Im only 13 years old, but i think that your way of living and your mind set and outlook on life are such a nice thing to listen to and watch it encourages me and give me hope. Me and my best friends go out and most days and go to our little wilderness area and make forts and cut trees and learn how to survive and your videos encourage me to keep on doing that. Unfortunately our little wilderness isn't big at all and i don't have much room to adventure or go on journeys but we will keep on making the best out of it.
NetyouNinja You've given me some great memories of when I was 13, adventuring with our small group, even though we didn't always have huge roaming grounds. So cool to hear that you are getting out there, practicing skills and enjoying nature. And I also appreciate you letting me know that these videos have been an inspiration to you. That means a lot. =) Kenton
I get what you're saying its king of like the difference between having your own homestead that is self-sustaining and organic vs a large scale agriculture endeavor where you are using all manner of pesticides and factory farming to get rich, making way more money but not happy with yourself. You sir are a wise man.
I appreciate that. It was interesting to notice the temptation when I knew, in my heart, that this wasn't for me. Always good to hear from you here! =) Kenton
ReWildUniversity i was watching Canadian prepper the other day and he put me on to your channel. love your point of view, thank you. and thanks to Canadianprepper for all he does.
I just found your channel and thought to myself "not another one". I was pleasantly surprised at your honesty and am enjoying your thoughts and videos. Please keep up the good work. I'm going for a cold shower☺
Looks like I chose a excellent video for my first exposure to your channel. Very thoughtful comments. I also was approached by the same production company, as we're several others I know. I made the same decision you did, for many of the same reasons. I just couldn't even consider being apart from my family for so long. Thanks for doing such a great job of expressing the temptation. - Bryan
Hi Bryan,I'm honored to have you watching my videos! I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone in this -- but it sure was interesting to encounter those temptations and see a bit deeper into my own values, motivations, and ideals. Great channel you have! I'm excited to see some of your videos!
Kenton, I know this video is over 3 years old, but I commend you on your decision. I'm grateful you chose the path that you did. Otherwise, our lives might never have crossed and I would have missed out on your wisdom and teachings. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for your authentic wise words mate! I also have been living without TV since around 25 years, yeah :)! Best wishes from the Black Forest, Rich
I think you've just demonstrated the most important survival skill. Integrity. Keep doing what you're doing. If you only have 100 subscribers and give them this quality of free, soul filled, and inspirational advise you will have done more than any TV show could. Much kudos to you.
I was a scout leader 40 years ago in Australia and on one visits back I met another leader selling sausages outside a garden shop and recounted my time with the Salisbury group, he listened as I told him about the stiff leg derricks we made swinging guys across creeks and dropping them in creeks. Leaving them in the bush overnight, getting lost; he shaking his head interrupted, that's all gone now because of the duty of care we cant do anything like that now. Here in Hong Kong, I was told of a campfire day they had for scouts it was in a huge tin shed with an electric light under some wood. This idea of excluding all risk is insane, yes we all need and should have a right of passage in two ways one to live our life without injury to or violence to phisical or emotional. The other right of passage is to prove to our selves we can overcome hardship and contact our nature the woods and forest I include in this is to impact on another this gives a sense of self. As to the offer of TV fame that's a family decision and for what purpose? You caught the devil by the tail and thought your way out. I am this is a very important statement suppression is no way to go. As you, I have no TV for just about the same period as you, I can't tolerate it but it was a right of passage to get me there. Whatever you do your authenticity is obvious. I wrote a little poem. I cant be strong for one so I think I'll take a dozen on and charge for it, charity begins at home if you have the stomach for it.
When you get to 75 and have done a few things as I have it comes as a surprise to find a mentor and a friend. No need to expand on it, it just feels good. Respect, John
Good on you Kenton. respect to you brother. When I settle back on a block in Australia and start my workshops I would love to have you down there as a guest presenter.
you are such a wonderful guy, please stay as you are, i think tv will devour you, and change you, no matter if you like it or no, remain as you are, please we need you
Thank you my friend. Though I would like to believe I would be strong enough to deal with the influences TV would bring, the truth is that this experience showed me I have growing to do, and it is important for me to nurture environments where I can be at my best. So I agree with you completely, and will continue to do my little thing here with my school, and keep making videos. =) Kenton
First off I wanted to say that I love the way you think of things, at or on a deeper level, the reason I love it is because I am similar in that way. It would be very hard to turn an opportunity like that down but for your current situation it was very logical to do so and I really understand why you did very honorable. Secondly I think your already accomplishing the same goal with what your doing now as you would have at a big production company, for example all of your videos teach not only me but others. Your video challenge that you did with a night in nature with just a paracord bracelet was very inspirational to me. Thanks for sharing this!!!!
4 directions bushcraft Thank you so much. This means a lot to hear! I do love how RUclips gives us the opportunity to reach out to each other, share knowledge and inspiration, and even make friends from afar! =) Kenton
Thanks for the rumination on that opportunity. You did what was right for you and it's understandable that it created such a point for your internal discussion and discovery. I really respect that. I think they wanted someone with a spiritual dimension and went for the next guy after you (whom I really appreciate as well) in the end it was some of the exact things you are talking about here that made him tap out. You might not have seen the final project as it was aired--or you might have (I watched it online) but it was great IMHO. It would have been great to see your re-wilding in practice there. I'm sure you have no regrets.
+Nate Buker I haven't seen it, but I have heard tidbits. Thanks for your thoughtful words here -- it sounds like it was actually a really good project, without the sensationalism or without being overly gamed or competitive. =) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity I wouldn't say it was without it's sensationalism, especially the first few episodes. It was very interesting to see how much fear many people pack with them into the wilderness. But it did improve as the fear whittled down the participants. It really did seem to winnow the chaff and the last few characters that held on were stand up guys. I live not far from the region they were in, and it's a burly place that time of year, so the experience may have been...uncomfortable. But I think I would have taken the chance. I don't have children and students though, and those are serious considerations. It would have been great to see you on the program Kenton, but seeing you here is great too. Good fortune.
BeSatori I haven't seen an episode yet -- it sounds like it was good toward the end, though. It must have been interesting for you, knowing the environment. =) Kenton
It was. I think of this area as on of the most beautiful and resilient places on Earth. I noticed none of the "contestants" was from this region, which I thought was a huge disadvantage. I think bio-regionalism plays a much bigger role in bushcraft and survival than is maybe given due. I also think most of us in the bushcraft community are aware of that, but it would be interesting to see it captured in some of the videos out there.
BeSatori That's such a good point. I was recently down in Alabama, and it was amazing to notice how unfamiliar I was with the local flora and fauna. I'm sure I'd still fare better than the average person, but most of my skills would be severely compromised down there until I could learn the new environment.
Such a wonderful video. I just ran into your channel, and happy I did. It is a good reminder for what is important. My goals, are to get more young ladies outside and in nature and away from technology. I am just starting in my adventure and building my camp, in hopes I can get more daughters outside. Thanks you.
First off, Kenton, I just have to say I just recently discovered your channel and love it because I see an authentic, skilled and loving human on the other end of it sharing and talking about the things dear to so many wild oriented hearts. I think you definitely made the right decision! You also bring up some very relevant questions that we need to think about. I spent a couple months alone in the wild in 2014 and a couple of things came to light in those experiences. Yes, I have always loved Nature and dreamed of being free at last out there..., but I realized, deep in my soul, that family and tribe trumps all else. We will never be complete without them, and time with them is fleeting and the most precious of commodities when the last hour arrives... In my opinion, our culture has turned this ultimate truth on its head, and it has locked us into a psychically dysfunctional matrix just so we can eat. Where we used to find happiness in being with family and tribe and helping each other to sur-thrive, we now have consumerism, ego and competition... and so much more bad juju...too much to list. I strongly suspect we will never be truly right in minds, souls and hearts again until we return to those ancient relationships we had with Nature, family and tribe. I have recently decided that I want to spend my final years building and teaching the younger generations how to build birch bark canoes. I think there can be some rights of passage built around the making of birch bark canoes and the adventures into the Northern wilderness in them...
MrGeiermann I'm so glad that you brought up the importance of family and tribe -- something that is often neglected in today's nature guidance, which often centers only on adventure, fitness, diet, meditation, etc. But that sense of tribe and family . . . this is our foundation. I'm also very interested in your chosen life path. One of my assistant teachers has always wanted to build a birchbark canoe, and I can envision something similar to what you've suggested -- a modern-day rite of passage where people can build a canoe and go on a voyage in the craft that they have built. It makes me wonder if we live in proximity, and if this is possibly something we could co-create. Feel free to email me at rewildu (at) yahoo (dot) com if you'd like to explore possibilities!=) Kenton
I can see how TV would be interested in you....I see your in WI - I worked for a company based in Wausau - i'm glad you didn't go for the money - I, too, was tested with money tied to my legal issues in NY but it had strings. I, too, walked. I was shocked by resentment from members of my own family which opened by eyes. I have been harassed, chased, sued, etc..as a whistle-blower...and I found help from the survival shoes - your brother was right - all we have is our integrity - Cody realized that too and i'm kind of glad he spoke out - thanks for all your videos and responses - peace
Knowing you chose your current profession rather than something that would have paid more (and probably would have been much less dangerous!) says a lot about your integrity. I'm glad to know you're doing something you believe in! =) Kenton
I love the way you parse things that society conditions us to not think about too deeply, big and small. Observing the subtleties of our own motivations and same in others makes our head hurt. Easier to just make a yes/no decision on practical (or emotional) grounds without considering the deeper implications of all we do and think. I've run into those temptations, though in a more hypothetical sense. One of my dreams is to turn the knife profiles I draw on paper into, well, knives. I've often imagined my name or logo someday being widely recognized in the knifemaking world, and the idea of people paying me for my creations sounded nice, too. I've since kinda decided that if those designs are realized, they won't be for sale. (I do have a few graph paper designs that I wouldn't mind making a business out of). I enjoyed watching the 5-to-1 fire challenge video. If any of your future students are open to sharing their experiences like Nicholette, they would add some great variety to your channel (not that watching you talk isn't entertaining and inspirational (: ).
Leo Angere Thanks for sharing this real-life example, Leo. And I appreciate your words about my videos -- as you noted, there are so many things that we aren't supposed to look at, and I hope to concentrate on some of the smaller and more subtle ones, which I feel are at the heart of things. Great to hear that you enjoyed watching Nicholette! I'd love to include more videos like that, so I'll start asking students what they think about being filmed!=) Kenton
Your honesty and self awareness are very refreshing. As a song writer I understand the desire for the approval of others even though the process is really all about my feelings and a channel for them. I am proud of you K, for turning down that show. I prefer you just as you are.
You have really inspired and touched me through this video. I would agree that I wouldn't want to be away from my family as well. I embrace the idea of you having a show, but 1 year sounds extreme. The reason I think it would be great for you to have a show is to inspire many others, as you have done to me. You give me the insight to question things I often overlook in my life. I don't think having a show is something one can compromise family to have. but having something on a smaller scale as you mentioned would be cool. Thank you, and I hope you have a great day.
Thanks for your words, my friend. It means a lot to know that you're inspired through these videos. I think that's one of the powers of RUclips. We can create videos that truly accord with our values, and don't have to concentrate on being entertaining, shocking, or dramatic.
Kenton, I turned it down for the very same reason. Of course it would be great to be famous but I'm already famous with my family and that is good enough for me. Now if something comes along that isn't going to take me from them for 6 months to a year then I might. Now as far as the rock goes. I feel our rock is the moment we realize what is truly important in this life. Our family, our friends. Not money and not fame. When we stop thinking about ourselves and put others before us. Great topic bud.
Thanks Grierwolfe. "Famous with my family." Perfect. I love it. And realizing what is truly important -- it's not always easy, but when we make that our focus . . . Thanks for your input here! I really value it =)
Dave, I'm so glad to hear this. And SO excited that you are teaching what you've learned -- the more these skills are shared, the better! I hope to meet in person someday too! =) Kenton
I joined the USMC as my RoP. I felt as though serving other and affording them the opprotunity to live free happy lives was enough to make me happy in life. Now i see I have a lot to do and a lot done. Time to seek my inner self as a human being. I want to thank you for enlightening me through your videos and showing me a world that I've been looking for since I was 13yrs old.
Hi Gianantonio,The military does offer a chance to experience a RoP, doesn't it? And now you're still continuing your personal growth and service. Thank you for your continued search, and know that it will bring great gifts to both your life and this world we share.
You kind of do that already, minus the loss of creative control. One thing that is a common complaint from guys that do accept those offers is the surrender of control over the final product that a sensationalistic television company puts out. You have 100% creative control here, and your fans know you aren't selling them anything or trying to gain attention to lock eyes for when the commercial breaks kick in. People that are really into what you have to offer are those of us that are already here. I've been watching one or two of your videos every day and it's so refreshing getting in depth perspectives from someone that truly speaks my language. You're already doing something right.
Hi Kenton, This was so interesting. This would be a good video to share with both prospective and current students. This is a very meaningful video. It gives people a very good understanding of your values and how you want to impact peoples lives.
My dear friends! How amazing to hear from you here! Thank you for your kind words -- this video has indeed brought a student or two to ReWildU! With love, Kenton =)
Love ya man! such a powerful speech from such a humble guy...If every human being on this planet were like you the world would be a wonderful place to live!
I would like to see you do more in depth survival videos,maybe for multi day or more. That would be really cool. I get the feeling that your skills are waiting to be put to the test.
sirstratocaster Thanks for this thought -- I'll be doing more at some point including a winter one that should be pretty intense, but I may have to find a film-person for this one instead of self-shooting. I love the self-shooting thing, but I was also surprised at how much of my time and energy went into messing around with the camera.
That's cool. I know what you mean about the camera. Something I'm going to try is those GorillaPod things, to wrap around tree branches. I'm also planning to get a camera that can be mounted on my head like a GoPro. Any thoughts on shooting in the rain? I will probably rig up a system to keep a camera dry in the rain, and perhaps look into waterproof cameras.
sirstratocaster I haven't heard of the GorillaPods -- I'll check it out. As for rain, I was looking into waterproof cameras, and even test-drove a few, but all of the ones I tried had very poor sound recording due to having a very small and protected microphone. So I just went with a standard camera that picks up good sound, and try to cover it up in the rain. Awkward, but so far I haven't destroyed a camera =)
well, the TV offer took you out of your comfort zone and challenged you, which is a new adventure (can you tell I just watched your "be an adventurer' video lol :) And sometime in the future you might be able to be more open to a modified TV show idea (kids getting older, a show that doesn't take you away for that long etc). As always, excellent and insightful video!
Hi Jamie McLauchlan, Your comment won't allow replies, so I'm hoping you get this. I appreciate your words here. It certainly was a learning experience for me! =) Kenton
Good on you mate, I think that it shows REAL character to exercise your choice when it comes to "apparent" opportunities in life. I work in TV and it really does tend to treat folk like you as a product that needs to be bent into what their concept of that particular product/commodity is. It's a very over busy and time poor kind of business to get involved with. Personally I think that you made a fine decision. Safe travels and G'day from down under.
phrayzar I really appreciate hearing this from someone who works in TV. That's what I thought it would be like, but to hear it from someone on the inside . . . thanks so much for the added perspective. And a G'day back at you from Wisconsin, USA =) Thanks for your comment!
Something that you said really resonated with me. Which is that the time with your family is more precious than that. I was just listening to someone today say that the domestic part of our lives needs to once again become the central focus of our lives. So much of our lives are spent doing things away from family outside of the home, and we've outsourced so many crucially vital elements of our lives to corporations (mainly food), that we don't really have a center anymore. It's kind of cliche, but it really is better to be poor in wealth and rich in spirit.
