Explorer, Traveler, Coach, Granddad, Argentine Tango dancer
Hi! I'm Nat Couropmitree (Ca-ROPE-ma-tree).
My surname was given to my family by the abbot of a Thai Buddhist temple when my dad’s family immigrated to Thailand. It’s a fusion of two Sanskrit words: ‘Courop’ which translates to respect and ‘Mitree’ which translates to unity, friendship, or loving-kindness.
I’ve been a spiritual explorer, looking to find meaning and understand life. I like noticing what is often overlooked. I like seeing different perspectives.
Throughout my life, whether it was studying anthropology, working for 15 years as a life coach, or talking to people I meet while traveling, I’ve always been interested in people’s stories, how their experiences shaped their behaviors and sense of identity, and how they see the world.
When I travel, I get curious about the possibilities available to me when I see behaviors different from my own. For example, I wonder why road rage is not as common in Thailand as it is in the United States even though driving is more erratic than here. Or at one point in Madeira Portugal, why was I already stressing and expecting a judgmental ‘no’ response when I asked to use a random restaurant’s restroom and it turned out to be no big deal? Being in new environments and learning about people helps me get to know myself better.
I also travel to enjoy the richness of life –
For me, travel and life are not about checking stuff off a list and saying I did that. (Although, there was a time when this was true.) It’s about having the experience; taking in the sounds, smells, textures, and sights; feeling all the feels; being fully present with it all; and, noticing what emerges and unfolds. Years later I may not always remember the exact details of what happened but I’ll have touchpoints and remember how it made me feel.
Personality Profiles:
Human Design: 2/4 Generator
Enneagram: 9 (The Peacemaker)
Myers-Briggs: INFP