you make a very good point :) im not a prepper but i do enjoy buying gear and knives In one of your other videos you said that instead of putting your money and time into making an object better, you put your time into yourself and exercising, and i have lived by that rule ever since i heard it from you ive been working to improve my body and mind ever since and though i still cannot make a fire using a hand drill im still working away at it. you're a very knowledgeable man and id hope to someday meet you but until then i'll just watch your videos :)
Thank you! You just made my day by sharing how my videos have impacted you! I'm guessing you've seen my hand drill tutorial? Are there any tips I could share? =) Kenton
i have watched it a couple times :) still need to train my hands though but can you tell me whether you use your palms to rub the spindle or do you use your fingers ?
I keep telling people that there is thousands of years of native american spoken history. The knowledge is out there, gear will only save you for a short time. Things wear out, food stores will empty, emergency water will run dry. Thank you for this video more need to see it.
I agree, Chris. I'm all about having good equipment, but I also want to know that I can function without it if necessary. I hope this can inspire a few people to explore forging their own powers a bit more! =) Kenton
Keep telling people! What originally lead me to rewilding and bushcraft was an interest in prepping. But then, like you said, the thought occurred to me: “well what then? Things and food stores run out!”, and we won’t have made a life in which we can sustain ourselves and loved ones if it comes to that. Reigniting old traditions of storytelling and passing down practical knowledge will inspire and encourage others to try these things for themselves. And not only is there fun in trying it out, it could save lives!
Just the title of this video alone made me go "yes!" This is something I've been trying to explain to non-prepper family and friends for quite a while. They seem to think that prepping is synonymous with "hoarding," and that's just not true! (At least not for me and many others!) I'm actually a minimalist who really hates clutter in the home...I like most items in my home to be utilitarian/functional...so I'm really the opposite of a hoarder and I've had to be really judicious when selecting my physical preps. The great thing about prepping the mind, though, is that your "storage space" is pretty unlimited! And then if you get separated from your physical preps, you've still got means for survival right in your head. Thank you so much for the video!!
Just watched your video. I appreciated the thought that a few days without power could actually be enjoyable. Very true! Also loved the recognition that your attitude will affect the attitude of your family -- another important reason to train ourselves to be calm and confident when the going gets tough. =) Kenton
Thank you for this video! There were things here I needed to hear. I'm sure there are things here many folks need to hear so I thank you again for putting this video together and I hope it gets an ever increasing number of views.
Great episode! Love the mindset of being there for others. I just finished a series on how a second American civil war might happen, and so many of the examples of survival stories came down to communities coming together and new networks being built vs individuals stockpiling food and fear. Maybe the greatest prepping skill of all is being part of a local community and supporting your neighbors ^__^
You said it best at the end, the more skills you have the more confidence you'll have to respond responsibly to crisis and not react in panic. The more you practice these skills today, the better you'll be in a crisis. That goes for skills in using your gadgets. Just because you have a steel doesn't mean you can start a fire in one strike trying to beat hypothermia. Being able to carry that gear is another great point. But also knowing through practice which piece of gear is practical and which ones are redundant is so important. By practicing your skills today, you'll know what your limitations are and not be caught short on a real crisis. I think the only was to really develop your points one and two is through building and having confidence in your own skills and abilities through consistent practice. xoxo
I would so love to participate in one of your classes. I was in the Marine Corps and I have been to several National Rainbow Gatherings, so I'm no stranger to living in nature for extended periods of time. My main set backs are that I'm 47 years old and I suffer with lower back issues. (3 bulging and 2 herniated discs) I watched every video from Matt's journey and I must say I was a bit jealous. 11 months in nature would surely fix some ( if not all) of my ailments. Your knowledge and his ambition worked out to be so cool to watch. Have a great day and I am looking forward to more of your videos.
My friend, I have worked with people of all ages and fitness levels. I'm 45 myself! I also want to thank you for your service. You have my utmost respect! =) Kenton
I was a member of the Royal Observer Corps (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Observer_Corps) in the early 1970s, learning how to triangulate the position of nuclear strikes. I was a member of Scientists against Nuclear Arms (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientists_against_Nuclear_Arms) in the 1980s. And here we are worrying about countries like Iran and North Korea having nuclear capability. The sword of Damocles has been hanging over us all my adult life (and likely my childhood too, but we did not do 'duck and cover' here, so I was not aware of it). Yet we are still here. So be prepared, do what you can to prevent disaster, but don't get paralyzed by the fear - you could waste a whole lifetime that way.
About quitting nicotine or caffeine -> man, the feeling of liberation is so wonderful. The power that you feel when you know that your body is activating itself for you in the morning and you don't need to drink 1-2 coffees but the motivation and energy comes purely from within and you can activate that almost anytime you want like you would have before with a coffee or an energy drink. Only missing the taste and sensation of real coffee feels like a real loss. So sometimes I still drink one but often just for the taste and when there's no decaf. I don't miss energy drinks, though :)
First of all: THANK YOU! You have helped me change my life and staying on the positive side of things! I have evolved alot as a person, and you help me with that! I want to ask about some advice on how to get over fear for sleeping alone in the wild, I REALLY want to do it but the fear is taking over so im always pulling out. Best wishes to you and your family! God bless.
Thank you so much for letting me know that my videos have helped you! That means so much! Sleeping alone in the wild . . . that's tough for a lot of people. They'll come out to ReWildU and be quite afraid of the dark and the night. First, understand that this is normal in our culture. I've had a lot of people who SAY they're not afraid of being solo at night, but only a very few who really aren't. The biggest way I've usually helped people with this is to wait for an ultra-dark night, and I take them for an hours-long wander through the dark. They feel safe with me there, and I stop and help them develop curiosity about sounds, about that little glowing mushroom, about smells. Usually, people then begin to get curious about the night world. It is filled with wonders! The trick with this method is that you need someone very confident to go out with. Otherwise, you can just do it. This isn't pleasant, because it means you'll experience a lot of fear. But after a few weeks of sleeping out, most students out here report that they are MORE comfortable at night than in the day! Doing some campouts with just one other person can also help condition you. If you don't have anyone to do any of this with, I'd advise just taking an hour a week and getting up at two or three in the morning and sitting outside. Take in the night world, and actively condition your mind by noticing how quiet it is, how still and beautiful it is. If you hear a sound, go and investigate. You can take a flashlight with you if you want, but don't turn it on unless you really feel the need to. Many of my most amazing encounters have been at night. Stumps of glowing mushrooms, animals that almost step on my because I'm hiding so still, stunning northern lights. I hope this helps a little my friend! =) Kenton
Great video, esp the key topic of mindful meditation. Why is the best piece of gear YOU? We can start where there is no gear, there is only YOU. That means YOU are the gear. However, also consider every well-prepared individual: every single item in or on that backpack, satchel, chest rig, belt, pocket, boot, cache, and/or hat ... none of that gear can help truly unless YOU can use it: 1. Safely 2. Effectively 3. Responsibly That all includes all those food, alcohol, tobacco, drug, and firearm items ...