I think there's really something to this, and I've never heard that saying (but I love it!). I've found that family life doesn't mean that I have to give up adventure, dreams, or exploration. In fact, our little four-year-old is now old enough and adventurous enough that she leads us on hikes that are longer and more off-trail than we expected. I think there's a power in family, in that if we have that center, we can have more love and energy to give to others. I also enjoyed how you pointed out the outsourcing -- gardening, cooking, foraging, hunting, artistic projects -- so many things that can be enjoyed as a family, where you can enrich each others' experiences. I'm coming to see that money is incidental -- it has almost nothing to do with wealth. Even in the realm of 'having things'. We're now living in a place where we have over 500 acres to explore. We don't own it, but are part of a community that shares it. We have more land than we could probably ever have owned, but there is no money required -- it is wealth that came into our lives through our own tendency to give things to others. It's weird, but I've really found that by giving, we gain more than we can when we hoard.
hello my friend,your choice was well made,you just truly made me believe in the rewilding process mentally,you took the option of fame and money and showed that your natural instinct you've built has made you a true survivalist,I hope one day I may be your student,namaste
Thank you so much -- this was a huge growth experience for me, and as you note, it really brought the essential elements of rewilding to bear against the temptations that have been so deeply impressed upon us. I hope as well to meet you in person someday!=) Kenton
Kenton, I am truly glad that you made the decision that you did. This reminds me of Forged in Fire, a history channel competition for blacksmiths. In one of the first series there was a particular man, whom I wont name, that already had a very successful knife making business, and was a pretty famous RUclipsr, with a few videos over 1 million views. I remember watching his episode and thinking, this guy is going to dominate the competition, and I could see in his eyes, he thought the same thing. Well, during the first round, he made a critical mistake, and lost horribly. The perception of his skills by the people shifted and he lost all credibility. The last time e I checked his RUclips channel, all videos posted after Forged in Fire averaged maybe 5,000 views or less. That is the price we pay when we sacrifice or compromise our beliefs/ethics/morals, etc. Or the price we pay for vanity, greed, lust.... pride
Wow, well said. Vanity, greed, lust, pride -- these can get us down some wrong paths. After this, I had a friend who took place in a show, and was discouraged to find that they didn't even show the truth of his experience -- for instance, he had been catching fish for days, but they portrayed him as unsuccessful and starving, then celebrated his "first catch" which absolutely wasn't his first catch. I think that's something we have to remember with many of these "reality" programs -- they are far, far from "reality" =)
@@ReWildUniversity The only time I believe true outdoor survival was portrayed well was Les Stroud. Bear was fun, Cody and the others were fun, but Les was on a whole other level.
As a lifer in the military I have some difficulty understanding the concept of 'I don't want to be away from my family". I do understand it is a hard thing to come home and find the kids have grown inches or are now talking. However when we look at our responsibility to them long term, it is to provide. 500 grand does a lot of providing! It pays for endless things that we can easily rationalize away. The hard things are the right of passage. The millions of veterans in the US and Allied countries do this or have done this on a continual basis,would they have it another way? I think we know the answer to that but they didn't they sacrificed and provided for their families. Your decision was solid and I agree with it because it was yours to make.
A J Taylor Thanks for bringing this up. I have never been in the military, but have many friends and family who are vets. Part of the big eye-opener for me as I considered this was that so many of our veterans spend MUCH more time than this away from their families, under much more dangerous circumstances. In many cases, people didn't even have a choice. I realized how privileged I was to have a choice, and was struck with an even deeper and more profound respect and admiration for our veterans than I had before. Thank you for your service, and for taking the time to bring this important perspective into the conversation. It is much appreciated. =) Kenton
ReWildUniversity I like these comments about the military. I am an old vet and know the hardship of being away from family. I just got back from visiting a family member who is leaving for Japan for 3-5 years. He got lucky at the last moment to get permission to take his family with him. He was prepared to do it without his family. He has been deployed several times and has spent months on a ship.
james green It's one of those things that I don't think those of us who haven't been there can even begin to imagine. We can pretend, or try to put ourselves in your shoes, but if you imagine a "perfect storm" of hardship, it would be being away from family, in a foreign environment, surrounded by people who would like to kill or capture/torture you. Not to mention a hundred other aspects of the experience that you could list out much better than I . . . Respect. =) Kenton
Hey fellow Badger 👍 Great vids and I hope some day to come to your school. It would have been a great platform to introduce more people to your philosophies while teaching them essential primitive living skills. Perhaps you could bring the Family and have a family survival reality show 🤔 Just a thought, but I will still watch you on the RUclips either way. Wish you all the best...
+ReWildUniversity That is awesome, and what a coincidence 👍 I always enjoy your videos, and I know things will work out for you. I really admire and respect your dedication to your morales :) Must be a Wisconsin thing bahahaha
Perhaps an oversimplification of the point but "money corrupts" and perhaps you have remained faithful to your beliefs! In my opinion a most admirable state of mind!
Ian Feltell I've often thought of money as an addictive drug -- like wine, it can be used in moderation, but when someone has millions or billions, and is just hoarding more -- that seems as if there might be some sort of addictive process going on. I know that it seems much easier to acquire than to give away. I know a few people who have done massive simplifications, and though it's tough at first, they invariably seem so much happier afterwards. Money is indeed a powerful force, and its effects on our psyche, it seems, are still largely not understood.Thanks for your comment!Kenton
There's a new show on National Geographic called "Live Free or Die" that features different rewilders each week. It only came out last month and sadly I can only find two minute 'teaser' clips and no full episodes (Australia tends to be a season or so behind the USA).
Danielle Van Opynen Thanks for letting me know about this -- I had never heard of it! Interesting -- rewilding going a bit more 'mainstream'????=) Kenton
This is the first of your videos I’ve watched and it gave me no alternative but to subscribe! You are fortunate to have come to such conclusions as a young man. It is something that does not come to most throughout their whole existence. I myself have been on both ends of the socioeconomic scale and have come to the awareness that my life in the outdoors has become a personal affair and though I am willing to share my knowledge, and I am not concerned with sharing my love affair with nature and life with others for notoriety. I can only hope that some knowledge will be passed on to future generation. As for right of passage, I believe that one must come to that place that gives us internal peace and satisfaction at whatever the cost and whatever age but never at the cost of your loved ones. I will spend the rest of my life teaching, sharing, and living in the outdoors but will never forsake the love I have for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Unfortunately, my wife of 38 years became incompatible with a minimalist lifestyle and divorced me 2 years ago. However; I grudge her not because for her own peace and satisfaction she needed to conclude life in a faster lane where I could no longer travel. So I truly see and understand the internal struggle you faced in making your decision, but know that it is yours and you own it and no one should ever be so bold as to question your take on YOUR life! I thank you greatly for sharing your story with me and I fully support your philosophy on life and I truly believe that you made the best decision for you my friend. You take care. Sty North
+Sty North Sty North, thank you for your wonderful words! I'm super excited, because I followed the link to your website and it looks like you live right up on the Bayfield Peninsula! My current student, Brett, is looking at land up there. It was so fun to see the first photo on your site, with the beaver lodge. I thought, "wow, that looks an awful lot like Wisconsin . . ." and indeed it is! I'm down in Menomonie! =) Kenton
Thanks so much for responding! It's about a four mile hike to the "Sea Caves" from my home and our camp. 1 1/2 miles to the Superior shoreline, which of course I have a hard time not taking my clients there on hot summer afternoons. Thank you for checking us out. And you take care Kenton!
+Sty North Just the area where he is looking, and a childhood haunt of mine. My two daughters just LOVE 'Grandma Lake'. Perhaps we can cross paths up there sometime! =) Kenton
As your brother spent 2 years in Mongolia and 1 year in Nepal, do you offer this sort of long term type apprenticeship, or should I say sanctuary to your students? I see you have the 4 month program, and the price seems sort of reasonable, but what about longer term? There's no way I personally could afford it, I am just curious.
Hi John, Up until this year, I was offering an 11-month program. I just switched to 4-month to give it a try. My goal is to make my programs available to more people, so I'm always experimenting to try to create a program that is accessible financially and time-wise. It's not easy -- if I had big classes it would be different, but taking on only a few people a year means that I have to charge more. Hopefully over time I will build up the patreon support to a level that I can offer everything I do on a tuition-optional basis. =) Kenton
Good Job. I have just done the exact same thing for the exact same show. LOL I didn't want to become the person that many others talk about both good and bad. And I checked myself why I wanted to do this show and for who am I doing it for? Thank you for your video.
Allen Ballard It sounds like you can really relate, Allen. Those are the perfect questions. Why, and for who? It sure brought me face-to-face with some elements of my personality that I didn't think existed! =) Kenton
Your family is the most important part of your life. A great man once said "No other success can compensate for failure at home. The time you have with your children is so limited, they grow up so fast, enjoy it while you can. As for adventure, the greatest adventure in life is being a spouse and parent. As I am now in the grandfather stage of my life I can tell you that I have never looked back and said that I wish I had spent less time with those that I love. My greatest regret is not having spent even more time with them than I did!
+Ghostcat Forevermore These are powerful words, my friend! So important! I agree completely. Plus, I am finding more and more that children are my greatest teachers. I have learned more and grown more in the past five years of parenting than I have in all the rest of my life. The real adventure, as you say, is right here. =) Kenton
I am not great with the written word but prefer to talk and so I find it hard to fully express myself in terms of your videos. With that said your videos touch many chords within me, this one included. Keep up the good work :)
+Allan Reid Thank you Allan. It means a lot to hear that. Thanks for sharing, even if it's not your preferred medium of communication. I have to say that I appreciate it when people prefer talking -- that's rare these days, when so much of our communication is no longer "in person". =) Kenton
Great points....and significant insight that nearly everyone in todays world misses. I spent much of my life pursuing what i had been told would result in happiness, security, and success...it provided none of those things. Fast forward.....3 years ago i left my high stress career, sold our large urban home, sold the large SUV, sold the "toys", and even got rid of all of the excess we had accumulated over many years. We dumped $350,000 of debt. My wife even resigned from her job to allow for more productive "life" time. Today? Older home on the edge of town. Payed for used cars. Started our own family business where money is not the driving force. Instead taking pride in our work, taking "us" time each week (we work no more than 4 days per week....sometimes 3 😄), we spend time doing ministry work, strengthen our spiritual needs, and continue to build a strong marital relationship. So what have we found? Happiness...contentment...and success. I spent all of those years searching for something in a bunch of stuff that was incapable of providing such fulfillment. We have even found that having less stuff, whether owned or owed for, puts a weight of responsibility on us that is crippling in its own way. A crippling that prevents us from finding what we were searching for all along.
Btw....my company has a similar take on the name of your school....we operate "reVision Renovations" where we help others revision the spaces in their homes by utilizing years of experience to "make their vision a reality". 😄 And by coincidence, we too were approached about being part of a television show...we promptly declined as well.
This is super powerful, my friend. I'm honored that you've shared your story. And so cool that we have that coincidence with our business names! Writing this out has the potential to seriously inspire some people -- I'm grateful that you took the time to give this gift to comment readers. In gratitude, Kenton =)
Thank you for having such incredible integrity. Resisting the temptation to basically hand your reputation over to editors or producers who would try to make you do unrealistic and unsafe things for excitement (like what happened to Cody Lundin), or make you change your beliefs or how you express them to apply them differently. I did think maybe you should try monetizing your videos here? I see people do that by having ads or such before the video and those are merely videos of dogs, lol. You definitely deserve remuneration for your efforts. I know I would pay for the amount of inspiration and education you have given me. I know it's not about money for you which is amazing, but the idea occurred to me.! Thank you for making such a stand. My already high esteem and respect for you are now higher. I watch your videos many, many nights. My problems I mentioned back on your adventurer video(and others) have doubled and I have some new physical issues like a surgery on a tendon that isn't healing well. My large reservoir of positivity had been greatly exhausted. The depression would overwhelm me if I didn't have distractions or things to learn and grow from. One of the core ways I learn and distract myself on nights like this is to watch your videos here. I share videos too. Your messages are positive, open, education, and inspiration. My plan to camp this summer has been set back due to the surgery on my wrist and hand (the ulnar tendons and extensor tendon to pinky finger were cut when is pushed too hard on a glass door and it exploded and had to be surgically repaired which is tough) and this setback has definitely taken it out of me. The point I am leading to is that your videos calm me, help me to center, help me to take a different perspective, and help me to keep the goals of getting outside and back in a natural state that my mind needs. You may have passed on a TV show, but just know your work is greatly appreciated by those like me who are fortunate enough to have discovered your videos and school. There have been many nights when I was almost in a suicidal state of late where I would watch and be distracted. I could imaging being in the snow and feeling with my feet, starting a fire, or simply being. Thank you. Sincerely, Jon And yes, I'm working on recharging the positive batteries. :)
Dear Jon,Thank you for this heartfelt comment. I'd like you to know that the positive effect my videos have had upon you are returned to me when you write like this. You are not only being inspired, but are inspiring in turn. You have ample reason to be depressed, yet you always rally and find ways to move toward a more positive attitude. When I hear those stories, it helps me to observe my own life with more clarity, and to be thankful for the many gifts that I have. You, too, are giving me positivity and energy which inspires me to keep creating, keep sharing, keep exploring my own ideas about life. So I thank you.On the monetization of my videos, I decided in the beginning that no matter how big my channel eventually became, I was never going to have ads on my videos. To me, the whole idea of advertising is that we're told how lacking we are, and then offered products or services that will fix us in some way. I don't want to take part in that, as I want to promote the message that we have our 'fixes' inside of us. Now, if I could just have advertisements for RUclips channels or videos that I chose, perhaps I'd rethink things, as I'm happy to promote others who are encouraging old skills and a love of nature. But as long as it's generated by RUclips, I'll be sticking to the non-advertising route. Thanks for asking!Your friend,Kenton
Man, I've got nothing but respect for you after hearing this. It reminds me of my favorite TV show, Dual Survival. Cody was all about his ego, as is Joe. But Matt on the other hand - his values don't match up to his role in the show. I think you and Matt are a lot alike in terms of values - I'm sure you're very different people of course, but you both seem to have the same primitive outlook on life; you choose not to play the "suffering game" which of course consists of the progress trap most of the 9-5er's are stuck in. Thank you for making a RUclips channel, and thank you for reaching out to us with your wisdom. P.S. I tried the cold shower this morning! It was invigorating to say the least... I was skeptical too - until I tried it. There is no better connection than to truth, and that my friend, you are bringing to a vast audience. Blessings! - Jay
Team Microbe Jay, thank you so much for this! I've only seen one early episode of Dual Survival, but you have inspired me to check out Matt. I'm guessing he's one of the current guys? So cool that you tried the cold shower, even though you were skeptical! It's pretty amazing, isn't it! Thanks so much, Kenton
Haven' t commented before but I really enjoy your channel and am glad you didn't leave for a TV show! However I think a documentary on reWild University would be pretty awesome! Maybe if someone followed you and one of your students through their process - documenting a sort of Rite of Passage...?
