Gregory Paul Johnson
Interests
Advising. Gregory enjoys being able to offer advice to people from a holistic perspective - drawing from his areas of interest and his professional career described above. Has provided informal support to college students since 2001 assisting with everything from academics to fitness. He pursues his interest of academic support through the Academic Services Resource Group.
Bicycling. Whether it is pouring rain, 100 degrees, or 30 degrees below zero, Gregory commutes by bicycle all year-round. His interest in bike riding began in the 1970s when he participated in several annual bike rides across Iowa (RAGBRAI). He has ridden as much as 200 miles in two days. Presently, Gregory promotes bicycles and alternative transportation methods through the Life Mobility Transportation Group.
Consumer Advocacy. Gregory pursues his interest in consumer advocacy as the director of the Consumer Defense Resource Group. Gregory also offers testing and evaluation of products and services. He provides reports on his findings through the Resources for Life newsletter.
Languages. Gregory earned a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Iowa. He is conversationally fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language. He pursues his interest in Sign Language through the Silent Communications Resource Group. Other languages of interest include Hebrew and Arabic.
Music. Gregory began his study of piano at the age of 5. Not a strong sight-reader, Gregory enjoys "composing" his own improvisational music. He also reviews music each month from various genres of contemporary music and provides written reviews of songs in the Resources for Life Newsletter. From these monthly selections, an annual Heart Songs Audio CD is created.
Politics. Because of his varied interests, Gregory's involvement in politics goes beyond traditional sectarian partisanship. He provides political analysis through the Resources for Life newsletter and access to online political resources through the Political Resource Group.
Photography. Gregory's photographic work includes nature, still life, architecture, portraits, wildlife, art, and more. His photos have been used by news agencies such as the Columbia News Service and the Kansas City Star. Selections from his portfolio of photography are available online. Gregory pursues his interest in photography through the Photography Resource Group and Resources for Life Photography.
Public Speaking. Gregory has traveled in the U.S. and Canada to speak on a variety of topics including technology, sustainable housing, and religion. For example, Gregory was asked to speak at a state-wide Islamic conference in Iowa. His speech was attended by hundreds of Muslims from the region.
Religion. Gregory has been asked to speak at religious conferences to address various topics of theology and observance. His 20-year practice and study of religions has culminated in various writings and web pages such as "Christian-Jewish Fusion," "The Ruth Project," "Islamic Life," and "Jesus for Judaism." His provocative writing, "A Vegetarian Visits a Kosher Slaughter House" was well received by vegetarians and meat eaters alike. It appeared as story #5 in the March 2006 edition of the Resources for Life Newsletter. His writing on Passover was printed in the Iowa magazine "Jewish Spark." Gregory developed a new religion called Adonaikido Life, although he does not practice it. He is currently following and refining the Holistic Life Management System - a minimalist approach to living that incorporates all areas of life including finances, career, fitness, and nutrition.
Simple Living. As a minimalist interested in simple living, Gregory is a coordinator for the Small House Society, an organization that has been nationally recognized as instrumental in the Small House Movement. Because the Small House Society is volunteer supported, his position is non-paid.
Video Production. Through the Life Media Group and Resources for Life TV, Gregory has enjoyed video recording and production including a brief documentary about Amma, "The Hugging Saint." Gregory was one of the few people in North America permitted to video tape in her presence.
Wellness and Weight Loss. Gregory developed a weight loss and fitness program that allowed him to successfully lose over 100 pounds. He promotes health, fitness, and wellness through the Health Resource Group at Resources for Life.
Writing. Gregory has been writing regularly for over 20 years. His Resources for Life Newsletter is received by readers on every continent and has been distributed monthly since 1999. Some of his writings have been published, such as his writing on Passover that was printed in the Iowa magazine "Jewish Spark."