So important to remember. It's one thing to have an item in your pack, and another to know how to really use it. Thanks for this great reminder! =) Kenton
Great advices! Myself usually i eat once for day, might be at breakfast if i know i have a hard day ahead or at dinner (and usually this one is so to speak for social circumstances so my wife does not have to eat by herself). It started years ago as i began working as a cook, surrounded 10 hours for day by foods and smells till the point it was just enough a cheese dice or a spoon of soup to make me feel full. In a wild scenario living creatures do not have access to food whenever and most of all they eat when they feel hungry not out of boredom and culinary temptations as most of us humans do and even our pets (recently i discovered diet centers for dogs and cats exist for real!). The ideal as you say should be to test our own limits and push them further little by little till the point ain't anymore a drama if one is forced to skip one meal or six, a couple of nights of sleep or if has to stay without interacting with anything for few hours. Furthermore, it is well proven that periods of fasting are very beneficial for our health, brain, metabolism and self healing capacities; In the past it was codified through ritual practices, now modern science at least some fair part of it is disclosing also on that matter
Great content ! ! I agree that everyone who worries about some major event,should prepare by learning new skills.Being physically and mentaly fit are also key to surviving a mass nature event or otherwise.Look at the victims of Katrina,etc.
Hey Kenton, good to hear some sense in the prepping bubble, I was watching a video earlier on RUclips where an elderly and experimented "bare-hand survivalist" as he says was talking and demonstrating the uselessness of having a lot of gear. You might be interested by the video, it is called "The more you know, the less you carry" :) About the physical training, while speaking with a bodybuilder we've come across the "you're so skinny, should go to the gym" point of the discussion and I had a term coming out of nowhere that much applies to what you were talking about (and to what I'm not doing enough), I call that "effective muscles" or "effective training", more generally. Where some train to lift up and down 120 lbs, I prefer to spend my time lifting those 120 lbs (which are more or less my weight) around objects, just as in martial arts you come across display-based and effective techniques, those have their uses and the main problem is that lots of people train something, not being aware of what true use it has. (Hope this sentence is understandable...) About the medication part, I had an ex-girlfriend whose doctor "made" her take eleven different drugs each days, after a couple years she ended up with an acute pancreatitis (had the pancreas like after around 40 years of heavy alcoholism or heroin taking), turns out that where I used to live (Belgium), some doctors have contracts with pharmaceutical laboratories to prescribe certain drugs. That doctor also seemed to have an outstanding faith in drugs, aside the fact that he was a bad doctor (giving her medication she didn't even needed, because he didn't knew the optimal amount of iron needed in a young girl's blood). About fasting... this is a tough one for me, I was really underweighted for several years due to a lack of proper nutrition (also didn't had much muscles in the legs because of a severe MMORPG addiction), adding the fact that I naturally have almost no fat in my body, I never fasted more than 8 hours while having a low-paced day (when I was working in offices). Turns out that I'm hypoglycemic, and that it had already led me in dangerous situations in the wild ! I was first motivated to fast by Lanza Del Vasto's writings, but couldn't make it... thanks for sharing your wisdom, I've started to take a look at Fat-Adaptation, that I have discovered right now in your video, and it seems to be a clue to my healing ! Many thanks, may the dancing Duende bless your journey, Arthur :) (Appears this comment is really long, sorry about that !)
Long comments are always welcome, Arthur. Especially one like this, that holds so much valuable first-hand information. Thank you for taking the time to share all of this! =) Kenton
Excellent wise words. Mental fitness is very crucial. I have looked to the polish people for knowledge on how to maintain one's sovereignty, culture, and living without being owned by others. They have alway remained Polish even under the most terrible invasions and collapse. There are too many tactics they used to list hear, but resistance was the central strategy. The self improvement theme prevails. I suggest taking time to practice the old 1920's school basics. Read, write legibly in a journal, do math problems on paper, learn songs, and study the philosophers. Your right in fasting from the propaganda and sugar feeding stations. Replace these with the fat of the land. It comes in many forms.
Courage, Creativity, Calmness, Movement, Action, Motivation, Responsibility, Creator mentality (not Saviour-Victim dualism), Compassion, Calmness, Helping others, Sense of Community, Living in a Moment, Letting go of Fear, ... This is couple of things we need to remind ourselves about being human being, not human doing.
Well said and good info + explanation. I think survival skills and I will to survive is what will keep you alive in tough situations. I don't meditate and fast but I do exercise outside by running, doing pullups and using my bodyweight(calisthenics,movnat) I also like to do balance and agility training. Diet is just as important and eating healthy not over processed sugar foods. As for mental training, solitude in the wild helps.Thanks for the video and nice green forest background.
You're doing it -- I especially love that you're using running, calisthenics, and movnat as your movement foundation -- that makes for real-world fitness that will take you through the woods or over a mountain . . . =) Kenton
This is why I subscribe to you Kenton. You say truth. The main cause is money. A lot of the bigger channels go for more views and more $$$. Not all but the vast majority do. Their greed (making money helping people is fine but tailoring videos, information, and content to increase views for $ as their only criteria is greed) infects their audience. I'm much more selective these days. I like gear. I need gear but back to basics means skills.