+Paul Busch Thank you Paul! I'd love to create the documentary you are talking about. I started to put one together with a former student, but it never came to be. I think it would be fascinating to watch a student's 11-month transformation as they embark on their adventure out here. I appreciate you commenting -- people sharing their thoughts and feelings is the best part of this channel! =) Kenton
I have to say that I'm not sure I'd have been as strong willed as you. Though I guess I don't think I so much care for fame or money, but just an opportunity to do something I enjoy doing for a living. I wish there were more public television channels, as those tend to focus more on quality of content rather than mass appeal, and they also don't have advertisements - which of course perpetuate our money-driven society by feeding off of people's inadequacies. "You need to buy this because you or your life is not good enough." As for actual rituals, I'm not sure I can give any good ideas that you might not already be doing. But I will say just being able to go out into nature in general, and having only the essential things that I need (and even then, maybe slightly less than an adequate amount of food) has helped me escape from my own material and ego-driven desires over time. Not that I don't of course lapse back into those on occasions. And I suppose as far as ego-driven desires (like fame, recognition, etc.) go, they could be a double edged sword, with one side making one too obsessed with themselves and too uncaring or something, but the other side driving them to improve themselves. Anyway, being in nature and spending time with close friends has helped me recognize what I think are true needs in life, and how fulfilling they (e.g. nature and community) are compared to something like buying a new toy. I also often think about how something that I'm so excited to buy with money often ends up losing it's excitement after a few weeks, days, or even hours, and just becomes some dust-collector. Sorry this is a long and non sequitur comment - it's late and my brain is dozing off
I'm right with you about the public TV. I think that Ray Mears is public TV, am I correct? BBC? But it feels like public TV is suffering badly in the US. I wonder if it could be brought back as a more positive alternative to the regular fare. Nature! Nature is indeed such a powerful force in finding our own strengths, in finding camaraderie, in developing creativity -- what a teacher and companion! Great wisdom about the 'new things', as well. That seems like such a constant seduction. We've gone through a number of periods in our lives of purging old stuff, and WOW! There is SO MUCH! How were we hauling all that along? We still have a lot of stuff, but it's eye-opening to look back at how much more we kept in our possession even a few years back. That was a pretty great comment for writing it when you were dozing off =)
I respectfully call you my brother, In this video you asked us to say what we thought a bout the opportunity you was offered I would like to say I agree 100% good job at listing... As for a idea for a video you obliviously are a loving dad and husband not all of us know how to do this. Thanks!
+Sean Stanley Sean, thank you so much my brother! I appreciate your words. And so interesting that you mentioned a video about that, because Rebecca and I are actually going to start a new, "sister" channel to ReWildUniversity that is all about relationships, love, parenting, etc., from a rewilded perspective. We'll post a video when the new channel launches -- maybe it will have some stuff that will interest you! =) Kenton
We are most interested brother! The foundation of society is families. What the world needs most is not more good laws but good men and women that can not be swayed, bought or sold, we get them from good families. This only one reason way we are working in Colombia to raise fatherless children in a Loving environment to counter act the crime and degeneration of society. Thanks, looking foreword to hearing your story.
Sean Stanley Thank you for this beautiful work you are doing! I'd agree that how children emerge into adults is so vital. If changes could be made at that fundamental level . . . =) Kenton
ReWildUniversity thank you for sharing this and for following your values, your core, your light. Very wise counsel by your brother. By asking better questions we get better answers. I heard you saying several times, "I would not like to leave my family." From your videos and your lifestyle I believe your family would be just as excited to share in that immersion experience. What if you did a show that allowed you to survive with your family. For most people that is more of a real scenario. Any primitive and survival expert can survive on their own but I really feel that it takes a special person that is working with nature not fighting her to thrive with their family. Think of it like a family vacation doing what you love the most. You also mentioned sharing some of your students experiences. I feel I got so much from you 5 to 1 video and Eric' s Survival Challenge. As a viewer I know that they are like me. They are not the expert and you physically see their evolution. Just my thoughts mate. Thank you again for sharing what you do. Cheers.
Cruz Country Fitness & Physical Therapy This is a great idea =) I'm not sure if I could get the family to come along on an adventure like that, but perhaps when our girls are a bit older it would be fun to self-shoot such an adventure. I also want to thank you for the feedback on the student videos. I'm aiming to do more of these, especially a series that shows our latest month-long student going through some radical and amazing mental shifts during her 28-day experience. It would be a long series, but I think it would show us that we all have the capacity to meet life in a way that minimizes conflict and allows us to surpass our endurance with an approach that seems strangely effortless. Her videos are in the works!=) Kenton
your 2 questions: 2. You already are inspiring! Thank you for sharing your path! I'm not sure whether "producing" content could be so authentic. Congratulations! 1. Since I first started to try the bow drill I was thinking about what these primitive skills mean for the society we live in. What if...this is not about being prepared for some sort of crisis or whatever, but much more about being confronted with the very basics of life - and through that get right into the meditation about what the basics of life are and what cultural impact this all can/should have. Since survival of the fittest (fastest car, biggest house, greatest influence...) seems so outdated, made up and surreal in general - it is high time to MAKE A CHANGE and think about what may be a better and real and after all sustainable future. And in this context I think it's a very impressive example you gave by doing not the maximum but what seems just right. Again, thank you! M
This is so well said, Markus. I love the vision you've spelled out. Although these skills would certainly be useful in a crisis, I don't feel that's what it's about at all. As you noted, it's about connecting to the basics of life, and finding the depth of life vibrancy available in connecting with those basics. I feel like this brings us back to life, and as each person rediscovers that vibrancy, the culture that we co-create cannot help but slowly shift.
You have to do what feels right for you.For me,I would take the opportunity,and try to get financially set.After that I would support many good projects ,and the sacrifice would have been worth the struggle.
The inability to control how the TV was going to be done was part of the problem. If you had someone who was suggesting that you do a TV show, but also was taking your input as to how you wanted it to be done, and finding a way to make it work with you and your family so that you wouldn't have to leave them, then it wouldn't be so bad. I imagine that the people producing the show had an idea in their mind as to how it would be done, sort of a pre-written script for it. I'm reminded of the tv show 'Utopia,' which I never actually watched, I just looked at bits and pieces of it on the internet. It failed badly and they cancelled the show. It was supposed to be about people living in an intentional community, but it just turned into a big reality show drama with everyone arguing all the time, just a show about endless conflicts. All that it did was make intentional communities look bad. The community in that show was not set up by someone who actually knew how to set up communities so that they would work. It was set up by someone trying to make a TV show. The people who plan the TV show do not necessarily know how to properly DO the thing that the show is about. It doesn't mean that no show can or ever will be made about this, it just would have to be made in cooperation with people who understood exactly what you were about and what all of this means. It can't be made by someone who doesn't completely 'get it.' I actually don't have a TV either, but if I did and if I watched TV, I wouldn't mind watching a survival show about a guy who didn't go very far away from his family, and just demonstrated survival techniques in the woods nearby, and I think lots of other people would watch it too. Also, the students taking the classes could be on the show (if they wanted to be), not just you - it shouldn't be a show about one and only one 'character' all alone in the wilderness surviving. Primitive skills aren't about loneliness and isolation. In fact people long for a primitive life partly because the *modern* world creates isolation and loneliness. Primitive tribes would have actually been much closer to their neighbors all the time, visiting them, eating with them, going in their houses, crossing paths every day.
eagledove9 Eagledove, you have give a lot of insight here. This statement of yours was particularly poignant for me -- "In fact people long for a primitive life partly because the modern world creates isolation and loneliness. Primitive tribes would have actually been much closer to their neighbors all the time, visiting them, eating with them, going in their houses, crossing paths every day." I think this is often forgotten. Our 'rugged idealist' ideal has created his thought of one man or one woman alone against the wilderness. In contrast, I'm reading a set of journals from early French explorers of North America right now, and in the case of both the Frenchman and the Native Americans, people never went out alone. They stayed in groups, and went to extreme lengths to care for and transport wounded or sick companions, often risking the whole party for the good of one person who had fallen ill. The cooperation and compassion they held for the people in their group is in stark contrast to something like the Utopia program you reference. As you note, these programs are created by people who haven't lived the lives they are hoping to portray, and I think that kind of intimate knowledge is necessary if we want to portray something with any sense of actual 'reality'. Thanks for this great comment!=) Kenton
First summer on fire towers I read The Evil Eye: The Unacceptable Face of Television by Guy Lyon Playfair and turned a corner. When I started thinking about the almost embarrassing pay I got my last season, particularly the last month, it was over. Question of values always. Keeping things to the tribal level helps in so many ways. Quality over quantity. The temptations are never more beautiful for the soul than face to face and arm in arm. :)
Hi Kenton, I just found your videos today and I already watched many of them. I really like your attitude and way of thinking. But what I want to know is: What do you think about getting payed for your classes? Don't you feel a bit sad that you have to let your students pay for the experience you give them? Otherwise you could't pay for your house, ect... It's obvious, sure. I personally find it very depressing, that money still is - even if we like it or not - a part of market society which is often putting a bitter taste into human relationships. Especially when these relationships are buyer-seller-relatioships. You're expressing that money does not make you happy, but it is often necessary to fulfill your dreams. You need the clients - otherwise you could't pay off your house, keep up your school or whatever. And it is also an obstacle for your wish to include as many people as possible in rewilding because not everyone is able to pay the price for your classes. (Which makes me really sad actually.) Wouldn't you like it better to choose students just because you like them and not because they can afford the classes (which is already a pre-selection)? For me personally this often is a complicated question: Do I do things really because I want it or (also) because I can make money with it? And is the other person who I'm paying for a service really doing it because he or she enjoys being together with me? Or is it just the money ther're after? Marx would say it's the monetarisation of all aspects of life.
Musikjunx Thanks so much for bringing this up. My first experience with teaching was when I put out my shingle as a martial arts instructor (one-on-one). I didn't want to charge money, because I felt that if people are devoting themselves to learning martial arts (and this applies to my current teaching as well), they shouldn't also have to worry about making money to pay for the classes. As I grew closer to some of my students, I began to cease charging them, and oddly, every person who I gave free classes to stopped coming over time. I've found the same odd thing with my Metamorphosis classes. When people are paying, they take the training very seriously. But when I give heavily discounted tuition, people seem to give things less value in their head.It seems that money is deeply woven into our psyches, and into out culture. As you point out, I don't enjoy having money involved at all. I convinced my wife to live in a yurt for a year, during which our need for money was almost zero. During that time, I took on a number of students for free or for very discounted tuition. And it just wasn't as I imagined. Students didn't stay. It's very odd, as I felt like I was giving just as much as I do to paying students, who consistently are very appreciative of what I have to offer. So for the moment, I'm still charging tuition. Someday that may change again, when I can convince Rebecca to try another experiment in super-simple living. But even though we've reduced our money-needs quite a bit, I still pay rent and a tithe to the organic farm on which ReWildU is situated. It's definitely a realm of constant exploration for me, and I have to thank you for bringing it up and causing me to take a look at it again this evening. I think it's so important to keep examining things like this.With appreciation,Kenton
ReWildUniversity Hello Kenton, I'm glad that I was able to make you examine this problem again. Often people tend to react affected when one is alluding to antagonisms in their life. I really like your way of dealing with this. For me these thoughts are also connected with the question "shall i take the easy or difficult way?". When you're willing to pose questions like these to yourself you have a broader awareness of what you're doing in your life. But on the other hand you're thinking more about your behaviour then other's maybe, which can make decisions - and life in generall - quite difficult. On the other hand you're also controlling yourself if your actions are still compatible to your beliefs and values - and you also have to think a lot more about what your beliefs and values are. It can make things difficult, as I said. Nevertheless: there is a nice German independend band which is singing: in case of doubt, be for the doubt (I hope this makes sense in English :-) ). Otherwise life gets superficial, Philipp
Musikjunx I really like this quote from the band, Philipp -- for me, it suggests that while most of us are trying to banish doubt, there is actually a great value in it -- indeed, great doubt brings us to a state of constant curiosity, where we exist in question instead of in judgment. Thanks for these great comments! =) Kenton
Maybe you could make youtube videos showing what your students do? I would love to see that. I'm myself in a "rewilding" process to put an end to a horrible chronic cervilcalgia at 34. Going full barefoot, calisthenics and climbing trees is the best thing that happened to me. Love your videos! Would love to watch you teaching students as well. You don't need TV. Your RUclips channel is great, just keep enriching it! - cheers from Spain
Hi Vermeer! I think I can make that wish come true! Matt has allowed us to film his 11-month stay here. There are the videos thus far: Episode One: ruclips.net/video/420pM8kWqLU/видео.html Episode Two: ruclips.net/video/zMJR6Oa3J9Y/видео.html Episode Three: ruclips.net/video/TgDYgXq-8Kg/видео.html Episode Four: ruclips.net/video/uN8bHsO7kHY/видео.html And episode five will be coming out tomorrow or the next day! =) Kenton
Hello, I am a Vet also. Respect there to all Vets and their families for their hardships! Rop=Right of Passage? Sounds more like stepping stones. We each live our lives to the best "WE" can. Those temptations are/will always be there for ALL! Hey, even Jesus was tempted! To me, with how much you struggled to come to a answer to a show tells me how strong a person yoou are, CARRY ON BROTHER!! I am a new follower here, enjoy the vids. (Valleys and Peeks man!) God Bless!
matthew boucher Thank you so much for your words, Matthew, and thank you so much for your service. So happy to have you on the channel! Great thoughts on ROPs and how we live our lives. I think you're pointing to something very important -- the realization that our lives are always filled with these temptations that can pull us away from the things that are truly meaningful in our lives. Something to remember! =) Kenton
Whatever path you choose stay true to yourself do not sacrifice who you are do not fall victim to their intentions hold to What is right and let go of the rest be safe on your journey my brother at peace
much respect for your decision. while your on the topic of tv production.. might I suggest a shorter intro? perhaps one that is less seizure-inducing at the end? also a microphone cover to cut down on the speaker-blowing wind-noise in some of the videos? other than those things I think your content is top notch & really appreciate what your offering.
Rob, I agree. I actually cut the intro out in later videos. Thanks for taking the time to offer some constructive criticism. It's appreciated! =) Kenton
Another G''Day mate, and an excellent video Sir from another Aussie. Although this one is from a retired ex army Physical Training Instructor among other specialist jobs, now retired to Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Myself for both very good, and very bad reasons, has had more than my own fair share of involvement with the media. Therefore I know they never let the truth get in the way of a perceived story. Likewise any producers will cut and edit until all that is seen, is what they deem the most sensational for viewer and therefore advertising numbers watching. I believe for the reasons you mentioned, along with most likely the ones I have mentioned; that you certainly made the correct moral decision. I personally applaud your choice, and although I have only just found your channel; I will be a regular watcher of your vids from now on.....Cheers Allan Leigh
Allan Leigh Aussie Allan In Thailand I want to thank you, Allan, for watching, and also for sharing your real-life experience with the media. I've had this impression, but it's something else entirely to hear it from someone who has actually been involved. Thailand was always my brother's favorite country, back when he was adventuring around SE Asia. I've never been there, but it looks like quite a place to retire to!Great to have you aboard!=) Kenton
a right of passage is nothing more then showing a tribe or family group that you are capable, or a confidence booster to help a person on their way. You might say that life is full of these where you walk a path till the moment that you fail and learn from your mistake or veer off that path to take on a new path or a shoot off the original. Congrats on you passing yours, cause it sounds like you made the right choice for you and yours.
chris m I really like your definition of a rite of passage. I've been thinking it had to be something "big", but what if we could see it as part of every decision, where we don't criticize ourselves for failing but see every experience as a valuable moment of learning and growth in our lives? Thanks for your great comment, Chris! =) Kenton
Do what you love. And it looks like you love to have conversations with people about profound things. I have never seen anybody on youtube that is as much present in the comments as you. Maybe do something along those lines? Have conversation with a person somewhere in nature. I don't have a tv anymore but a while back, i saw a tv show in my country that was called "24 hours with..." where they would lock a presenter in a room with a famous person and they would have deep discussions about personal things. This is something you can easily do on youtube. Meet people who you often have conversations with. The conversations in the tv show were mostly fueled by a deprivation of sunlight and a corrupted sense of time, but in your case, you could go into nature and do what you do and then when you have gathered all sorts of insight and inspiration from nature, you build a campfire and have deep conversations. From what i have seen, this is what your viewers love aswell... Here is an episode of the tv show. I know you probably don't understand anything they say, but scrolling through it may give you a general idea of the concept: ruclips.net/video/txtfI0s8r4E/видео.html
+Robbie Hoen This is the most fascinating and exciting idea that I've ever heard! WOW!!! For some reason, I never would have thought of this. And I love it. You have my mind rolling, my friend!!! =) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity Haha! Well we were on the same wavelength in our conversation about the etymology of words and how everything in life is interconnected and about non-dualism, so i thought maybe sharing an idea about this will spark a chainreaction aswell. Very interested to see what you'll make of it!
