stephen wayne hicks

The highlight of my early childhood was loving parents. I recall a sense of wonder and inquisitiveness while not yet conversing well or reading. I had many questions for anyone who would listen. I remember kindergarden with about twenty kids and that my sister helped me learn to read. I went horseback riding, fishing, visited the zoo, went on plane rides to visit my grand-parents, went fishing, went on boat rides near Alcatraz, went camping, especially at California Beach Parks and learned to ski at Mammoth and Big Bear. I played pinball at my grandfather's house which was a big deal for a young kid.

The family unit changed to include a step-father when I was still young. I was given chores, disciplined harshly and woke up to a different reality. I was encouraged to participate in the Boy Scouts and joined a particularly large troop. I camped all over California and went on long hikes. I also went to Yosemite every summer and really enjoyed it. While I wasn't busy with the Boy Scouts, I went on charter fishing boats on weekends. I also had a paper route, even though I got a decent allowance. My first actual volunteer job was landscaping work for a charity, prior to becoming an Eagle Scout. I now feel that Scouting was too strict and unbalanced, similar to my military experience.

Although intelligent, I was always encouraged to read and study. I began studying philosophy, religion and vocations for social change in my early teens.

In my mind, this became good ammunition to counter peer pressure and pressure from relatives to "just go to college and all your questions will be answered." I didn't trust peers or relatives, seriously considered, then declined the pursuit of college and became a conscientious objector in the military, which was very serious and I was fortunate to prevail with an Honorable Discharge.

During this period of time, I spent several months at Ananda Meditation Retreat, in Nevada City, CA. This was mind blowing for me, as I learned about Hindu tradition, meditation and yoga postures, while doing work to earn my room and board. Swami Kriyananda, during satsangs, told us we would always be called to a safe place. Fortuantely, I always kept faith in this prediction, though at times in my life, there was a lot of turmoil.

I have one real friend, my girl-friend and have been a lifelong volunteer