War On Them, then a great visit on the phone, but the traveling man still continued to travel. Finally, he headed home to AZ for a visit, and I had my chance - and he does not disappoint. What really strikes you about Eric is how PRESENT he is with you; he's not just a great listener but an honest speaker, and willing to share. While we have just begun the process of getting to know each other, there are very few people I am more looking forward to getting to know better than Eric.

 

It was so nice to meet Eric finally. He was warm, friendly and genuine. I am inspired by his journey and look forward to more War On Them episodes.

eric has a refreshing zest for life...his craving for new and amazing experiences inspires me...

great photographer, badass hiker b/c he held off complaining until the end, my personal entertaiment in duoship with Monika, taught me some kick-butt Marine defensive training, and great wonderful funny guy

 

Eric and I met at the CSC in Montreal, had some intense discussions over a dark book, shared some good laugh, some sadness too. We are now working together on this super project, I'm so glad I can help. Life will make our paths cross for sure. i love you a lot :D

Eric's a fountain of knowledge. Ask him about philosophy or financial freedom, he'll have something interesting to say I'm sure. Eric's welcome to surf my couch any time.

 

Eric is a smart guy who's living his life courageously and pushing himself to try new things, enter new scenes, and understand the structure and dynamics of the world we live in, and to be honest and high integrity while he's at it. I look forward to my future interactions with him.

 

Eric's a wonderful guy who's had varied experiences and been through quite a bit...I look forward to getting to know him better...and am sure I will see him somewhere on our travels :-)

Eric spends a lot of time meta-thinking and his endless deep topics of conversation hurt my brain sometimes. In a good way.

Eric is good value as we say in NZ! I look forward to getting to know Eric better.

 

More than anyone else at the Collective, Eric and I have talked deeply about things that are important to me: spirituality, animal cruelty, and business models which empower employees. In the process, I have come to know and like him well, even though he still eats meat after watching the 'Earthlings' video. Can't win them all!

 

Eric is a great guy. He has helped CS in many ways. I look forward to knowing him better in the near future. He's becoming quite the star!

 

Eric is the Ultimate experience whore, living on both sides of the reality spectrum and returning with awesome insights into how the world and people work. He's taught me tons about the practical matters in living a whole life, as a true Ajnana Yogi.

I think changing the world and changing your mind are approximately as difficult. Eric inspired me to remember that you don't try to do these things because they're easy. You do them because they are worthwhile. In that gut-level, soul-satisfying sense of the word. I mean, he's awesome.

When I met Eric I was inspired by his determination and natural leadership skills. He lives life to the fullest because he knows all to well that it could be gone. His analogies are priceless and his potential is infinite.

 

This guy can hold an excellent conversation, that leaves folks talking for weeks. He knows when to blow and when to leave 'em hanging. An insane curiosity for life will take him everywhere he wants to go.

He is like no other friend or should i say brother any one can have!

wow- I just realized I was calling Eric Bobby. Sorry! My new reference reads as follows: Love me some ERIC! Great guy. Funny and offered to fix things around the house. Wonderful company to have.

Mardi Gras with Eric (although short) was super fun. Eric's a great guy and is on an amazing adventure.

I met eric at the couch surfing collective in Montreal. Sadly we didn't have the time to get to know each other much, he just arrived while I had to leave. Though I remember some great talks we had together and looking forward to seeing him again someday.

It was fun to meet someone with similar a similar mind set and in to the same things. It was a great experience.

 

Eric is a great guy. Fun to hang out with and you can always something interesting will happen when you are around him.

 

These guys are on such a wonderful journey. They are model couchsurfers.

have to say, hosting eric and bobby was a total trip! charming, intelligent, fun, all-around amazing guy. besides, who wouldn't want two marines as nighttime escorts?? my roommates and i were sorry to see them go! good luck guys!

 

I feel so fortunate to know Eric and have him in my life! He is such an amazing person. I like to tease him a lot but that's only because I love him so so much! I'm really happy to be part of the adventure he is on right now (even if it is from far away!)

 

Eric is an enlightened Marine. On his arm, he has a "USMC" tattoo; on his back, in bigger letters, "LOVE." That pretty much sums him up. I like and respect Eric for many reasons and am delighted to have met (and hosted) him.

 

Eric surfed with a good friend of mine last summer, and while he was in town we went to a baseball game. I had a great time talking to Eric about CS and his travels. He is very likeable, easy to get along with, and dedicated to CS.

I really enjoyed being part of Eric and Bobby's San Antonio Experience. They are on a very inspiring adventure, and I hope one day our paths cross again. I also hope the Election 2000 Scarf story makes Episode 4.

It was a pleasure to meet and host such respectful and pleasant young men. I hope our paths will cross again soon.

 

Eric and Bobby came through San Antonio as part of their big video trip around the world. They're the kind of couch surfers we'd all like to be.

eric and bobby stayed at my place just 1 night. we talked a lot and they were making this cs travel video. we had a lot of ideas in common, yes with gringos!!! hope i can see him again :)

It was such a pity that we couldn't make the interview about american stereotypes because that crazy woman!! But Eric and Bobby are amazing and their show is good too!

Eric is a very honest, trustworthy person.

they came over and didn't do me any bodily harm.... lol this was my first experience and it was pretty cool.