I highly respect your decision to stay with your family instead of the money and recognition. What about choosing a promising student and offering your courses and mentor ship for free for a year to prep him or her for the show and pre-arrange a split of the tv show earnings.
When we are living our lives instead of making a living...that's when life begins. Love People Not Things... Money and toys don't get to go with you when you die...only the memories and experiences or regret is what we take after this experience. I'm truly inspired by you and you definitely speak the truth. I grew up bone broke as a child with holes in my socks...then I decided to change that and worked realllll hard and made a lot of money bought a lot of things and nearly died because of the stress such an endeavor causes... that is when I changed..... Now...I live my life for experience and relationships and doing what is important to ME...and now that I've found happy...i'm able to share with others who aren't happy but still working on the "american dream"...which btw is best believed if your sleeping... I closed my business and life is sooo much easier and things work out easily when you have trust. Lets all worry about helping each other and keep the corporations desire for $$ out of our teachings. We all support you...I recommend your channel all the time.
Wow. This is so inspiring. I think it's so valuable for us to hear from someone who went from "poor" to "rich" and chose deliberately to give up the quest for more money. There can be so much striving for more more more, and when we can hear from someone who has had more, and who came back toward simpler things -- wow. Thank you so much for sharing this! Such a powerful message you're giving here, and I hope that many people can hear it. Also, thank you for recommending my channel. It means a lot to hear that you find enough value in it to share it with others.
Also, I was just telling Rebecca about your comment, and repeated the 'american dream which is best believed when sleeping' part of your comment, and only now realized the sleep/dream connection. What a clever and poignant statement!
much of what i offer comes from 40 years of listening to others and establishing ME. When we learn that I control ME and if everyone controls themselves...then there isn't much need for anyone else to interfere unless you are harming someone else or something else. When we have money you have toys, that need registration and maintenance, fuel, and $$....then you have to store it, clean it, and hope it works next time you use it so it doesn't cost more $$...then you have a house that if it's too big...you spend many many extra steps just getting from one usefull spot to another....chores almost become obstacles and you have to make a lot more money to purchase, maintain, furnish, clean, heat, cool, pay taxes on, clean again, and worry that it might get damaged. The grass "gardens" that everyone seems to have.. has to be mowed and hauled away from you every week....when we start putting emphasis on what is important to us and what we are able to extract a return from...such as an option of a real garden instead of a "wasted crop"....life becomes MUCH easier.
the hardest lesson of chasing the dollar is that your kids can't keep up...and neither can your significant other when she's taking care of everything else... and so your life becomes based around making money instead of memories. Here are a few other ideals I hold true Don't let your biggest regret be when you die that you didn't learn what living life is about. The only difference between the rut of the rat race and a grave is the depth. If you don't have respect for who you are, your natural desires and your divine will...you will always be a slave to the expectations of others. The only criticism that matters is upon self reflection. Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit We are not humans on a spiritual journey...we are spirits on a human experience. Its never too late to be who you might have been. We are shaped by our environment and what we choose to hold close to us...Not all of my words started as mine...but it is what i will share with others that shapes me.
RUclips University of Hawkshaven Your first comment, reflecting upon the demands that our 'things' make upon us -- it brings up the observation that in a way, we don't own our things, but our things own us! Your second comment held so many gems of wisdom . . . these are such important things to remember. It also was good to hear about 'keeping up'. I think it can become so easy for our careers or money quests to push everything else aside. I've seen that again and again, with people who come to ReWild University wanting to reconnect with the basics of life. Reaching and reaching, forever striving, we lose our foundation and never seem to end up happy, or really able to serve those around us. Yet paradoxically, when we pay attention to nourishing ourselves, we end up having more energy for those around us. Selfless service seems to sap all but the saints. But cultivating a powerful foundation for our own lives gives us the resources to truly serve others with our greatest wisdom, love, and compassion.
Kinda late for the comment but I stumbled onto your channel as of recent. I haven't had a chance to watch too many of your videos but I can see that you know your stuff. Plus the fact that you are very mindful and at peace with not only yourself but with the world is something that you should share. Which brings me to my opinion : 1. . I believe that there is no price for freedom. no amount of money can buy your soul because like you said money isn't that important. Yes we need money because we want to eat and provide for our families. But if we let it control us and our beliefs then we have enslaved ourselves to its powers. Don't give up what you believe in for money. 2. . With that said, however, I also believe in opportunity. If you can further grow your business without having to do something you don't believe in then you should go for it. Just know that with each new venture comes a new challenge. Perhaps this is something to consider and maybe you can leverage a deal that allows you to do the things that you are already doing without having to leave your family and your school. Finally, in terms of entertainment I can say that these days people will watch all sorts of things. I cannot tell whether the general audience will have the attention span to watch your content without wanting to click the next viral video. People are easily bored. Other than that i would say I enjoy watching survival n how to videos. You can do a survival series on your channel or something like that. I hope that helps. Thanks for sharing and reading our comments. Ps: I do have an idea for a tv show that you can pick up that will showcase all your skills. If you're interested then you can pm me. Cheers.
My Hoach Hello, and thank you so much for these wonderful words of wisdom. They are greatly appreciated. It would be fun to hear your idea! Can I just give you my email? It is rewildu (at) yahoo (dot) com. Thank you! =) Kenton
...also p.s. i believe a youtube style program would be a lot better then TV and I support any decision you make on the material you decide to show. I honestly like the survival skill tips along the lines of the pathfinder school and i love the philosophical side of your videos as well. Keep to what makes you true for sure.
Thanks for this support! I'm excited by the ideas people have given, and am putting together some new ideas for upcoming videos and programs. I'm glad you like the philosophical side that I sometimes present. For me, it's been an integral part of my own life experience, and I feel that RUclips offers a wonderful chance to share some of the gifts I've been given over the years. =)
+ReWildUniversity great video. I think its ok to feel all that you feel. It's ok to be tempted. it is amazing that you have been tempted and have made the choices you have made. You have have been shown that you are a rich man. Wealth, value, worth, all are realy not of this world. life is a right of passage to heaven. The right choices you make now give you tastes of the wealth you will have eternally.
Great video man and your right money isnt everything. Tho a life long dream is very high on our list and tempting. If you could go it would be nice as well. If your set in life then no need to chase dreams. Good video bro.
Thanks Kull. I do feel like I am searching for that ROP (Rite of Passage), but Rebecca, though she would have fully supported me doing this venture, reminded me that "the only Zen you find on a mountaintop is the Zen you bring there.". A great realization that in a way, it would be easier to go on a spiritual quest if I was alone in the wilderness. A much greater challenge? To find the same substance of that quest within the context of everyday life. After all, that's the mission of ReWild University -- to give people tools and realizations that are just as life-changing whether you're in the wilderness or driving a car to work.
Money and recognition weren't the only things drawing you to want to be on the show. As you first said, going on the show "would have fulfilled a life long dream" getting paid is just the icing on the cake. Hopefully you don't regret this too much or resent those that made you choose to throw your dream away.
Good insight! Over time, I've found that I'm extremely happy with my decision, especially after coming to know some folks who have participated in various of these shows and had interesting things to report about what's really going on "behind the scenes" (for instance, only showing parts of your footage that further the storyline they want to present for each contestant, to the point where one person said he had been eating well for days and the show had shown him "starving" and then catching his "first fish".) Lol!! =) Thanks for the comment! Kenton
@@ReWildUniversity That would be very frustrating! To say the least. When they edit it that way it just ends up making that person look dumb/bad when in reality they were kicking the challenges butt!! When the whole point is to showcase how capable you are. Glad you are still happy with your choice and with the more info you received it just further confirmed your initial "gut" feelings.
Indeed -- I was surprised to hear how they had "spun" things for him. Needless to say, he didn't feel his skills were fairly portrayed. And he was pulled for "medical reasons", even though he wanted to stay and felt like he could keep pushing through. Ah well . . . =)
Interesting talk and thanks for taking the time to do it. You sound like someone who is truly "Free". So many talk about "Financial Freedom" so they will spend a lot of time seeking financial rewards.Freedom (without the requirement for fame, riches, or the perceived power that comes with those things), is so much stronger and fulfilling. Good on you for making your decision based on what is truly important. There are not many people with your strength. Thanks.
I understand your feeling kent, I'm having a similar situation at the moment but no kids, I just want to test myself in the Same way by going alone into the wild but my family would think I was crazy probably not like it, but the pressure from them has nne not wanting too but I feel the same desire for this "rite of padsage" I'm just trying to find direction and guidance from a deeper place and re wild myself so to speak.
I can definitely understand, Jeff. Nature offers such a promise of vitality and adventure and REALITY, yet it can be difficult for others to understand when they are enraptured by comforts of our culture. If you do your rite of passage, please tell me how it goes! =) Kenton
Hi Kenton, Everyone sees things differently, I listened to everything you said and greatly respect your decision and you for standing by that decision. Now looking at you and what you do as it relates to this from my side of the fence, this is how i view it. and this is me being you right now, I would first ask myself,Kenton, why would you do this, what reason above all ? And i think the first answer would be, to be able to reach more people with my knowledge of nature and the outdoors, survival skills, and the many other things your good at. Well, you're doing that right now, you're on youtube where people get to learn what you love to get across. Only this would be on a bigger scale, and you don't have to get famous from this. you don't have to do commercials and be on talk shows. you film yourself and then come home. You're only going to be as famous as you want to be. As for the money, you know in your heart you would not be doing this for the money. The money is a great side benefit. getting paid to do what you're doing right now, only on a bigger scale. Money will only change your life if you let it. Look at it this way. Lets say hypothetically you have a thousand bucks in the bank, you take out 200 a week for grocery's or whatever it may be and leave the rest sit until you need to buy or pay for the next necessity. Why couldn't you do the same thing if you had a million in the bank ? If you truly believe what you say about money, then it should be a non issue, you would only take out for necessities. The money wont change your life if you let it sit and continue living the way you like to live. The other bright side of it is, someday those babies aren't going to be babies anymore. They may embrace your way of life, and then again, maybe not. They may grow up and want to go to college, maybe become a biologist, or a veterinarian, it sure would be nice if they didn't have to work 2 jobs to try and pay for that education. I look at this way Kenton, It's up to you to make it as big or as small of a deal as you want it to be. And all of these other beliefs that you have, you're still going to have them whether you're a survivalist or a surgeon. So there you have it, there's my long winded version, Oh, and when you read my other comments on your videos, know that i say what i say jokingly and with a humorous nature, i like to make people laugh. Cya pal.
sassy squatch What a great perspective. I can see your point. I think I've always had some difficulties with money that I'm still wrestling with. It's tough for me to imagine having more than I need when others have so little. But as you point out, the money can be used in beautiful ways. Not only for creating opportunities for our children, but for reaching out to help others. Though we currently live on an amount of money that is below the poverty level, we still have enough to tithe 10% of our income, because of the simple life we live. But if I truly feel that I wouldn't be affected by money, could I not then give so much more if my income were more significant? It's very timely that you've put forth this very thought-provoking comment, my friend. I've just been re-contacted by the same folks with another offer, and I've been doing some soul-searching again, especially since the offer would take me away from my family less. Your thoughts are much appreciated! =) Kenton
So Kenton, here's a question. If the proposition had been for you to spend up to a year in the same way, well-paid, not for TV but for a research project, do you think you would have done it? You explain that the TV offers didn't fit with your values, which is clear, because you didn't want to chase tens of millions of viewers and become a 'celebrity' in the US &/or beyond. If the offer, though, had been to do the same thing, not televised but with a research team documenting how you were doing, for an academic study....would you still have said No? (I guess you would, because the main reason you gave was, understandably, not leaving your family for so long. Or would it have been more tempting?)
Wow, what a great question, Cathy! I think I still would have said "no" due to the family reason, but it definitely would have been more tempting if it was an honest attempt at educating people and learning something about what happens when the human animal is out in nature for an extended period. I often have wondered what might happen if we had a science team researching the forest monks out here, taking blood tests and psychology tests and even more deeply, having ecologists go out with them into the ecosystem because often the forest monks become so intimate with nature that they notice things that even highly-trained naturalists won't. At any rate, this sure brought on some interesting thoughts!!! Love, Kenton =)
God bless brother, you are a wise man that can offer so much to people thru face to face teaching I'm glad you said no to the fake empty idol a TV how and fame is. I hope I can meet you in person one day, person to person and not person to superstar ;)
Your words echo my own thoughts on such things. My temptation would have been that as with you, I would love to have the chance to test myself on an extended outing. Not for the opportunity for recognition. Not important to who I am. Not for the greater income, though covering my needs to keep my home while I was away would be a need for me. But to live a dream of mine, I know exactly where you are. As for the ROP, I believe there are many throughout our lives, if we embrace them. I did a ceremony a few years ago with a group called SIPA. It ended with a stick I had harvested and fought another with. Not trying to hurt, only swing and strike blocks. We went to blazing speeds, mine broke, yet on we went. When the instructor eased out of his need he realized we were the center for those others who had been following this ritual. What he had inside that ne needed to kill was released that evening, and while I had always believed within myself that I could do this, I had never put it to a 5 to 10 minute test with someone skilled. And that day, I found more about me, that I could detach, keep calm, keep focus, feel my giving to another what their need was while focusing almost solely on the activity. Almost solely, because while I could not look away or break focus, my mind could embrace that point where the Universe and I were one. My energy was that of the Universe, as was my calm. I was aware of my connection and my actions. And I was able to detach from and observe both. The staff had been slender, as we had been instructed to gather, for we were going to merely tap sticks. The staff broke, yet if did not fail me or its purpose. I was no longer a broken stick, it transformed into a talisman for me. And though this was 8 years ago, this odd little stick remains with me, radiating to me in my bedroom, beside my firearms, more valuable to me than any gun. Anyway, my moment of one example of an ROP you can tell your wife about for someone who enjoys your energy and manner of teaching and thought.