Thanks for your words, my friend. I think that's one of the reasons I decided to never advertise on my channel -- I didn't want to be making money off of these, but rather providing a free resource that I hope will do some good in the world. I have my patreon page for people who freely choose to support my work, but I didn't want to force people to watch ads in order to access my content. Hearing this from you means a lot. I appreciate it. =) Kenton
I think having skills and knowledge trumps equipment any day. A good skill to know is how to start a fire with no tools, not even a knife. if you ever watch the show survivor 90% of the tribes can not get a fire going until they are awarded a flint and knife. And even WITH the flint they can struggle for days to get a fire. Imagine in a group survival situation how valuable you become if you are the only person who can produce a fire. Some other good things to know would be learning about wild edibles in your area, know how to make a shelter, and know how to make basic tools out of nothing. Tools such as rope, liquid containers, baskets, makeshift knifes, spears and other weapons for hunting/defence. An inspiring channel I love to watch is primitive survival. It's amazing what he has accomplished with only his two hands.
I have a series prep for the preps covers alot of this social media you do have withdrawal from it I don't watch TV ,or over eat IV tried to get rid of my additions slowly there's all forms of it having a daily routine is a form great video my friend midfullness in any situation I crucial that's why in SF. They put us through hell dealing with weather famin of creature comforts but we. Lived and now we live better livesyou take care brother
ReWildUniversity thanks do you realize there's some ppl now that don't know how . Or . What a can opener is . Lol truth . !!! But as we know gear makes money indigenous ppls been living without this gear for century s! So . Gear lol no ! Mind ,body, knowledge is all the gear anyone needs !! Take care brother is
Great video, as always, thanks. I actually just went 6 days without internet and at first I felt very anxious, bored and a bit miserable. But yesterday and the day before I felt much calmer and was more productive than normally. I think I'm going to spend at least one day every week without internet from now on. Also, any tips on meditation for a beginner?
I love this!! Way to go! My biggest tip is actually two tips, depending on your personality. If you are able to stick to things in general, I'd advise setting a schedule (starting with 5 minutes of meditation time) and sticking to it 100%, no exceptions. If you don't tend to stick to things, I'd give yourself a lot of slack - do my "one breath meditation" at least once per day. To do it, commit to meditating for the space of a single breath. That's all. If you want to, you can do one more breath after that, and if you want, another. But you always commit to only the breath you are on. People usually like this so much that they do it many more times than just once a day. Naturally, over time, it can develop into spontaneous moments of meditation throughout your day. Whatever you do, be kind to yourself. Your mind will wander and float about -- that's okay. Every time you bring it back to awareness, it's like a pushup for your mind. No self-punishment for thinking about random things -- just use that moment as an excuse to do a "mental pushup". Here's a video, too! ruclips.net/video/aahfynCnWaI/видео.html Plus here's a meditation that can help condition your mind overall toward greater mindfulness: ruclips.net/video/2X2tfiKzGAo/видео.html =) Kenton
Great vid as always Kenton. Just out of curiosity, do your students feel their eyesight improves during their time at your school (assuming they go without glasses during that time)? I sometimes feel as if my eyesight is being hurt by wearing glasses and staring at computer screens all day for work.
Alexander, there is some interesting research that showed children had better eyesight when they spent significant time outdoors. I've had a couple of students who have tried to go glasses-less while they were here, and they felt that they did indeed see an improvement of vision, but we never tested their vision to get any hard evidence. If you're interested in such things, check out William Bates' work and see what you think. It's controversial, but I think over time that it will be seen that vision is much more correctable than we though without glasses. I know that my eyesight is as sharp as it was when I was younger, and people keep telling me I'll need glasses because I'm 45 and aging. Still, the vision remains sharp despite my parents/brother needing glasses. I attribute it to spending so much time outside and having a positive belief mindset that we're able to heal our bodies naturally. =) Kenton
My friend, that is the best news ever! Way to go! I just subscribed to your channel as well. So glad to see someone keeping the slingshot skills alive! =) Kenton
Some awesome points you made. Agreed. I prep to be able to make a crappy situation better for others. My family foremost but friends and community as well. I dont see a lot of RUclips content regarding children and family who are not preppers. Seems like every guy is going to grab his bug out bag and head into the woods leaving his family behind! Also, I wonder about the fear monger sky is falling prepper channels. Seems like they all like to talk about huge low probability stuff like asteroids hitting the earth, but barely scratch the surface on more high probability and equally dangerous stuff like muggings or family members dealing major medical issues, ya know, with grid up.
This is so important to keep in mind -- that the real "disasters" we're likely to face aren't asteroid impacts, but a family illness, a car accident, coming upon an emergency situation -- there are times when we're called to respond with appropriate and effective action in situations that might be very frightening or stressful. I LOVE that you prep for family/friends/community! =) Kenton
This is why I think your the best survivalist nowadays, most survivalists would go out with all these tools and water storages when you do it with nothing you see your not gonna get lost in the woods with a machete and an axe.
Hi Kenton, i was meditating, litterally. very deep inhalations then air gutsing send my senses into extreme awareness. feeling the focus very sharp but.. kinda the sensation to black out. Is this normal, accomplishing several intense breaths consecutively and feeling wanna desist? Ivan :)))
This sounds a little like you were doing something like the Wim Hof breathing, Ivan. When I do that (deep inhalations, about 30, fairly rapidly compared to regular breathing), I will get a feeling of clarity, but will also get a "pass out" feeling when I inhale again. I've never actually passed out -- just a feeling. =) Kenton
I am 61 years old have worked out every day I am great with a knife and can shoot fairly well I just want to be able to help the older members of my family!! I would have no qualms to take someone out if they hurt my family very silently they would not even see it comeing.
Learn how to do some medical stuff like setting a bone, CPR, stitching a wound, etc. Don't feed into fear mongering. This is a valuable lecture on this subject.
