User:Richardphung/Lifestyle

Spirituality, Consciousness, and Understanding
Of the many factors that have influenced Richard's conceptualization of reality are writings and experiences with a variety of these schools of thought: Buddhism, Existentialism, Positivism, Hinduism, Empiricism, among many others.

Richard actively engages in activities and learning that work to challenge and unravel the layers of consciousness. He believes that direct experience is the only affirmation of reality, but acknowledges that energy is displaced and manifests into an infinite number of forms outside or under direct observation of which the primitive human senses cannot detect. Quantum Mechanics, Singularity, Complexity, and Brahman are frameworks that Richard continues to use to further understand the nature of existence. Nothingness is an abstract concept that perpetuates his pursuit of understanding.

Hobbies/Activities
Richard has invested interests in a large number of activities that include mountain sport and travel. He has visited at least a dozen states in the U.S., has dipped in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and has taken two international journeys. In his time in the New England Area, he has reached the top of a dozen +5000 ft peaks and has traversed miles of the Appalachian Trail. Richard enjoys kayaking, backpacking, cycling, camping, and rock climbing. Although bordering amateur enthusiast, he enjoys these activities and would not pass-up opportunities to engage them.

Utility, primarily concerned with Decision Making and Survivalism, is a primary interest of Richard. Meticulous arrangement and organization of otherwise Chaotic Systems under the guises of contemporary Feng Shui can be considered activities that define Richard Phung's lifestyle. Time and special interests reside in Engineering, Home Improvement, and Systems Integration. Richard enjoys recreational study of Firearms and Martial Weaponry, although his current claim to these past time activities is nonexistent. Richard occasionally dabbles in twirling and juggling arts.

Richard appreciates finely crafted beers, and has been affiliated with a number of special interest groups centered around sampling and recreating such handicraft. In his travels, Richard makes special note to visit regional breweries to explore the local varieties of the brew. Richard's standpoint on recreational substances is vague at best, but he has spent a substantial portion of time investigating the psychological implications of hallucinogens. His research has included but is not limited to LSD, Psilocybin, 2CB, and 2CI, but the extent of and the conclusions resulting from this research is inconclusive. Richard does claim that he feels that the overall impact of THC and Marijuana on the human physiology (considering social and ethical implications) is rather insignificant, but his own engagement of these substances is speculative at best.

Despite turbulent experiences in early childhood with formal musical training, Richard loves to reproduce his favorite popular music through the guitar.

Richard engages in regular weight training and cardiovascular exercise. His interests and motivation to attain a state of consistent health and well-being may be influenced by genetic predispositions for particular illnesses.

Richard is very interested in Transhumanism and researching methods that humans have adapted to exceed their physical and cognitive limitations.