SpiritofWildWings What a powerful experience you describe! As you say, I think that a ROP emerges not only from external circumstances, but from our ability to 'go into it'. In this case, you truly went into it, transforming within the experience. So beautiful, and a good reminder for us all.=) Kenton
I'd love to meet you. I'm not that far away living in Minnesota. Right now I'm at this crossroads in life. Just lost my house. Now I'm living back home with my parents and that's not such a bad thing. Yeah, I'm 56 years old, but it's very clear I'm needed here. Despite the stigma of my age and suddenly going back to mom and dad it seems like fate had this in mind as a high probability trajectory potential. I don't want to see my parents dwindle away in some nursing home with a bedroom defined only by a curtain, and wall-mounted TV blaring away with what awful entertainment they offer these days. I'm very intrigued by how you keep fit. I've always kept myself in pretty good shape but over the last three years I let myself go. Back here with the folks I'm the hidden elf that fixes things mostly when they aren't looking. I've cut back on drinking. I've lost lots of weight, but I still feel I can go further. I'm getting stronger, but want to get stronger still. We've exchanged messages. I'm the one who talked about "flow state," the act of being totally absorbed in the moment with little or no mental investment in past or future. Someday I hope we will meet ...
Jorel, we're not far apart! Staying fit -- it's really at attitude more than any specific exercises -- an attitude of play and "parkour", trying to always be moving and playing in my environment. As I type, I'm on an exercise ball, leaning back to engage my abs and then rocking forward and trying to balance. That sort of thing. And yes, your words about the "flow state". If we can find that in our whole way of being . . . wow! What an incredible thing to try to cultivate! =) Kenton
Your a great man I learn live off the land Bc grandaddy taught me and so many ppl want me to teach them but I won’t Bc its a family trait not for business
I respect that sentiment. I can't claim to be that pure in my intentions, as we do teach those skills (though they weren't part of my family upbringing), yet I deeply respect someone who can have your level of integrity. =) Kenton
Good for you! Thank you for the video and your wise words. I totally agree with you. Being financially independent doesn't mean having more money than you know what to do with, but it's rather about not needing money. /Matti
+mafric750 Matti, this is such a powerful realization. I see so many people get trapped into the endless quest for more money, never having enough. But not needing money -- that is something else entirely. =) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity Thanks for replying! Yes it is a huge realisation. I used to think that happiness and success would be found if I could only make enough money. After a specific event a few years ago I came to the conclusion that money is never going to make me happy. Thank you for so eloquently putting my own thoughts and feelings into words. I may be visiting the US in summer at a place called Oconomowoc in Wisconsin. I hope I'll get a chance to join one of your short courses! Always good to meet likeminded people.
mafric750 That must have been a powerful experience for you -- it's so great to hear when people have "broken free" from that trap! You'll be in Oconomowoc! Just about 3 and 1/2 hours from here! What brings you to the States?
+ReWildUniversity We're visiting my kids uncle who has a house in Oconomowoc. He is kind enough to help us with the trip from northern Sweden. 3½ hours away? Perfect! :-) I guess I contact you via your website if I were to book a course? Do you have family courses?
+mafric750 I do custom courses, so feel free to contact at any time. I hope your trip to Wisconsin is amazing, and it would be cool to see you! =) Kenton
oh and another thing. Maybe you did already video about that but I haven't seen it. The most difficult for me as a beginner is recognising a different types of trees (I know how this sounds). Maybe you could do a video when you walk around the forest any explain what trees and plants you find and what they best use is so when I go in to the forest next time I will know what I'm looking at. If you already done something please just link the video. :-)
ReWildUniversity I would say any. The problem with me and I guess other people is picking wood. I have no idea which wood to use for a starting fire (I know the main ones that everyone uses in the videos but what if they not there can I use any) and which wood will last whole night as a camp fire. and things like that. I know I'm being simple but just saying what I would like to see. :-)
+madeye1 Great question. I don't, actually. First, so many amazing things happened in my life during that time, and I'm grateful that I was there for them. Secondly (I didn't see the program, but I did hear about it and read a little about the "winner"), that guy who was there longest would have kicked my butt! I think he was there to stay, and though I would like to imagine my skills could have kept me fed and sheltered, I would have been missing my family something terrible, and I don't think I would have stayed all winter. I think he would have, though he would have been skin-and-bones if he kept losing weight like he was! He seemed to have an amazing don't-quit attitude. =) Kenton
Thanks for the thoughtful answer! I definitely recommend the show. Its one of the few almost completely authentic reality wilderness programmes out there unlike Naked & Afraid and the majority of Bear Grylls' shows.
Hi bruh, just wanna let you know that I totally respect your view and opinion. I practice Aikido, and what you feel is what I feel as a muslim man, and as an Aikido practitioner.
You know - a lot of the questions and dilemmas you pose, I have found my answers in the last few years. The temptation you speak of calls to ego and its very hard to overcome. To succumb to it is to think with your head (your rationality). It wont be sustainable though because true wealth comes from those who think with their heart (your compassion). Think with your heart and the wealth will follow and people will cheer you on (because they know you are in it for everyone).
+W Lee That's beautiful. You could see my struggle here, a struggle between head and heart. But I have learned time and again that what you say is true. True wealth doesn't come from betraying our hearts. It comes when we can truly hear them. =) Kenton
The need to pay for all the things in the "real" world is a powerful influence. You, your wife and children have needs. It will be okay if those needs overcome your needs to be philosophically free of that world. We would understand because we are on that side of the world. Nevertheless, myself, I and I'm sure many others, admire your stance. You are walking on a true path.
+tortugabob When a wife and children arrive a person's priority has to change if they want their family to survive. Medicine is the biggest 'item' that only money can buy......surgery.....dental.......education beyond the woods all require money. It's not the root of all evil, the love of it is.
ReWildUniversity, thank you for your prompt reply. Regarding the media, while I am sure there may be a few journalists who at least think they have some honour (?)... the vast majority only care about sensationalism. In any event it is the producers who raise the money for the production, who will always have the last say in how things are presented, okay...Cheers Allan..
Allan Leigh Aussie Allan In Thailand Thanks again, Allan. It's good for people to see this, as I know that a lot of bushcrafters are contacted regularly by production companies. I'd like to see things change for the better, but I think it's good to tread carefully =)
I stopped at 2:30 where you state you have 2 daughters under 4. You made the right decision. They are too precious to destroy for mere money. Separation, to them, is beyond money.
The progress in modern science and technology has created the conditions for many to live with access to our basic needs and even luxury. The dark side of this is that we polute a lot and many live unhealthy, unhappy lives. On the other hand, we know that we can sharpen our minds, make ourselves strong and become caring and loving persons by being adventurous and bringing ourselves in the right natural conditions (as Kenton teaches us). These practice could certainly make us happier, but such a lifestyle will not provide for the basic needs for most people, because it's not that productive and there's not enough nature anymore which means not everyone can do it. So, neither of these 'lifestyles' appear to be a very helpful general solution for society, because most of us want both wealth and happiness. That is why I suggest that rewilding and carreer building are put together. I think that people with technical skill and knowledge in any useful domain should contribute in way to society that proves of respect and caring for humans and nature. Besides, people with love for nature should try to contribute to the economy, but the latter happens more often than the former. Of course it would be easy if the government implented this idea for us, but unfortunately it seems that politics are often preoccupied by more urgent matters. Eventually, we stand on our own. Maybe some universities or schools could be inspired to change their attitude from 'carreer oriented' to 'personal growth and development oriented'? Our technology and knowledge have developed to a point were they could provide all of us in our basic needs. My mobile phone has more intelligence than all the inventions combined untill one century ago! It is past time we show people we have to join our money making activities with the practices of growing into healthy, strong, happy and loving human beings. I know this is a very generalized view, so let me make a practical sugestion: You could try to create a connection between your Rewildu and a local school/university or whatever. So you basically work together and create a study program which should benefit both sides. The program should be of economical value, but it should also be of profound personal value. Or you could put your students to this task. Merry christmas.
+Kevin Taal Kevin, this is a vital message you are putting forth, and one I think that rewilding must embrace -- not a return to a past that perhaps only existed in our imaginations (since we may never know exactly how we lived long ago), but a moving forward into creating a new "cultural ecosystem" that embraces our personal growth as individuals and a culture. What if people could have careers that also engaged their passions and their true skills? Great suggestion at the end, and one I'm going to think about more. =) Kenton
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Im only 13 years old, but i think that your way of living and your mind set and outlook on life are such a nice thing to listen to and watch it encourages me and give me hope. Me and my best friends go out and most days and go to our little wilderness area and make forts and cut trees and learn how to survive and your videos encourage me to keep on doing that. Unfortunately our little wilderness isn't big at all and i don't have much room to adventure or go on journeys but we will keep on making the best out of it.
NetyouNinja You've given me some great memories of when I was 13, adventuring with our small group, even though we didn't always have huge roaming grounds. So cool to hear that you are getting out there, practicing skills and enjoying nature. And I also appreciate you letting me know that these videos have been an inspiration to you. That means a lot.
=) Kenton
Yes any time, please keep on making videos!
NetyouNinja
Thanks so much -- I will!
=) Kenton
Well look at that now you 20
You sound like one down to earth man. I wish you inner peace and harmony. Cheers
+BAK87 Thank you!
=) Kenton
Kenton, i don't care if you had joined that TV show or not, you are still my hero.
Wow -- your comments always make my day, Cody!
=) Kenton
I get what you're saying its king of like the difference between having your own homestead that is self-sustaining and organic vs a large scale agriculture endeavor where you are using all manner of pesticides and factory farming to get rich, making way more money but not happy with yourself. You sir are a wise man.
I appreciate that. It was interesting to notice the temptation when I knew, in my heart, that this wasn't for me. Always good to hear from you here!
=) Kenton
ReWildUniversity i was watching Canadian prepper the other day and he put me on to your channel. love your point of view, thank you. and thanks to Canadianprepper for all he does.
Same here. I've only watched a few videos so far but am really enjoying them. :)
I just found your channel and thought to myself "not another one". I was pleasantly surprised at your honesty and am enjoying your thoughts and videos. Please keep up the good work. I'm going for a cold shower☺
+Alpine 74 Wow, thank you! I'd love to hear how the cold shower goes!
=) Kenton
Thank you so much for sharing your world view!! Our youngsters need this and so do so many of us "grown-ups".
Thank you! I'm honored that you find such value in this video! I really learned a lot, and wanted to share my journey =)
Looks like I chose a excellent video for my first exposure to your channel. Very thoughtful comments. I also was approached by the same production company, as we're several others I know. I made the same decision you did, for many of the same reasons. I just couldn't even consider being apart from my family for so long. Thanks for doing such a great job of expressing the temptation. - Bryan
Hi Bryan,I'm honored to have you watching my videos! I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone in this -- but it sure was interesting to encounter those temptations and see a bit deeper into my own values, motivations, and ideals. Great channel you have! I'm excited to see some of your videos!
The honor is all mine.
Kenton,
I know this video is over 3 years old, but I commend you on your decision. I'm grateful you chose the path that you did. Otherwise, our lives might never have crossed and I would have missed out on your wisdom and teachings.
Thanks for all you do.
Rob, thank you! If you could see my smile right now . . .
With love,
Kenton =)
Thank you for your authentic wise words mate! I also have been living without TV since around 25 years, yeah :)!
Best wishes from the Black Forest, Rich
Rich, that's awesome that you've been living without TV for so long! I bet your mind is quite calm =) Best wishes back from Wisconsin, USA!
=) Kenton
Hi Kenton, unfortunately not tooo calm :), but definitely calmer than than it used to be! :)
See Ya, Rich
I think you've just demonstrated the most important survival skill. Integrity. Keep doing what you're doing. If you only have 100 subscribers and give them this quality of free, soul filled, and inspirational advise you will have done more than any TV show could. Much kudos to you.
Your words are very powerful for me, vawoodsman. I thank you for them!
I was a scout leader 40 years ago in Australia and on one visits back I met another leader selling sausages outside a garden shop and recounted my time with the Salisbury group, he listened as I told him about the stiff leg derricks we made swinging guys across creeks and dropping them in creeks. Leaving them in the bush overnight, getting lost; he shaking his head interrupted, that's all gone now because of the duty of care we cant do anything like that now.
Here in Hong Kong, I was told of a campfire day they had for scouts it was in a huge tin shed with an electric light under some wood. This idea of excluding all risk is insane, yes we all need and should have a right of passage in two ways one to live our life without injury to or violence to phisical or emotional. The other right of passage is to prove to our selves we can overcome hardship and contact our nature the woods and forest I include in this is to impact on another this gives a sense of self.
As to the offer of TV fame that's a family decision and for what purpose? You caught the devil by the tail and thought your way out. I am this is a very important statement suppression is no way to go. As you, I have no TV for just about the same period as you, I can't tolerate it but it was a right of passage to get me there. Whatever you do your authenticity is obvious. I wrote a little poem.
I cant be strong for one so I think I'll take a dozen on and charge for it, charity begins at home if you have the stomach for it.
John, thanks for sharing all of this. Powerful stuff. And the poem was meaningful for me. So appreciated.
=) Kenton
When you get to 75 and have done a few things as I have it comes as a surprise to find a mentor and a friend. No need to expand on it, it just feels good. Respect, John
Good on you Kenton. respect to you brother. When I settle back on a block in Australia and start my workshops I would love to have you down there as a guest presenter.
I'd be honored! Do keep me in mind in the future!
=) Kenton
you are such a wonderful guy, please stay as you are, i think tv will devour you, and change you, no matter if you like it or no, remain as you are, please we need you
Thank you my friend. Though I would like to believe I would be strong enough to deal with the influences TV would bring, the truth is that this experience showed me I have growing to do, and it is important for me to nurture environments where I can be at my best. So I agree with you completely, and will continue to do my little thing here with my school, and keep making videos.
=) Kenton
AND I love those hanging chairs. I want to make some for under my deck. Can you show them more completely? Blessings . . .
+Julia Mahaffey Write me at my regular email to remind me, Julia, and I can send you some pics!
=) Kenton
First off I wanted to say that I love the way you think of things, at or on a deeper level, the reason I love it is because I am similar in that way. It would be very hard to turn an opportunity like that down but for your current situation it was very logical to do so and I really understand why you did very honorable. Secondly I think your already accomplishing the same goal with what your doing now as you would have at a big production company, for example all of your videos teach not only me but others. Your video challenge that you did with a night in nature with just a paracord bracelet was very inspirational to me. Thanks for sharing this!!!!
4 directions bushcraft Thank you so much. This means a lot to hear! I do love how RUclips gives us the opportunity to reach out to each other, share knowledge and inspiration, and even make friends from afar!
=) Kenton
Thanks for the rumination on that opportunity. You did what was right for you and it's understandable that it created such a point for your internal discussion and discovery. I really respect that. I think they wanted someone with a spiritual dimension and went for the next guy after you (whom I really appreciate as well) in the end it was some of the exact things you are talking about here that made him tap out. You might not have seen the final project as it was aired--or you might have (I watched it online) but it was great IMHO. It would have been great to see your re-wilding in practice there. I'm sure you have no regrets.
+Nate Buker I haven't seen it, but I have heard tidbits. Thanks for your thoughtful words here -- it sounds like it was actually a really good project, without the sensationalism or without being overly gamed or competitive.
=) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity I wouldn't say it was without it's sensationalism, especially the first few episodes. It was very interesting to see how much fear many people pack with them into the wilderness. But it did improve as the fear whittled down the participants. It really did seem to winnow the chaff and the last few characters that held on were stand up guys. I live not far from the region they were in, and it's a burly place that time of year, so the experience may have been...uncomfortable. But I think I would have taken the chance. I don't have children and students though, and those are serious considerations. It would have been great to see you on the program Kenton, but seeing you here is great too. Good fortune.