Chris, my diet varies a lot. Up until about a year ago I ate a lot of meat -- quite carnivorous. I always felt good, but for years I had been trying to put on muscle weight but seemed "stuck". Then on a whim we went basically vegetarian with some fish here and there. Poof! I started putting on muscle. I can't really explain this, but I think that part of the switch involved becoming more "fat adapted". I've always enjoyed fat in my diet, but when I went vegetarian I felt better and then started to become more aware of how my body was feeling moment-to-moment. That awareness make me more conscious of sugar and simple carbs in my diet, which just didn't feel good. Cutting those out perhaps did the trick? So at the moment I'm experimenting with "fat adaptation", which you can find more info on via Google. Mark Sisson has some good articles about it. Oh yes -- so a basic food day would be lots and lots of veggies, usually pretty coated with olive oil, a salad, maybe some tuna or salmon, nuts, coconut milk, avocados, occasionally some cheese or plain full-fat yogurt, as much wild greens as I can include, and my wife juices a "green juice" every morning that I drink a little of. Kim chi, a bit of tofu now and then, and I do eat beans and lentils. If I'm a guest somewhere I will eat meat if it's being served, but I don't buy it myself. Mushrooms. Lots of mushrooms. =) Kenton
As you are implying, I think, gear has its place. These tools extend our abilities in amazing ways. My point here is that if we have the YOU part as a foundation, then we can use our gear "safely, effectively, and responsibly" as 52RH Flight reminded us in a recent comment. =) Kenton
I'd aim for taking care of one's existing teeth -- not just through brushing/flossing, but through dietary changes. There is growing evidence that if you "fat adapt", you will not experience the same dental issues. =) Kenton
Would you consider playing the piano a negative media influence. Or a deep meditative state. I find making music as opposed to listening to it, very calming and makes me think deeper and reduces stress. I think being active, making things (video or music or building things out of wood etc etc) far more useful than listening to music or buying things that someone else has built or listening and in-taking media that someone else has produced. I think the problem in this day and age is people no longer make things or want to explore anything as everything is so easy now to obtain. People should get back to making things again. Instead of buying a cheap Chinese gadget, make your own. Might not be as good but far better for the mind.
I completely agree -- the creationary process is something else entirely, and so enriching on many levels. One of my big hopes is that over time, our culture can shift from being primarily "spectator oriented" to "creator oriented". =) Kenton
Not quite sure what your comment means my friend, but if you're comparing me to a USMC vet, that's something I don't deserve. They've seen and dealt with situations far beyond my comprehension or abilities. =) Kenton
Great video , indeed modern society and lifestyle have make us weak body and mind . its hard to undo decade of conveniences .Skills are fading because we're used to buy things instead of building and making things, we have replaced skills and ingeniosity by money .If we take an honest look at modern man ,we are not even 10% of our ancestors in functionality and mind/body resilience . it's sad. Fact is you can't buy skills , you have to learn them and practice .I need myself to work on a lot of things you talked about , less sugar , nicotine , internet addiction, cardio/fitness , emotional resilience ...... I can't imagine myself living like vikings 1000 years ago, and I'm far from being ready to .
Stef, you're pointing to an unsettling possibility -- that in a way, we are "de-evolving". Not actually, but the point is that many of the strengths that we evolved as a species seem to be in decline. For instance, we are getting smaller, and our brains are shrinking when compared to our ancestors. Interesting . . . =) Kenton
The foundation of being prepared is your physical and mental preparedness if your missing either you have nothing. All the gear is just a false sense of security.
I had a real hard time concentrating on your talk today. You were hardly ever still. You were constantly swatting at bugs and the mosquitoes buzzing the camera only made me itch more. If I ever win the lottery and enroll in your school, remind me not to come in the summer time. I'm still itching from the thought of all those mosquitoes. xoxo
Suzi Saint James Don't resist them or so I'm told. I've actually tried that this very wet summer in the north and it works except at dusk when I find resistance remains futile but I flee anyhow 🙀
What amazes me is how a lot of these prepper guys are 40-year old fat military wannabe. Especially american preppers seem to think they're gonna be a one man army. I'm 32. About 1.80 tall and 75 kg. I spend 8-9 hours working in the forest five-six days a week. And I don't consider myself "fit". These preppers wouldn't last half a day in my line of work.
So many of us are is less than optimal condition. I like your attitude that you work so hard, yet aren't where you'd like to be fitness-wise. Good spirit! Many more of fellow humans are caught in situations that they feel they can't break out of -- from very severe situations in some places on the planet, to people stuck at desks in cities. In these cases, it can be so difficult to keep fit. It's great that you've chosen work that keeps you moving! =) Kenton
The "motivated by fear or a sense of responsibility" part...this is so great. Wow, you're giving me lots to think about in this video. Thanks!
So glad you found it useful Daisy!
=) Kenton
you make a very good point :) im not a prepper but i do enjoy buying gear and knives
In one of your other videos you said that instead of putting your money and time into making an object better, you put your time into yourself and exercising, and i have lived by that rule ever since i heard it from you
ive been working to improve my body and mind ever since and though i still cannot make a fire using a hand drill im still working away at it.
you're a very knowledgeable man and id hope to someday meet you
but until then i'll just watch your videos :)
Thank you! You just made my day by sharing how my videos have impacted you!
I'm guessing you've seen my hand drill tutorial? Are there any tips I could share?
=) Kenton
i have watched it a couple times :) still need to train my hands though
but can you tell me whether you use your palms to rub the spindle or do you use your fingers ?
I keep telling people that there is thousands of years of native american spoken history. The knowledge is out there, gear will only save you for a short time. Things wear out, food stores will empty, emergency water will run dry. Thank you for this video more need to see it.
I agree, Chris. I'm all about having good equipment, but I also want to know that I can function without it if necessary. I hope this can inspire a few people to explore forging their own powers a bit more!
=) Kenton
Keep telling people! What originally lead me to rewilding and bushcraft was an interest in prepping. But then, like you said, the thought occurred to me: “well what then? Things and food stores run out!”, and we won’t have made a life in which we can sustain ourselves and loved ones if it comes to that. Reigniting old traditions of storytelling and passing down practical knowledge will inspire and encourage others to try these things for themselves. And not only is there fun in trying it out, it could save lives!
Just the title of this video alone made me go "yes!" This is something I've been trying to explain to non-prepper family and friends for quite a while. They seem to think that prepping is synonymous with "hoarding," and that's just not true! (At least not for me and many others!) I'm actually a minimalist who really hates clutter in the home...I like most items in my home to be utilitarian/functional...so I'm really the opposite of a hoarder and I've had to be really judicious when selecting my physical preps. The great thing about prepping the mind, though, is that your "storage space" is pretty unlimited! And then if you get separated from your physical preps, you've still got means for survival right in your head. Thank you so much for the video!!