 

Eric is an extremely insightful human being who will make you laugh to no avail and cause you to examine your beliefs.

 

Eric has a million great ideas....I'm looking forward to seeing what he and Bob do with all of it!!

 

Eric arrived at the Collective, organized the crap out of us, became my confidante & political inspiration, & quit smoking (thank goodness). He knows that he's doing. Absolutely trustworthy.

 

Eric is inspirational. He is kind, intelligent, and motivates people in the most positive way - by living and loving life. I am changed forever just by knowing him and I feel blessed to have him in my life.

 

This guy and his traveling buddy Robert Seitzberg have had enough life experience to make for wisdom way beyond their years. Eric is the kind of guy who is so adventurous, open-minded and such an attentive listener that you may find yourself telling him all your secrets, so watch out! I'm lucky enough to be able to cross paths with Eric in at least 3 different places in the US and Canada this year. Looks like I got a friend for life...

Eric came as a couchsurfer and left as a true friend... that's what we all hope for right? I've enjoyed many giggling moments with this wonderful guy and I'm certain there are many more in our future. Some day, we'll be sitting on a bright'n'furry porch swing sipping lemonade and gazing over the white picket fence watching the world go by. Until then, I'm happy to be your counselor... so long as you can keep planning my life!

Thanks for all your work Eric and what you have done for CS. You are really a great person! very nice to meet you!

 

It was inspiring to learn of Eric (and the “guys”) development of their tv show. I hope that bears fruit and cultivates the masses so we can turn this country around.

 

Fortunately, I was able to meet Eric as he passed through Toronto on his world tour, and then again in Montreal and BRC. Eric is a story-teller, and inquisitive conversationalist, and an attentive listener. If you have the chance to spend time with him, I highly recommend you do.

My hope is that Eric will become less fearful of me as he realizes that he may be doing the "us" "them" thing himself when he thinks of and fears me ;) - the US vs. Them thing is HUGE in Anthropology and is also referred to as "Othering" - We are all the same! xox Dani

Eric is a quick on his feet and business savvy dude. He has you figured out in a flash and will provide worthy advice.

Eric is extremely confident, yet compassionate, and knows he can learn something from everyone around him. He is a man of his word, a deep thinker, a great story-teller, and a guy who makes things happen.

 

An entrepreneur with a bibliography. Take notes, and roll with the debate. mehtnoraw viva.

eric has an open mind, and is ready to learn and grow - taking it easy along the way. i was happy to meet eric and bob, and glad to hear they'll be floating around sf for a bit.

I really enjoyed hearing about Eric's former life experience and present dreams.....

 

Eric was a very interesting person to meet here in Montreal, we had many a night out, good luck at burning man.

 

a really cool dude, very interesting to talk to!

It's funny, but I think Eric and I are actually friends, although we're more or less opposites. We've agreed to disagree about certain things, and lo and behold, there are many things that we can learn from eachother, and actually agree on. Strange.

 

Eric and I had some great conversations at the collective. He definitely seems like a cool guy and it'll be good to hang out with him again sometime.

Fantastic time and good guy to have around!

 

I can say that Eric is an hilarious guy even ( with my english...) if sometimes I don't understand his jokes !! He is a good party partner. Hope to see you again for a poutine or to be killed at pool !

 

Erik is a kick-ass dude.

 

Eric is a very smart Marine. He has had interesting life experinences and looks to make a lot more happen - what more can you want in life? I think he is an all around good guy.

Eric has a great life story to share, i really admire his ability to leave everything behind, travel and see the world around him. also he really needs to learn how to cook more than boxed mac and cheese. see you at black rock city....

 

Eric and I played chess and talked about the value of life till late in the cooling down balcony of CSC headquarter in Montréal.
He has experienced the extreme survival condition which opened up his eyes to patches of spectrum in the world which are invisible to many.
I am glad that someone like you have survived through the desert storm in Iraq. We definitely had a blast in trying to get on each other's nerves, but we had a ssecret protocol that assured that we would always stay cool. His way of thinking is so simple yet dymanic and fascinating.
Another wonders of the humanity. . .
Happy surfing!!

Eric is an interesting guy with a lot to say, good for a laugh or a chat. It`s easy to be relaxed in his company.

 

Eric is a whole universe of comedy, tragedy and love, and by love i mean seduction. Our talks are always potent and contain both complexity and the lightness of humanity. Besides a man in uniform is always somethin' to have around. i love this guy!!!

 

Eric came to the CSC and gave it an electrochoc! His vision will definately help take CS 2.0 to the next step.

I met Eric listening to electronic music on an island in Montreal. I wanted to talk to him forever! He has such an old soul!

Nice guy, really open minded, he great to talk to, great listener! and good luck in your "around the world" trip, :)

Eric was a fantastic guest -- he definitely has a lot of interesting stories to tell. He also laughed at quite a few of my jokes, which was surprising since they weren't funny. Enjoy the rest of your trip, Eric! You're always welcome back here. Hopefully we will meet again in our travels!

Eric is one of my closest friends. He's an outside of the box thinker and one of the coolest people I know. You'll love him.

 

The hookah man cometh! I've known E for only a few days and I'm already "hooked". Great guy!

 

Eric is a great guy, and a lot more than meets the eye. You've got to get to know him. I'd recommend him anytime.

He and I are best friends and will be for life.