BeSatori
I haven't seen an episode yet -- it sounds like it was good toward the end, though. It must have been interesting for you, knowing the environment.
=) Kenton
It was. I think of this area as on of the most beautiful and resilient places on Earth. I noticed none of the "contestants" was from this region, which I thought was a huge disadvantage. I think bio-regionalism plays a much bigger role in bushcraft and survival than is maybe given due. I also think most of us in the bushcraft community are aware of that, but it would be interesting to see it captured in some of the videos out there.
BeSatori
That's such a good point. I was recently down in Alabama, and it was amazing to notice how unfamiliar I was with the local flora and fauna. I'm sure I'd still fare better than the average person, but most of my skills would be severely compromised down there until I could learn the new environment.
Such a wonderful video. I just ran into your channel, and happy I did. It is a good reminder for what is important. My goals, are to get more young ladies outside and in nature and away from technology. I am just starting in my adventure and building my camp, in hopes I can get more daughters outside. Thanks you.
So inspired by your channel! It warms our hearts to know your daughters are getting such an amazing childhood . . .
=) Kenton
First off, Kenton, I just have to say I just recently discovered your channel and love it because I see an authentic, skilled and loving human on the other end of it sharing and talking about the things dear to so many wild oriented hearts. I think you definitely made the right decision! You also bring up some very relevant questions that we need to think about.
I spent a couple months alone in the wild in 2014 and a couple of things came to light in those experiences. Yes, I have always loved Nature and dreamed of being free at last out there..., but I realized, deep in my soul, that family and tribe trumps all else. We will never be complete without them, and time with them is fleeting and the most precious of commodities when the last hour arrives...
In my opinion, our culture has turned this ultimate truth on its head, and it has locked us into a psychically dysfunctional matrix just so we can eat. Where we used to find happiness in being with family and tribe and helping each other to sur-thrive, we now have consumerism, ego and competition... and so much more bad juju...too much to list.
I strongly suspect we will never be truly right in minds, souls and hearts again until we return to those ancient relationships we had with Nature, family and tribe.
I have recently decided that I want to spend my final years building and teaching the younger generations how to build birch bark canoes. I think there can be some rights of passage built around the making of birch bark canoes and the adventures into the Northern wilderness in them...
MrGeiermann I'm so glad that you brought up the importance of family and tribe -- something that is often neglected in today's nature guidance, which often centers only on adventure, fitness, diet, meditation, etc. But that sense of tribe and family . . . this is our foundation. I'm also very interested in your chosen life path. One of my assistant teachers has always wanted to build a birchbark canoe, and I can envision something similar to what you've suggested -- a modern-day rite of passage where people can build a canoe and go on a voyage in the craft that they have built. It makes me wonder if we live in proximity, and if this is possibly something we could co-create. Feel free to email me at rewildu (at) yahoo (dot) com if you'd like to explore possibilities!=) Kenton
I can see how TV would be interested in you....I see your in WI - I worked for a company based in Wausau - i'm glad you didn't go for the money - I, too, was tested with money tied to my legal issues in NY but it had strings. I, too, walked. I was shocked by resentment from members of my own family which opened by eyes. I have been harassed, chased, sued, etc..as a whistle-blower...and I found help from the survival shoes - your brother was right - all we have is our integrity - Cody realized that too and i'm kind of glad he spoke out - thanks for all your videos and responses - peace
Knowing you chose your current profession rather than something that would have paid more (and probably would have been much less dangerous!) says a lot about your integrity. I'm glad to know you're doing something you believe in!
=) Kenton
I love the way you parse things that society conditions us to not think about too deeply, big and small. Observing the subtleties of our own motivations and same in others makes our head hurt. Easier to just make a yes/no decision on practical (or emotional) grounds without considering the deeper implications of all we do and think.
I've run into those temptations, though in a more hypothetical sense. One of my dreams is to turn the knife profiles I draw on paper into, well, knives. I've often imagined my name or logo someday being widely recognized in the knifemaking world, and the idea of people paying me for my creations sounded nice, too. I've since kinda decided that if those designs are realized, they won't be for sale. (I do have a few graph paper designs that I wouldn't mind making a business out of).
I enjoyed watching the 5-to-1 fire challenge video. If any of your future students are open to sharing their experiences like Nicholette, they would add some great variety to your channel (not that watching you talk isn't entertaining and inspirational (: ).
Leo Angere Thanks for sharing this real-life example, Leo. And I appreciate your words about my videos -- as you noted, there are so many things that we aren't supposed to look at, and I hope to concentrate on some of the smaller and more subtle ones, which I feel are at the heart of things. Great to hear that you enjoyed watching Nicholette! I'd love to include more videos like that, so I'll start asking students what they think about being filmed!=) Kenton
Your honesty and self awareness are very refreshing. As a song writer I understand the desire for the approval of others even though the process is really all about my feelings and a channel for them. I am proud of you K, for turning down that show. I prefer you just as you are.
James, that means a lot coming from you. Thank you.
=) Kenton
we will be there with you, people need peaceful and wise people like you, who do us good.
Thank you for your kind words! They inspire me!
=) Kenton
i would love to see what you do at the university you created with your students
We have a lot of fun, and get to experience a lot of personal growth and evolution along the way . . .
=) Kenton
You have really inspired and touched me through this video. I would agree that I wouldn't want to be away from my family as well. I embrace the idea of you having a show, but 1 year sounds extreme. The reason I think it would be great for you to have a show is to inspire many others, as you have done to me. You give me the insight to question things I often overlook in my life. I don't think having a show is something one can compromise family to have. but having something on a smaller scale as you mentioned would be cool. Thank you, and I hope you have a great day.
Thanks for your words, my friend. It means a lot to know that you're inspired through these videos. I think that's one of the powers of RUclips. We can create videos that truly accord with our values, and don't have to concentrate on being entertaining, shocking, or dramatic.
Kenton, I turned it down for the very same reason. Of course it would be great to be famous but I'm already famous with my family and that is good enough for me. Now if something comes along that isn't going to take me from them for 6 months to a year then I might.
Now as far as the rock goes. I feel our rock is the moment we realize what is truly important in this life. Our family, our friends. Not money and not fame. When we stop thinking about ourselves and put others before us. Great topic bud.
Thanks Grierwolfe. "Famous with my family." Perfect. I love it. And realizing what is truly important -- it's not always easy, but when we make that our focus . . . Thanks for your input here! I really value it =)
I have been learning from you for years. I have been teaching what I have learned AND GIVING CREDIT. I hope to learn from you personally.
Dave, I'm so glad to hear this. And SO excited that you are teaching what you've learned -- the more these skills are shared, the better! I hope to meet in person someday too!
=) Kenton
I joined the USMC as my RoP. I felt as though serving other and affording them the opprotunity to live free happy lives was enough to make me happy in life. Now i see I have a lot to do and a lot done. Time to seek my inner self as a human being. I want to thank you for enlightening me through your videos and showing me a world that I've been looking for since I was 13yrs old.
Hi Gianantonio,The military does offer a chance to experience a RoP, doesn't it? And now you're still continuing your personal growth and service. Thank you for your continued search, and know that it will bring great gifts to both your life and this world we share.
You kind of do that already, minus the loss of creative control. One thing that is a common complaint from guys that do accept those offers is the surrender of control over the final product that a sensationalistic television company puts out. You have 100% creative control here, and your fans know you aren't selling them anything or trying to gain attention to lock eyes for when the commercial breaks kick in. People that are really into what you have to offer are those of us that are already here. I've been watching one or two of your videos every day and it's so refreshing getting in depth perspectives from someone that truly speaks my language. You're already doing something right.
Thanks for these words. It really re-affirms what I'm doing.
=) Kenton
Hi Kenton, This was so interesting. This would be a good video to share with both prospective and current students. This is a very meaningful video. It gives people a very good understanding of your values and how you want to impact peoples lives.
My dear friends! How amazing to hear from you here! Thank you for your kind words -- this video has indeed brought a student or two to ReWildU!
With love,
Kenton =)
Love ya man!
such a powerful speech from such a humble guy...If every human being on this planet were like you the world would be a wonderful place to live!
+paul brailsford I am honored by your words. Wow. Deeply appreciated, my friend!
=) Kenton
I would like to see you do more in depth survival videos,maybe for multi day or more. That would be really cool. I get the feeling that your skills are waiting to be put to the test.
sirstratocaster Thanks for this thought -- I'll be doing more at some point including a winter one that should be pretty intense, but I may have to find a film-person for this one instead of self-shooting. I love the self-shooting thing, but I was also surprised at how much of my time and energy went into messing around with the camera.
That's cool. I know what you mean about the camera. Something I'm going to try is those GorillaPod things, to wrap around tree branches. I'm also planning to get a camera that can be mounted on my head like a GoPro. Any thoughts on shooting in the rain? I will probably rig up a system to keep a camera dry in the rain, and perhaps look into waterproof cameras.
sirstratocaster
I haven't heard of the GorillaPods -- I'll check it out. As for rain, I was looking into waterproof cameras, and even test-drove a few, but all of the ones I tried had very poor sound recording due to having a very small and protected microphone. So I just went with a standard camera that picks up good sound, and try to cover it up in the rain. Awkward, but so far I haven't destroyed a camera =)
Thanks for the info!
I am new at your channel and watching your videos for 2 days now and I love it. As much as I would like to see you on Alone, you did the right thing.
My friend, than you for your kind words! I'm excited that you're enjoying the videos, and hope that you get a lot out of them!
=) Kenton
well, the TV offer took you out of your comfort zone and challenged you, which is a new adventure (can you tell I just watched your "be an adventurer' video lol :) And sometime in the future you might be able to be more open to a modified TV show idea (kids getting older, a show that doesn't take you away for that long etc). As always, excellent and insightful video!
Hi Jamie McLauchlan,
Your comment won't allow replies, so I'm hoping you get this. I appreciate your words here. It certainly was a learning experience for me!
=) Kenton
I enjoyed this conversation - thanks for sharing
Absolutely, Dean. Thanks for watching. I really learned a lot through this experience.
Good on you mate, I think that it shows REAL character to exercise your choice when it comes to "apparent" opportunities in life. I work in TV and it really does tend to treat folk like you as a product that needs to be bent into what their concept of that particular product/commodity is. It's a very over busy and time poor kind of business to get involved with. Personally I think that you made a fine decision. Safe travels and G'day from down under.
phrayzar I really appreciate hearing this from someone who works in TV. That's what I thought it would be like, but to hear it from someone on the inside . . . thanks so much for the added perspective. And a G'day back at you from Wisconsin, USA =) Thanks for your comment!
Something that you said really resonated with me. Which is that the time with your family is more precious than that. I was just listening to someone today say that the domestic part of our lives needs to once again become the central focus of our lives. So much of our lives are spent doing things away from family outside of the home, and we've outsourced so many crucially vital elements of our lives to corporations (mainly food), that we don't really have a center anymore.
It's kind of cliche, but it really is better to be poor in wealth and rich in spirit.
I think there's really something to this, and I've never heard that saying (but I love it!). I've found that family life doesn't mean that I have to give up adventure, dreams, or exploration. In fact, our little four-year-old is now old enough and adventurous enough that she leads us on hikes that are longer and more off-trail than we expected. I think there's a power in family, in that if we have that center, we can have more love and energy to give to others. I also enjoyed how you pointed out the outsourcing -- gardening, cooking, foraging, hunting, artistic projects -- so many things that can be enjoyed as a family, where you can enrich each others' experiences. I'm coming to see that money is incidental -- it has almost nothing to do with wealth. Even in the realm of 'having things'. We're now living in a place where we have over 500 acres to explore. We don't own it, but are part of a community that shares it. We have more land than we could probably ever have owned, but there is no money required -- it is wealth that came into our lives through our own tendency to give things to others. It's weird, but I've really found that by giving, we gain more than we can when we hoard.
I'm checking this out tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!
hello my friend,your choice was well made,you just truly made me believe in the rewilding process mentally,you took the option of fame and money and showed that your natural instinct you've built has made you a true survivalist,I hope one day I may be your student,namaste
Thank you so much -- this was a huge growth experience for me, and as you note, it really brought the essential elements of rewilding to bear against the temptations that have been so deeply impressed upon us. I hope as well to meet you in person someday!=) Kenton
Kenton, I am truly glad that you made the decision that you did.
This reminds me of Forged in Fire, a history channel competition for blacksmiths.
In one of the first series there was a particular man, whom I wont name, that already had a very successful knife making business, and was a pretty famous RUclipsr, with a few videos over 1 million views.
I remember watching his episode and thinking, this guy is going to dominate the competition, and I could see in his eyes, he thought the same thing.
Well, during the first round, he made a critical mistake, and lost horribly.
The perception of his skills by the people shifted and he lost all credibility. The last time e I checked his RUclips channel, all videos posted after Forged in Fire averaged maybe 5,000 views or less.
That is the price we pay when we sacrifice or compromise our beliefs/ethics/morals, etc.
Or the price we pay for vanity, greed, lust.... pride
Wow, well said. Vanity, greed, lust, pride -- these can get us down some wrong paths. After this, I had a friend who took place in a show, and was discouraged to find that they didn't even show the truth of his experience -- for instance, he had been catching fish for days, but they portrayed him as unsuccessful and starving, then celebrated his "first catch" which absolutely wasn't his first catch. I think that's something we have to remember with many of these "reality" programs -- they are far, far from "reality" =)
@@ReWildUniversity The only time I believe true outdoor survival was portrayed well was Les Stroud. Bear was fun, Cody and the others were fun, but Les was on a whole other level.
@@johndaily7286 Nice. I have no TV, and have always been pretty out of touch with such things. Good to hear there was one you really appreciated!
@@ReWildUniversity :) I watch these guys on RUclips. I havent had my own tv in 7 years
A fellow non-TV person! Doesn't surprise me, though, with our similarities =)
As a lifer in the military I have some difficulty understanding the concept of 'I don't want to be away from my family". I do understand it is a hard thing to come home and find the kids have grown inches or are now talking. However when we look at our responsibility to them long term, it is to provide. 500 grand does a lot of providing! It pays for endless things that we can easily rationalize away. The hard things are the right of passage. The millions of veterans in the US and Allied countries do this or have done this on a continual basis,would they have it another way? I think we know the answer to that but they didn't they sacrificed and provided for their families. Your decision was solid and I agree with it because it was yours to make.
A J Taylor Thanks for bringing this up. I have never been in the military, but have many friends and family who are vets. Part of the big eye-opener for me as I considered this was that so many of our veterans spend MUCH more time than this away from their families, under much more dangerous circumstances. In many cases, people didn't even have a choice. I realized how privileged I was to have a choice, and was struck with an even deeper and more profound respect and admiration for our veterans than I had before. Thank you for your service, and for taking the time to bring this important perspective into the conversation. It is much appreciated.
=) Kenton
ReWildUniversity I like these comments about the military. I am an old vet and know the hardship of being away from family. I just got back from visiting a family member who is leaving for Japan for 3-5 years. He got lucky at the last moment to get permission to take his family with him. He was prepared to do it without his family. He has been deployed several times and has spent months on a ship.
james green
It's one of those things that I don't think those of us who haven't been there can even begin to imagine. We can pretend, or try to put ourselves in your shoes, but if you imagine a "perfect storm" of hardship, it would be being away from family, in a foreign environment, surrounded by people who would like to kill or capture/torture you. Not to mention a hundred other aspects of the experience that you could list out much better than I . . .
Respect.