"The storage space in your mind is pretty unlimited". How well said my friend! I LOVE that attitude!
=) Kenton
I agree 100% before even watching the whole thing, will watch the rest tonight. I made a similar video today.
Just watched your video. I appreciated the thought that a few days without power could actually be enjoyable. Very true!
Also loved the recognition that your attitude will affect the attitude of your family -- another important reason to train ourselves to be calm and confident when the going gets tough.
=) Kenton
Thank you for this video! There were things here I needed to hear. I'm sure there are things here many folks need to hear so I thank you again for putting this video together and I hope it gets an ever increasing number of views.
Appreciated -- I'm so glad it spoke to you!
=) Kenton
Great episode! Love the mindset of being there for others. I just finished a series on how a second American civil war might happen, and so many of the examples of survival stories came down to communities coming together and new networks being built vs individuals stockpiling food and fear. Maybe the greatest prepping skill of all is being part of a local community and supporting your neighbors ^__^
Such a good point. That connection is so often overlooked in favor of "save myself". But community is always of benefit in SO many ways =)
Another great video. One cannot truely say they have anything until first learn to have nothing.
You said it best at the end, the more skills you have the more confidence you'll have to respond responsibly to crisis and not react in panic. The more you practice these skills today, the better you'll be in a crisis. That goes for skills in using your gadgets. Just because you have a steel doesn't mean you can start a fire in one strike trying to beat hypothermia. Being able to carry that gear is another great point. But also knowing through practice which piece of gear is practical and which ones are redundant is so important. By practicing your skills today, you'll know what your limitations are and not be caught short on a real crisis. I think the only was to really develop your points one and two is through building and having confidence in your own skills and abilities through consistent practice. xoxo
Well said once again, Suzi!
=) Kenton
I would so love to participate in one of your classes. I was in the Marine Corps and I have been to several National Rainbow Gatherings, so I'm no stranger to living in nature for extended periods of time. My main set backs are that I'm 47 years old and I suffer with lower back issues. (3 bulging and 2 herniated discs) I watched every video from Matt's journey and I must say I was a bit jealous. 11 months in nature would surely fix some ( if not all) of my ailments. Your knowledge and his ambition worked out to be so cool to watch. Have a great day and I am looking forward to more of your videos.
My friend, I have worked with people of all ages and fitness levels. I'm 45 myself! I also want to thank you for your service. You have my utmost respect!
=) Kenton
great video Kenton , definitely points the right direction for those who are addicted to the gear hunger over knowledge
Thanks my friend!!
=) Kenton
I was a member of the Royal Observer Corps (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Observer_Corps) in the early 1970s, learning how to triangulate the position of nuclear strikes. I was a member of Scientists against Nuclear Arms (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientists_against_Nuclear_Arms) in the 1980s. And here we are worrying about countries like Iran and North Korea having nuclear capability. The sword of Damocles has been hanging over us all my adult life (and likely my childhood too, but we did not do 'duck and cover' here, so I was not aware of it). Yet we are still here. So be prepared, do what you can to prevent disaster, but don't get paralyzed by the fear - you could waste a whole lifetime that way.
Absolutely, Sue. And thanks again for always sharing your experiences here -- you have done so many amazing things so far in your life!!!
=) Kenton
Can't agree more. I love the saying: Carry less by knowing more!
Perfect!!!
=) Kenton
About quitting nicotine or caffeine -> man, the feeling of liberation is so wonderful. The power that you feel when you know that your body is activating itself for you in the morning and you don't need to drink 1-2 coffees but the motivation and energy comes purely from within and you can activate that almost anytime you want like you would have before with a coffee or an energy drink.
Only missing the taste and sensation of real coffee feels like a real loss. So sometimes I still drink one but often just for the taste and when there's no decaf. I don't miss energy drinks, though :)
YES! That's it exactly!! We really don't need those things, do we -- we just think we do once we develop the dependence upon them.
=) Kenton
Thank you for this video. Some things i really need to work on. :)
Absolutely. I need to work on them too!!!
=) Kenton
Wooohooo!!
Oh yeah!!!
=) Kenton
First of all: THANK YOU! You have helped me change my life and staying
on the positive side of things! I have evolved alot as a person, and you
help me with that!
I want to ask about some advice on how to get over fear for sleeping
alone in the wild, I REALLY want to do it but the fear is taking over so
im always pulling out.
Best wishes to you and your family! God bless.
Thank you so much for letting me know that my videos have helped you! That means so much!
Sleeping
alone in the wild . . . that's tough for a lot of people. They'll come
out to ReWildU and be quite afraid of the dark and the night.
First,
understand that this is normal in our culture. I've had a lot of people
who SAY they're not afraid of being solo at night, but only a very few
who really aren't. The biggest way I've usually helped people with this
is to wait for an ultra-dark night, and I take them for an hours-long
wander through the dark. They feel safe with me there, and I stop and
help them develop curiosity about sounds, about that little glowing
mushroom, about smells. Usually, people then begin to get curious about
the night world. It is filled with wonders! The trick with this method
is that you need someone very confident to go out with.
Otherwise,
you can just do it. This isn't pleasant, because it means you'll
experience a lot of fear. But after a few weeks of sleeping out, most
students out here report that they are MORE comfortable at night than in
the day! Doing some campouts with just one other person can also help
condition you.
If you don't have anyone to do any of this with,
I'd advise just taking an hour a week and getting up at two or three in
the morning and sitting outside. Take in the night world, and actively
condition your mind by noticing how quiet it is, how still and beautiful
it is. If you hear a sound, go and investigate. You can take a
flashlight with you if you want, but don't turn it on unless you really
feel the need to.
Many of my most amazing encounters have been
at night. Stumps of glowing mushrooms, animals that almost step on my
because I'm hiding so still, stunning northern lights.
I hope this helps a little my friend!
=) Kenton
Great video, esp the key topic of mindful meditation.
Why is the best piece of gear YOU? We can start where there is no gear, there is only YOU. That means YOU are the gear.
However, also consider every well-prepared individual:
every single item in or on that backpack, satchel, chest rig, belt, pocket, boot, cache, and/or hat ...
none of that gear can help truly unless YOU can use it:
1. Safely
2. Effectively
3. Responsibly
That all includes all those food, alcohol, tobacco, drug, and firearm items ...
So important to remember. It's one thing to have an item in your pack, and another to know how to really use it. Thanks for this great reminder!
=) Kenton
Great advices! Myself usually i eat once for day, might be at breakfast if i know i have a hard day ahead or at dinner (and usually this one is so to speak for social circumstances so my wife does not have to eat by herself). It started years ago as i began working as a cook, surrounded 10 hours for day by foods and smells till the point it was just enough a cheese dice or a spoon of soup to make me feel full. In a wild scenario living creatures do not have access to food whenever and most of all they eat when they feel hungry not out of boredom and culinary temptations as most of us humans do and even our pets (recently i discovered diet centers for dogs and cats exist for real!). The ideal as you say should be to test our own limits and push them further little by little till the point ain't anymore a drama if one is forced to skip one meal or six, a couple of nights of sleep or if has to stay without interacting with anything for few hours. Furthermore, it is well proven that periods of fasting are very beneficial for our health, brain, metabolism and self healing capacities; In the past it was codified through ritual practices, now modern science at least some fair part of it is disclosing also on that matter
I've been experimenting more with fasting -- it really is amazing, isn't it?
=) Kenton
oh yes!
Great content ! ! I agree that everyone who worries about some major event,should prepare by learning new skills.Being physically and mentaly fit are also key to surviving a mass nature event or otherwise.Look at the victims of Katrina,etc.
Absolutely. Good point -- it doesn't have to be an "end of the world" event -- it can be a localized disaster such as Katrina.
=) Kenton
Hey Kenton,
good to hear some sense in the prepping bubble, I was watching a video earlier on RUclips where an elderly and experimented "bare-hand survivalist" as he says was talking and demonstrating the uselessness of having a lot of gear. You might be interested by the video, it is called "The more you know, the less you carry" :)
About the physical training, while speaking with a bodybuilder we've come across the "you're so skinny, should go to the gym" point of the discussion and I had a term coming out of nowhere that much applies to what you were talking about (and to what I'm not doing enough), I call that "effective muscles" or "effective training", more generally.
Where some train to lift up and down 120 lbs, I prefer to spend my time lifting those 120 lbs (which are more or less my weight) around objects, just as in martial arts you come across display-based and effective techniques, those have their uses and the main problem is that lots of people train something, not being aware of what true use it has. (Hope this sentence is understandable...)
About the medication part, I had an ex-girlfriend whose doctor "made" her take eleven different drugs each days, after a couple years she ended up with an acute pancreatitis (had the pancreas like after around 40 years of heavy alcoholism or heroin taking), turns out that where I used to live (Belgium), some doctors have contracts with pharmaceutical laboratories to prescribe certain drugs. That doctor also seemed to have an outstanding faith in drugs, aside the fact that he was a bad doctor (giving her medication she didn't even needed, because he didn't knew the optimal amount of iron needed in a young girl's blood).
About fasting... this is a tough one for me, I was really underweighted for several years due to a lack of proper nutrition (also didn't had much muscles in the legs because of a severe MMORPG addiction), adding the fact that I naturally have almost no fat in my body, I never fasted more than 8 hours while having a low-paced day (when I was working in offices).
Turns out that I'm hypoglycemic, and that it had already led me in dangerous situations in the wild !
I was first motivated to fast by Lanza Del Vasto's writings, but couldn't make it... thanks for sharing your wisdom, I've started to take a look at Fat-Adaptation, that I have discovered right now in your video, and it seems to be a clue to my healing !
Many thanks, may the dancing Duende bless your journey,
Arthur :)
(Appears this comment is really long, sorry about that !)
Long comments are always welcome, Arthur. Especially one like this, that holds so much valuable first-hand information. Thank you for taking the time to share all of this!
=) Kenton
Reading.
You learn and it exercises your brain.
Right on!
=) Kenton
Aggree completely. Mental preparedness and knowledge retention are so important! Great Video friend x) 🌱💚🌳
Absolutely! Always good to hear from you here my friends!
=) Kenton
Excellent wise words. Mental fitness is very crucial. I have looked to the polish people for knowledge on how to maintain one's sovereignty, culture, and living without being owned by others. They have alway remained Polish even under the most terrible invasions and collapse. There are too many tactics they used to list hear, but resistance was the central strategy. The self improvement theme prevails. I suggest taking time to practice the old 1920's school basics. Read, write legibly in a journal, do math problems on paper, learn songs, and study the philosophers. Your right in fasting from the propaganda and sugar feeding stations. Replace these with the fat of the land. It comes in many forms.
Thanks for sharing this my friend! Always great to hear from you here.
=) Kenton
Courage, Creativity, Calmness, Movement, Action, Motivation, Responsibility, Creator mentality (not Saviour-Victim dualism), Compassion, Calmness, Helping others, Sense of Community, Living in a Moment, Letting go of Fear, ... This is couple of things we need to remind ourselves about being human being, not human doing.
This list is something I'm going to write down and remember my friend! Thank you!
=) Kenton
I thank you back Kenton, since your videos are great motivator and great source of knowledge & wisdom :)
Well said and good info + explanation. I think survival skills and I will to survive is what will keep you alive in tough situations. I don't meditate and fast but I do exercise outside by running, doing pullups and using my bodyweight(calisthenics,movnat) I also like to do balance and agility training. Diet is just as important and eating healthy not over processed sugar foods. As for mental training, solitude in the wild helps.Thanks for the video and nice green forest background.
You're doing it -- I especially love that you're using running, calisthenics, and movnat as your movement foundation -- that makes for real-world fitness that will take you through the woods or over a mountain . . .
=) Kenton
This is why I subscribe to you Kenton. You say truth.
The main cause is money. A lot of the bigger channels go for more views and more $$$. Not all but the vast majority do. Their greed (making money helping people is fine but tailoring videos, information, and content to increase views for $ as their only criteria is greed) infects their audience. I'm much more selective these days. I like gear. I need gear but back to basics means skills.