=) Kenton
Hey fellow Badger 👍 Great vids and I hope some day to come to your school. It would have been a great platform to introduce more people to your philosophies while teaching them essential primitive living skills. Perhaps you could bring the Family and have a family survival reality show 🤔 Just a thought, but I will still watch you on the RUclips either way. Wish you all the best...
Thanks much! And I LOVE Keda dyes! I use them for my bowmaking!
=) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity That is awesome, and what a coincidence 👍 I always enjoy your videos, and I know things will work out for you. I really admire and respect your dedication to your morales :) Must be a Wisconsin thing bahahaha
=)
Perhaps an oversimplification of the point but "money corrupts" and perhaps you have remained faithful to your beliefs! In my opinion a most admirable state of mind!
Ian Feltell I've often thought of money as an addictive drug -- like wine, it can be used in moderation, but when someone has millions or billions, and is just hoarding more -- that seems as if there might be some sort of addictive process going on. I know that it seems much easier to acquire than to give away. I know a few people who have done massive simplifications, and though it's tough at first, they invariably seem so much happier afterwards. Money is indeed a powerful force, and its effects on our psyche, it seems, are still largely not understood.Thanks for your comment!Kenton
There's a new show on National Geographic called "Live Free or Die" that features different rewilders each week. It only came out last month and sadly I can only find two minute 'teaser' clips and no full episodes (Australia tends to be a season or so behind the USA).
Danielle Van Opynen Thanks for letting me know about this -- I had never heard of it! Interesting -- rewilding going a bit more 'mainstream'????=) Kenton
This is the first of your videos I’ve watched
and it gave me no alternative but to subscribe! You are fortunate to have come
to such conclusions as a young man. It is something that does not come to most
throughout their whole existence. I myself have been on both ends of the socioeconomic
scale and have come to the awareness that my life in the outdoors has become a
personal affair and though I am willing to share my knowledge, and I am not
concerned with sharing my love affair with nature and life with others for notoriety.
I can only hope that some knowledge will be passed on to future generation. As
for right of passage, I believe that one must come to that place that gives us
internal peace and satisfaction at whatever the cost and whatever age but never
at the cost of your loved ones. I will spend the rest of my life teaching,
sharing, and living in the outdoors but will never forsake the love I have for
my children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Unfortunately, my wife of 38
years became incompatible with a minimalist lifestyle and divorced me 2 years
ago. However; I grudge her not because for her own peace and satisfaction she
needed to conclude life in a faster lane where I could no longer travel. So I truly
see and understand the internal struggle you faced in making your decision, but
know that it is yours and you own it and no one should ever be so bold as to
question your take on YOUR life! I thank you greatly for sharing your story
with me and I fully support your philosophy on life and I truly believe that
you made the best decision for you my friend. You take care. Sty North
+Sty North Sty North, thank you for your wonderful words! I'm super excited, because I followed the link to your website and it looks like you live right up on the Bayfield Peninsula! My current student, Brett, is looking at land up there. It was so fun to see the first photo on your site, with the beaver lodge. I thought, "wow, that looks an awful lot like Wisconsin . . ." and indeed it is!
I'm down in Menomonie!
=) Kenton
Thanks so much for responding! It's about a four mile hike to the "Sea Caves" from my home and our camp. 1 1/2 miles to the Superior shoreline, which of course I have a hard time not taking my clients there on hot summer afternoons. Thank you for checking us out. And you take care Kenton!
+Sty North Just the area where he is looking, and a childhood haunt of mine. My two daughters just LOVE 'Grandma Lake'. Perhaps we can cross paths up there sometime!
=) Kenton
Sty North
I was dreaming last night about meeting all of you -- and since we come up there multiple times a year, it would be fun to make it happen!
We shall make it happen some time my friend!
As your brother spent 2 years in Mongolia and 1 year in Nepal, do you offer this sort of long term type apprenticeship, or should I say sanctuary to your students? I see you have the 4 month program, and the price seems sort of reasonable, but what about longer term? There's no way I personally could afford it, I am just curious.
Hi John,
Up until this year, I was offering an 11-month program. I just switched to 4-month to give it a try. My goal is to make my programs available to more people, so I'm always experimenting to try to create a program that is accessible financially and time-wise. It's not easy -- if I had big classes it would be different, but taking on only a few people a year means that I have to charge more. Hopefully over time I will build up the patreon support to a level that I can offer everything I do on a tuition-optional basis.
=) Kenton
I totally understand the costs, especially way up in the north where you live. I appreciate the reply.
You are making a difference in my life too. Your brother is amazing: life is about love! 💖🤗😇
Wow, thank you! We love your presence here =)
Good Job. I have just done the exact same thing for the exact same show. LOL
I didn't want to become the person that many others talk about both good and bad. And I checked myself why I wanted to do this show and for who am I doing it for?
Thank you for your video.
Allen Ballard It sounds like you can really relate, Allen. Those are the perfect questions. Why, and for who? It sure brought me face-to-face with some elements of my personality that I didn't think existed!
=) Kenton
Yes sir. I'd like to talk to you some time. I really dig your philosophy
Your family is the most important part of your life. A great man once said "No other success can compensate for failure at home. The time you have with your children is so limited, they grow up so fast, enjoy it while you can. As for adventure, the greatest adventure in life is being a spouse and parent. As I am now in the grandfather stage of my life I can tell you that I have never looked back and said that I wish I had spent less time with those that I love. My greatest regret is not having spent even more time with them than I did!
+Ghostcat Forevermore These are powerful words, my friend! So important! I agree completely. Plus, I am finding more and more that children are my greatest teachers. I have learned more and grown more in the past five years of parenting than I have in all the rest of my life. The real adventure, as you say, is right here.
=) Kenton
You made my day. Lot's of great stuff think about. Cheers
+Andreas Delsing So glad you found some value in this!
=) Kenton
I am not great with the written word but prefer to talk and so I find it hard to fully express myself in terms of your videos. With that said your videos touch many chords within me, this one included. Keep up the good work :)
+Allan Reid Thank you Allan. It means a lot to hear that. Thanks for sharing, even if it's not your preferred medium of communication. I have to say that I appreciate it when people prefer talking -- that's rare these days, when so much of our communication is no longer "in person".
=) Kenton
Great points....and significant insight that nearly everyone in todays world misses. I spent much of my life pursuing what i had been told would result in happiness, security, and success...it provided none of those things. Fast forward.....3 years ago i left my high stress career, sold our large urban home, sold the large SUV, sold the "toys", and even got rid of all of the excess we had accumulated over many years. We dumped $350,000 of debt. My wife even resigned from her job to allow for more productive "life" time.
Today? Older home on the edge of town. Payed for used cars. Started our own family business where money is not the driving force. Instead taking pride in our work, taking "us" time each week (we work no more than 4 days per week....sometimes 3 😄), we spend time doing ministry work, strengthen our spiritual needs, and continue to build a strong marital relationship.
So what have we found? Happiness...contentment...and success. I spent all of those years searching for something in a bunch of stuff that was incapable of providing such fulfillment. We have even found that having less stuff, whether owned or owed for, puts a weight of responsibility on us that is crippling in its own way. A crippling that prevents us from finding what we were searching for all along.
Btw....my company has a similar take on the name of your school....we operate "reVision Renovations" where we help others revision the spaces in their homes by utilizing years of experience to "make their vision a reality". 😄 And by coincidence, we too were approached about being part of a television show...we promptly declined as well.
This is super powerful, my friend. I'm honored that you've shared your story. And so cool that we have that coincidence with our business names!
Writing this out has the potential to seriously inspire some people -- I'm grateful that you took the time to give this gift to comment readers.
In gratitude,
Kenton =)
Thank you for having such incredible integrity. Resisting the temptation to basically hand your reputation over to editors or producers who would try to make you do unrealistic and unsafe things for excitement (like what happened to Cody Lundin), or make you change your beliefs or how you express them to apply them differently.
I did think maybe you should try monetizing your videos here? I see people do that by having ads or such before the video and those are merely videos of dogs, lol. You definitely deserve remuneration for your efforts. I know I would pay for the amount of inspiration and education you have given me. I know it's not about money for you which is amazing, but the idea occurred to me.!
Thank you for making such a stand. My already high esteem and respect for you are now higher.
I watch your videos many, many nights. My problems I mentioned back on your adventurer video(and others) have doubled and I have some new physical issues like a surgery on a tendon that isn't healing well. My large reservoir of positivity had been greatly exhausted. The depression would overwhelm me if I didn't have distractions or things to learn and grow from.
One of the core ways I learn and distract myself on nights like this is to watch your videos here. I share videos too. Your messages are positive, open, education, and inspiration. My plan to camp this summer has been set back due to the surgery on my wrist and hand (the ulnar tendons and extensor tendon to pinky finger were cut when is pushed too hard on a glass door and it exploded and had to be surgically repaired which is tough) and this setback has definitely taken it out of me.
The point I am leading to is that your videos calm me, help me to center, help me to take a different perspective, and help me to keep the goals of getting outside and back in a natural state that my mind needs.
You may have passed on a TV show, but just know your work is greatly appreciated by those like me who are fortunate enough to have discovered your videos and school. There have been many nights when I was almost in a suicidal state of late where I would watch and be distracted. I could imaging being in the snow and feeling with my feet, starting a fire, or simply being. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jon
And yes, I'm working on recharging the positive batteries. :)
Dear Jon,Thank you for this heartfelt comment. I'd like you to know that the positive effect my videos have had upon you are returned to me when you write like this. You are not only being inspired, but are inspiring in turn. You have ample reason to be depressed, yet you always rally and find ways to move toward a more positive attitude. When I hear those stories, it helps me to observe my own life with more clarity, and to be thankful for the many gifts that I have. You, too, are giving me positivity and energy which inspires me to keep creating, keep sharing, keep exploring my own ideas about life. So I thank you.On the monetization of my videos, I decided in the beginning that no matter how big my channel eventually became, I was never going to have ads on my videos. To me, the whole idea of advertising is that we're told how lacking we are, and then offered products or services that will fix us in some way. I don't want to take part in that, as I want to promote the message that we have our 'fixes' inside of us. Now, if I could just have advertisements for RUclips channels or videos that I chose, perhaps I'd rethink things, as I'm happy to promote others who are encouraging old skills and a love of nature. But as long as it's generated by RUclips, I'll be sticking to the non-advertising route. Thanks for asking!Your friend,Kenton
Man, I've got nothing but respect for you after hearing this. It reminds me of my favorite TV show, Dual Survival. Cody was all about his ego, as is Joe. But Matt on the other hand - his values don't match up to his role in the show. I think you and Matt are a lot alike in terms of values - I'm sure you're very different people of course, but you both seem to have the same primitive outlook on life; you choose not to play the "suffering game" which of course consists of the progress trap most of the 9-5er's are stuck in. Thank you for making a RUclips channel, and thank you for reaching out to us with your wisdom.
P.S. I tried the cold shower this morning! It was invigorating to say the least... I was skeptical too - until I tried it. There is no better connection than to truth, and that my friend, you are bringing to a vast audience. Blessings!
- Jay
Team Microbe Jay, thank you so much for this! I've only seen one early episode of Dual Survival, but you have inspired me to check out Matt. I'm guessing he's one of the current guys?
So cool that you tried the cold shower, even though you were skeptical! It's pretty amazing, isn't it!
Thanks so much,
Kenton
ReWildUniversity Mhmm he's the hunter/gatherer from Utah in the current episodes. Quite opposite of Joe, his teammate lol
Team Microbe
I just have to find someone with a TV. Strangely, almost everyone I know is TV-less. It's like I live on the moon . . . ;)
thank you
Thank YOU for watching and commenting!
=) Kenton
Haven' t commented before but I really enjoy your channel and am glad you didn't leave for a TV show! However I think a documentary on reWild University would be pretty awesome! Maybe if someone followed you and one of your students through their process - documenting a sort of Rite of Passage...?
+Paul Busch Thank you Paul! I'd love to create the documentary you are talking about. I started to put one together with a former student, but it never came to be. I think it would be fascinating to watch a student's 11-month transformation as they embark on their adventure out here.
I appreciate you commenting -- people sharing their thoughts and feelings is the best part of this channel!
=) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity Well I hope someday it comes about! Thanks for the reply!
I have to say that I'm not sure I'd have been as strong willed as you. Though I guess I don't think I so much care for fame or money, but just an opportunity to do something I enjoy doing for a living. I wish there were more public television channels, as those tend to focus more on quality of content rather than mass appeal, and they also don't have advertisements - which of course perpetuate our money-driven society by feeding off of people's inadequacies. "You need to buy this because you or your life is not good enough."
As for actual rituals, I'm not sure I can give any good ideas that you might not already be doing. But I will say just being able to go out into nature in general, and having only the essential things that I need (and even then, maybe slightly less than an adequate amount of food) has helped me escape from my own material and ego-driven desires over time. Not that I don't of course lapse back into those on occasions. And I suppose as far as ego-driven desires (like fame, recognition, etc.) go, they could be a double edged sword, with one side making one too obsessed with themselves and too uncaring or something, but the other side driving them to improve themselves.
Anyway, being in nature and spending time with close friends has helped me recognize what I think are true needs in life, and how fulfilling they (e.g. nature and community) are compared to something like buying a new toy. I also often think about how something that I'm so excited to buy with money often ends up losing it's excitement after a few weeks, days, or even hours, and just becomes some dust-collector. Sorry this is a long and non sequitur comment - it's late and my brain is dozing off
I'm right with you about the public TV. I think that Ray Mears is public TV, am I correct? BBC? But it feels like public TV is suffering badly in the US. I wonder if it could be brought back as a more positive alternative to the regular fare. Nature! Nature is indeed such a powerful force in finding our own strengths, in finding camaraderie, in developing creativity -- what a teacher and companion! Great wisdom about the 'new things', as well. That seems like such a constant seduction. We've gone through a number of periods in our lives of purging old stuff, and WOW! There is SO MUCH! How were we hauling all that along? We still have a lot of stuff, but it's eye-opening to look back at how much more we kept in our possession even a few years back. That was a pretty great comment for writing it when you were dozing off =)
I respectfully call you my brother, In this video you asked us to say what we thought a bout the opportunity you was offered I would like to say I agree 100% good job at listing...
As for a idea for a video you obliviously are a loving dad and husband not all of us know how to do this. Thanks!
+Sean Stanley Sean, thank you so much my brother! I appreciate your words. And so interesting that you mentioned a video about that, because Rebecca and I are actually going to start a new, "sister" channel to ReWildUniversity that is all about relationships, love, parenting, etc., from a rewilded perspective. We'll post a video when the new channel launches -- maybe it will have some stuff that will interest you!
=) Kenton
Most Defiantly interested!
We are most interested brother! The foundation of society is families. What the world needs most is not more good laws but good men and women that can not be swayed, bought or sold, we get them from good families. This only one reason way we are working in Colombia to raise fatherless children in a Loving environment to counter act the crime and degeneration of society. Thanks, looking foreword to hearing your story.
Sean Stanley
Thank you for this beautiful work you are doing! I'd agree that how children emerge into adults is so vital. If changes could be made at that fundamental level . . .
=) Kenton
ReWildUniversity thank you for sharing this and for following your values, your core, your light.
Very wise counsel by your brother.
By asking better questions we get better answers. I heard you saying several times, "I would not like to leave my family." From your videos and your lifestyle I believe your family would be just as excited to share in that immersion experience. What if you did a show that allowed you to survive with your family. For most people that is more of a real scenario. Any primitive and survival expert can survive on their own but I really feel that it takes a special person that is working with nature not fighting her to thrive with their family.