Thanks for your words, my friend. I think that's one of the reasons I decided to never advertise on my channel -- I didn't want to be making money off of these, but rather providing a free resource that I hope will do some good in the world. I have my patreon page for people who freely choose to support my work, but I didn't want to force people to watch ads in order to access my content.
Hearing this from you means a lot. I appreciate it.
=) Kenton
I think having skills and knowledge trumps equipment any day. A good skill to know is how to start a fire with no tools, not even a knife. if you ever watch the show survivor 90% of the tribes can not get a fire going until they are awarded a flint and knife. And even WITH the flint they can struggle for days to get a fire. Imagine in a group survival situation how valuable you become if you are the only person who can produce a fire. Some other good things to know would be learning about wild edibles in your area, know how to make a shelter, and know how to make basic tools out of nothing. Tools such as rope, liquid containers, baskets, makeshift knifes, spears and other weapons for hunting/defence. An inspiring channel I love to watch is primitive survival. It's amazing what he has accomplished with only his two hands.
Agreed completely, and thank you for the wonderful compliment!
=) Kenton
Getting some gains my g!!!
Thanks much! Much more calisthenics and working on my fat adaptation.
=) Kenton
I have a series prep for the preps covers alot of this social media you do have withdrawal from it I don't watch TV ,or over eat IV tried to get rid of my additions slowly there's all forms of it having a daily routine is a form great video my friend midfullness in any situation I crucial that's why in SF. They put us through hell dealing with weather famin of creature comforts but we. Lived and now we live better livesyou take care brother
Thanks for spreading this message, my brother! So important for we modern folks to hear!
=) Kenton
ReWildUniversity thanks do you realize there's some ppl now that don't know how . Or . What a can opener is . Lol truth . !!! But as we know gear makes money indigenous ppls been living without this gear for century s! So . Gear lol no ! Mind ,body, knowledge is all the gear anyone needs !! Take care brother is
Great video, as always, thanks. I actually just went 6 days without internet and at first I felt very anxious, bored and a bit miserable. But yesterday and the day before I felt much calmer and was more productive than normally. I think I'm going to spend at least one day every week without internet from now on. Also, any tips on meditation for a beginner?
I love this!! Way to go!
My biggest tip is actually two tips, depending on your personality. If you are able to stick to things in general, I'd advise setting a schedule (starting with 5 minutes of meditation time) and sticking to it 100%, no exceptions. If you don't tend to stick to things, I'd give yourself a lot of slack - do my "one breath meditation" at least once per day. To do it, commit to meditating for the space of a single breath. That's all. If you want to, you can do one more breath after that, and if you want, another. But you always commit to only the breath you are on.
People usually like this so much that they do it many more times than just once a day. Naturally, over time, it can develop into spontaneous moments of meditation throughout your day.
Whatever you do, be kind to yourself. Your mind will wander and float about -- that's okay. Every time you bring it back to awareness, it's like a pushup for your mind. No self-punishment for thinking about random things -- just use that moment as an excuse to do a "mental pushup".
Here's a video, too! ruclips.net/video/aahfynCnWaI/видео.html
Plus here's a meditation that can help condition your mind overall toward greater mindfulness: ruclips.net/video/2X2tfiKzGAo/видео.html
=) Kenton
Thank you!
good vid sir as always best channel on yt
What a compliment! Thank you so much!!
=) Kenton
Great vid as always Kenton. Just out of curiosity, do your students feel their eyesight improves during their time at your school (assuming they go without glasses during that time)? I sometimes feel as if my eyesight is being hurt by wearing glasses and staring at computer screens all day for work.
Alexander, there is some interesting research that showed children had better eyesight when they spent significant time outdoors. I've had a couple of students who have tried to go glasses-less while they were here, and they felt that they did indeed see an improvement of vision, but we never tested their vision to get any hard evidence. If you're interested in such things, check out William Bates' work and see what you think. It's controversial, but I think over time that it will be seen that vision is much more correctable than we though without glasses. I know that my eyesight is as sharp as it was when I was younger, and people keep telling me I'll need glasses because I'm 45 and aging. Still, the vision remains sharp despite my parents/brother needing glasses. I attribute it to spending so much time outside and having a positive belief mindset that we're able to heal our bodies naturally.
=) Kenton
thanks, I poured all Alcohol in a sink, you are just right, with all the drugs, surrounding us, just do it
My friend, that is the best news ever! Way to go! I just subscribed to your channel as well. So glad to see someone keeping the slingshot skills alive!
=) Kenton
Some awesome points you made.
Agreed. I prep to be able to make a crappy situation better for others. My family foremost but friends and community as well. I dont see a lot of RUclips content regarding children and family who are not preppers. Seems like every guy is going to grab his bug out bag and head into the woods leaving his family behind!
Also, I wonder about the fear monger sky is falling prepper channels. Seems like they all like to talk about huge low probability stuff like asteroids hitting the earth, but barely scratch the surface on more high probability and equally dangerous stuff like muggings or family members dealing major medical issues, ya know, with grid up.
This is so important to keep in mind -- that the real "disasters" we're likely to face aren't asteroid impacts, but a family illness, a car accident, coming upon an emergency situation -- there are times when we're called to respond with appropriate and effective action in situations that might be very frightening or stressful. I LOVE that you prep for family/friends/community!
=) Kenton
Also, I just saw that Canadian Prepper just put up a video on children and family in a prepping situation -- ruclips.net/video/t5YfgD6vgww/видео.html
Yea I did see his vid yesterday. Posted in the comments. It was a good one. Nice change of pace to guys with camo face paint and bug out bags.
This is why I think your the best survivalist nowadays, most survivalists would go out with all these tools and water storages when you do it with nothing you see your not gonna get lost in the woods with a machete and an axe.
I appreciate your words! Thank you!
=) Kenton
Hi Kenton,
i was meditating, litterally.
very deep inhalations
then air gutsing send my senses into extreme awareness.
feeling the focus very sharp but..
kinda the sensation to black out.
Is this normal, accomplishing several intense breaths consecutively
and feeling wanna desist?
Ivan :)))
This sounds a little like you were doing something like the Wim Hof breathing, Ivan. When I do that (deep inhalations, about 30, fairly rapidly compared to regular breathing), I will get a feeling of clarity, but will also get a "pass out" feeling when I inhale again. I've never actually passed out -- just a feeling.
=) Kenton
I am 61 years old have worked out every day I am great with a knife and can shoot fairly well I just want to be able to help the older members of my family!! I would have no qualms to take someone out if they hurt my family very silently they would not even see it comeing.
You're 61 and instead of complaining about how old you are, you're keeping fit and are ready to help those older than you. Right on!
=) Kenton
Learn how to do some medical stuff like setting a bone, CPR, stitching a wound, etc. Don't feed into fear mongering. This is a valuable lecture on this subject.
Absolutely -- learning some medical skills is essential.
=) Kenton
I love this video but this is a random question, what do you eat?? I'm assuming you don't eat meat, you are very muscular, would love some advice
Chris, my diet varies a lot. Up until about a year ago I ate a lot of meat -- quite carnivorous. I always felt good, but for years I had been trying to put on muscle weight but seemed "stuck". Then on a whim we went basically vegetarian with some fish here and there. Poof! I started putting on muscle. I can't really explain this, but I think that part of the switch involved becoming more "fat adapted". I've always enjoyed fat in my diet, but when I went vegetarian I felt better and then started to become more aware of how my body was feeling moment-to-moment. That awareness make me more conscious of sugar and simple carbs in my diet, which just didn't feel good. Cutting those out perhaps did the trick? So at the moment I'm experimenting with "fat adaptation", which you can find more info on via Google. Mark Sisson has some good articles about it.
Oh yes -- so a basic food day would be lots and lots of veggies, usually pretty coated with olive oil, a salad, maybe some tuna or salmon, nuts, coconut milk, avocados, occasionally some cheese or plain full-fat yogurt, as much wild greens as I can include, and my wife juices a "green juice" every morning that I drink a little of. Kim chi, a bit of tofu now and then, and I do eat beans and lentils. If I'm a guest somewhere I will eat meat if it's being served, but I don't buy it myself. Mushrooms. Lots of mushrooms.
=) Kenton
ReWildUniversity This is one of the sanest and most reasonable statements re prepping that I have seen. Actionable intelligence.
I may be the best piece of gear but having only myself is not enough.
As you are implying, I think, gear has its place. These tools extend our abilities in amazing ways. My point here is that if we have the YOU part as a foundation, then we can use our gear "safely, effectively, and responsibly" as 52RH Flight reminded us in a recent comment.
=) Kenton
Would true master prepper get rid of his teeth and switch to complete dentures now when they are still available?
I'd aim for taking care of one's existing teeth -- not just through brushing/flossing, but through dietary changes. There is growing evidence that if you "fat adapt", you will not experience the same dental issues.
=) Kenton
Would you consider playing the piano a negative media influence. Or a deep meditative state. I find making music as opposed to listening to it, very calming and makes me think deeper and reduces stress. I think being active, making things (video or music or building things out of wood etc etc) far more useful than listening to music or buying things that someone else has built or listening and in-taking media that someone else has produced. I think the problem in this day and age is people no longer make things or want to explore anything as everything is so easy now to obtain. People should get back to making things again. Instead of buying a cheap Chinese gadget, make your own. Might not be as good but far better for the mind.
I completely agree -- the creationary process is something else entirely, and so enriching on many levels. One of my big hopes is that over time, our culture can shift from being primarily "spectator oriented" to "creator oriented".
=) Kenton
Reaction kills, response is life. I wonder about those who consider alcohol a trade good. Sugar is another sweet trap.
Indeed Christopher! On all you say.
=) Kenton
Where can a person interested in this community meet other preppers?
You know, I'd check out some of the bigger prepping channels -- Canadian Prepper comes to mind -- and ask him if he knows of any resources!
=) Kenton
same as usmsc vet
Not quite sure what your comment means my friend, but if you're comparing me to a USMC vet, that's something I don't deserve. They've seen and dealt with situations far beyond my comprehension or abilities.
=) Kenton
Great video , indeed modern society and lifestyle have make us weak body and mind . its hard to undo decade of conveniences .Skills are fading because we're used to buy things instead of building and making things, we have replaced skills and ingeniosity by money .If we take an honest look at modern man ,we are not even 10% of our ancestors in functionality and mind/body resilience . it's sad. Fact is you can't buy skills , you have to learn them and practice .I need myself to work on a lot of things you talked about , less sugar , nicotine , internet addiction, cardio/fitness , emotional resilience ...... I can't imagine myself living like vikings 1000 years ago, and I'm far from being ready to .
Stef, you're pointing to an unsettling possibility -- that in a way, we are "de-evolving". Not actually, but the point is that many of the strengths that we evolved as a species seem to be in decline. For instance, we are getting smaller, and our brains are shrinking when compared to our ancestors. Interesting . . .
=) Kenton
The foundation of being prepared is your physical and mental preparedness if your missing either you have nothing. All the gear is just a false sense of security.
Well said.
=) Kenton
And the BEST piece of gear: MOSQUITO REPELLENT!!!!
Ha! Maybe you haven't seen this video . . . ;)
ruclips.net/video/LKcoCzORytE/видео.html
I had a real hard time concentrating on your talk today. You were hardly ever still. You were constantly swatting at bugs and the mosquitoes buzzing the camera only made me itch more. If I ever win the lottery and enroll in your school, remind me not to come in the summer time. I'm still itching from the thought of all those mosquitoes. xoxo
Suzi Saint James Don't resist them or so I'm told. I've actually tried that this very wet summer in the north and it works except at dusk when I find resistance remains futile but I flee anyhow 🙀
What amazes me is how a lot of these prepper guys are 40-year old fat military wannabe. Especially american preppers seem to think they're gonna be a one man army.
I'm 32. About 1.80 tall and 75 kg. I spend 8-9 hours working in the forest five-six days a week. And I don't consider myself "fit".
These preppers wouldn't last half a day in my line of work.
So many of us are is less than optimal condition. I like your attitude that you work so hard, yet aren't where you'd like to be fitness-wise. Good spirit! Many more of fellow humans are caught in situations that they feel they can't break out of -- from very severe situations in some places on the planet, to people stuck at desks in cities. In these cases, it can be so difficult to keep fit. It's great that you've chosen work that keeps you moving!
=) Kenton