Think of it like a family vacation doing what you love the most.
You also mentioned sharing some of your students experiences. I feel I got so much from you 5 to 1 video and Eric' s Survival Challenge. As a viewer I know that they are like me. They are not the expert and you physically see their evolution. Just my thoughts mate.
Thank you again for sharing what you do. Cheers.
Cruz Country Fitness & Physical Therapy This is a great idea =) I'm not sure if I could get the family to come along on an adventure like that, but perhaps when our girls are a bit older it would be fun to self-shoot such an adventure. I also want to thank you for the feedback on the student videos. I'm aiming to do more of these, especially a series that shows our latest month-long student going through some radical and amazing mental shifts during her 28-day experience. It would be a long series, but I think it would show us that we all have the capacity to meet life in a way that minimizes conflict and allows us to surpass our endurance with an approach that seems strangely effortless. Her videos are in the works!=) Kenton
your 2 questions:
2. You already are inspiring! Thank you for sharing your path! I'm not sure whether "producing" content could be so authentic. Congratulations!
1. Since I first started to try the bow drill I was thinking about what these primitive skills mean for the society we live in. What if...this is not about being prepared for some sort of crisis or whatever, but much more about being confronted with the very basics of life - and through that get right into the meditation about what the basics of life are and what cultural impact this all can/should have. Since survival of the fittest (fastest car, biggest house, greatest influence...) seems so outdated, made up and surreal in general - it is high time to MAKE A CHANGE and think about what may be a better and real and after all sustainable future. And in this context I think it's a very impressive example you gave by doing not the maximum but what seems just right.
Again, thank you!
M
This is so well said, Markus. I love the vision you've spelled out. Although these skills would certainly be useful in a crisis, I don't feel that's what it's about at all. As you noted, it's about connecting to the basics of life, and finding the depth of life vibrancy available in connecting with those basics. I feel like this brings us back to life, and as each person rediscovers that vibrancy, the culture that we co-create cannot help but slowly shift.
You have to do what feels right for you.For me,I would take the opportunity,and try to get financially set.After that I would support many good projects ,and the sacrifice would have been worth the struggle.
The inability to control how the TV was going to be done was part of the problem. If you had someone who was suggesting that you do a TV show, but also was taking your input as to how you wanted it to be done, and finding a way to make it work with you and your family so that you wouldn't have to leave them, then it wouldn't be so bad. I imagine that the people producing the show had an idea in their mind as to how it would be done, sort of a pre-written script for it.
I'm reminded of the tv show 'Utopia,' which I never actually watched, I just looked at bits and pieces of it on the internet. It failed badly and they cancelled the show. It was supposed to be about people living in an intentional community, but it just turned into a big reality show drama with everyone arguing all the time, just a show about endless conflicts. All that it did was make intentional communities look bad.
The community in that show was not set up by someone who actually knew how to set up communities so that they would work. It was set up by someone trying to make a TV show. The people who plan the TV show do not necessarily know how to properly DO the thing that the show is about.
It doesn't mean that no show can or ever will be made about this, it just would have to be made in cooperation with people who understood exactly what you were about and what all of this means. It can't be made by someone who doesn't completely 'get it.'
I actually don't have a TV either, but if I did and if I watched TV, I wouldn't mind watching a survival show about a guy who didn't go very far away from his family, and just demonstrated survival techniques in the woods nearby, and I think lots of other people would watch it too.
Also, the students taking the classes could be on the show (if they wanted to be), not just you - it shouldn't be a show about one and only one 'character' all alone in the wilderness surviving. Primitive skills aren't about loneliness and isolation. In fact people long for a primitive life partly because the *modern* world creates isolation and loneliness. Primitive tribes would have actually been much closer to their neighbors all the time, visiting them, eating with them, going in their houses, crossing paths every day.
eagledove9 Eagledove, you have give a lot of insight here. This statement of yours was particularly poignant for me -- "In fact people long for a primitive life partly because the modern
world creates isolation and loneliness. Primitive tribes would have
actually been much closer to their neighbors all the time, visiting
them, eating with them, going in their houses, crossing paths every day." I think this is often forgotten. Our 'rugged idealist' ideal has created his thought of one man or one woman alone against the wilderness. In contrast, I'm reading a set of journals from early French explorers of North America right now, and in the case of both the Frenchman and the Native Americans, people never went out alone. They stayed in groups, and went to extreme lengths to care for and transport wounded or sick companions, often risking the whole party for the good of one person who had fallen ill. The cooperation and compassion they held for the people in their group is in stark contrast to something like the Utopia program you reference. As you note, these programs are created by people who haven't lived the lives they are hoping to portray, and I think that kind of intimate knowledge is necessary if we want to portray something with any sense of actual 'reality'. Thanks for this great comment!=) Kenton
I have been trying for 3 years to get on that show. Pass my name along if you can. I would love to try it.
First summer on fire towers I read The Evil Eye: The Unacceptable Face of Television by Guy Lyon Playfair and turned a corner. When I started thinking about the almost embarrassing pay I got my last season, particularly the last month, it was over. Question of values always. Keeping things to the tribal level helps in so many ways. Quality over quantity. The temptations are never more beautiful for the soul than face to face and arm in arm. :)
Face to face and arm in arm. YES!!!
Love,
Kenton =)
Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Absolutely =)
Hi Kenton, I just found your videos today and I already watched many of them. I really like your attitude and way of thinking. But what I want to know is: What do you think about getting payed for your classes? Don't you feel a bit sad that you have to let your students pay for the experience you give them? Otherwise you could't pay for your house, ect... It's obvious, sure. I personally find it very depressing, that money still is - even if we like it or not - a part of market society which is often putting a bitter taste into human relationships. Especially when these relationships are buyer-seller-relatioships. You're expressing that money does not make you happy, but it is often necessary to fulfill your dreams. You need the clients - otherwise you could't pay off your house, keep up your school or whatever. And it is also an obstacle for your wish to include as many people as possible in rewilding because not everyone is able to pay the price for your classes. (Which makes me really sad actually.) Wouldn't you like it better to choose students just because you like them and not because they can afford the classes (which is already a pre-selection)? For me personally this often is a complicated question: Do I do things really because I want it or (also) because I can make money with it? And is the other person who I'm paying for a service really doing it because he or she enjoys being together with me? Or is it just the money ther're after? Marx would say it's the monetarisation of all aspects of life.
Musikjunx Thanks so much for bringing this up. My first experience with teaching was when I put out my shingle as a martial arts instructor (one-on-one). I didn't want to charge money, because I felt that if people are devoting themselves to learning martial arts (and this applies to my current teaching as well), they shouldn't also have to worry about making money to pay for the classes. As I grew closer to some of my students, I began to cease charging them, and oddly, every person who I gave free classes to stopped coming over time. I've found the same odd thing with my Metamorphosis classes. When people are paying, they take the training very seriously. But when I give heavily discounted tuition, people seem to give things less value in their head.It seems that money is deeply woven into our psyches, and into out culture. As you point out, I don't enjoy having money involved at all. I convinced my wife to live in a yurt for a year, during which our need for money was almost zero. During that time, I took on a number of students for free or for very discounted tuition. And it just wasn't as I imagined. Students didn't stay. It's very odd, as I felt like I was giving just as much as I do to paying students, who consistently are very appreciative of what I have to offer. So for the moment, I'm still charging tuition. Someday that may change again, when I can convince Rebecca to try another experiment in super-simple living. But even though we've reduced our money-needs quite a bit, I still pay rent and a tithe to the organic farm on which ReWildU is situated. It's definitely a realm of constant exploration for me, and I have to thank you for bringing it up and causing me to take a look at it again this evening. I think it's so important to keep examining things like this.With appreciation,Kenton
ReWildUniversity
Hello Kenton, I'm glad that I was able to make you examine this problem again. Often people tend to react affected when one is alluding to antagonisms in their life. I really like your way of dealing with this. For me these thoughts are also connected with the question "shall i take the easy or difficult way?". When you're willing to pose questions like these to yourself you have a broader awareness of what you're doing in your life. But on the other hand you're thinking more about your behaviour then other's maybe, which can make decisions - and life in generall - quite difficult. On the other hand you're also controlling yourself if your actions are still compatible to your beliefs and values - and you also have to think a lot more about what your beliefs and values are. It can make things difficult, as I said. Nevertheless: there is a nice German independend band which is singing: in case of doubt, be for the doubt (I hope this makes sense in English :-) ). Otherwise life gets superficial, Philipp
Musikjunx
I really like this quote from the band, Philipp -- for me, it suggests that while most of us are trying to banish doubt, there is actually a great value in it -- indeed, great doubt brings us to a state of constant curiosity, where we exist in question instead of in judgment. Thanks for these great comments!
=) Kenton
Maybe you could make youtube videos showing what your students do? I would love to see that. I'm myself in a "rewilding" process to put an end to a horrible chronic cervilcalgia at 34. Going full barefoot, calisthenics and climbing trees is the best thing that happened to me. Love your videos! Would love to watch you teaching students as well. You don't need TV. Your RUclips channel is great, just keep enriching it! - cheers from Spain
Hi Vermeer!
I think I can make that wish come true! Matt has allowed us to film his 11-month stay here. There are the videos thus far:
Episode One: ruclips.net/video/420pM8kWqLU/видео.html
Episode Two: ruclips.net/video/zMJR6Oa3J9Y/видео.html
Episode Three: ruclips.net/video/TgDYgXq-8Kg/видео.html
Episode Four: ruclips.net/video/uN8bHsO7kHY/видео.html
And episode five will be coming out tomorrow or the next day!
=) Kenton
Great!! Thanks Kenton and Matt :)
*****
You bet, my friend!
Hello, I am a Vet also. Respect there to all Vets and their families for their hardships! Rop=Right of Passage? Sounds more like stepping stones. We each live our lives to the best "WE" can. Those temptations are/will always be there for ALL! Hey, even Jesus was tempted! To me, with how much you struggled to come to a answer to a show tells me how strong a person yoou are, CARRY ON BROTHER!! I am a new follower here, enjoy the vids. (Valleys and Peeks man!) God Bless!
matthew boucher Thank you so much for your words, Matthew, and thank you so much for your service. So happy to have you on the channel!
Great thoughts on ROPs and how we live our lives. I think you're pointing to something very important -- the realization that our lives are always filled with these temptations that can pull us away from the things that are truly meaningful in our lives. Something to remember!
=) Kenton
Whatever path you choose stay true to yourself do not sacrifice who you are do not fall victim to their intentions hold to What is right and let go of the rest be safe on your journey my brother at peace
Wise words, brother. May we all hold to them as best we can!
=) Kenton
much respect for your decision.
while your on the topic of tv production..
might I suggest a shorter intro? perhaps one that is less seizure-inducing at the end?
also a microphone cover to cut down on the speaker-blowing wind-noise in some of the videos?
other than those things I think your content is top notch & really appreciate what your offering.
Rob, I agree. I actually cut the intro out in later videos. Thanks for taking the time to offer some constructive criticism. It's appreciated!
=) Kenton
Another G''Day mate, and an excellent video Sir from another Aussie. Although this one is from a retired ex army Physical Training Instructor among other specialist jobs, now retired to Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Myself for both very good, and very bad reasons, has had more than my own fair share of involvement with the media. Therefore I know they never let the truth get in the way of a perceived story. Likewise any producers will cut and edit until all that is seen, is what they deem the most sensational for viewer and therefore advertising numbers watching. I believe for the reasons you mentioned, along with most likely the ones I have mentioned; that you certainly made the correct moral decision. I personally applaud your choice, and although I have only just found your channel; I will be a regular watcher of your vids from now on.....Cheers Allan Leigh
Allan Leigh Aussie Allan In Thailand I want to thank you, Allan, for watching, and also for sharing your real-life experience with the media. I've had this impression, but it's something else entirely to hear it from someone who has actually been involved. Thailand was always my brother's favorite country, back when he was adventuring around SE Asia. I've never been there, but it looks like quite a place to retire to!Great to have you aboard!=) Kenton
a right of passage is nothing more then showing a tribe or family group that you are capable, or a confidence booster to help a person on their way. You might say that life is full of these where you walk a path till the moment that you fail and learn from your mistake or veer off that path to take on a new path or a shoot off the original. Congrats on you passing yours, cause it sounds like you made the right choice for you and yours.
chris m I really like your definition of a rite of passage. I've been thinking it had to be something "big", but what if we could see it as part of every decision, where we don't criticize ourselves for failing but see every experience as a valuable moment of learning and growth in our lives?
Thanks for your great comment, Chris!
=) Kenton
Do what you love. And it looks like you love to have conversations with people about profound things.
I have never seen anybody on youtube that is as much present in the comments as you.
Maybe do something along those lines? Have conversation with a person somewhere in nature. I don't have a tv anymore but a while back, i saw a tv show in my country that was called "24 hours with..." where they would lock a presenter in a room with a famous person and they would have deep discussions about personal things. This is something you can easily do on youtube. Meet people who you often have conversations with. The conversations in the tv show were mostly fueled by a deprivation of sunlight and a corrupted sense of time, but in your case, you could go into nature and do what you do and then when you have gathered all sorts of insight and inspiration from nature, you build a campfire and have deep conversations. From what i have seen, this is what your viewers love aswell...
Here is an episode of the tv show. I know you probably don't understand anything they say, but scrolling through it may give you a general idea of the concept: ruclips.net/video/txtfI0s8r4E/видео.html
+Robbie Hoen This is the most fascinating and exciting idea that I've ever heard! WOW!!! For some reason, I never would have thought of this. And I love it. You have my mind rolling, my friend!!!
=) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity Haha! Well we were on the same wavelength in our conversation about the etymology of words and how everything in life is interconnected and about non-dualism, so i thought maybe sharing an idea about this will spark a chainreaction aswell.
Very interested to see what you'll make of it!
I like your pendulum papasan chair...👍
Thank you! I like the flute!!!
=) Kenton
I highly respect your decision to stay with your family instead of the money and recognition.
What about choosing a promising student and offering your courses and mentor ship for free for a year to prep him or her for the show and pre-arrange a split of the tv show earnings.
Such an interesting thought! A really neat idea, actually. That's something I'll have to consider!
good for you, staying with your morals.
Thanks Mitchel. It was more challenging than I thought, but I feel that my integrity is strengthened after this decision.
When we are living our lives instead of making a living...that's when life begins. Love People Not Things... Money and toys don't get to go with you when you die...only the memories and experiences or regret is what we take after this experience. I'm truly inspired by you and you definitely speak the truth. I grew up bone broke as a child with holes in my socks...then I decided to change that and worked realllll hard and made a lot of money bought a lot of things and nearly died because of the stress such an endeavor causes... that is when I changed..... Now...I live my life for experience and relationships and doing what is important to ME...and now that I've found happy...i'm able to share with others who aren't happy but still working on the "american dream"...which btw is best believed if your sleeping... I closed my business and life is sooo much easier and things work out easily when you have trust. Lets all worry about helping each other and keep the corporations desire for $$ out of our teachings. We all support you...I recommend your channel all the time.
Wow. This is so inspiring. I think it's so valuable for us to hear from someone who went from "poor" to "rich" and chose deliberately to give up the quest for more money. There can be so much striving for more more more, and when we can hear from someone who has had more, and who came back toward simpler things -- wow. Thank you so much for sharing this! Such a powerful message you're giving here, and I hope that many people can hear it. Also, thank you for recommending my channel. It means a lot to hear that you find enough value in it to share it with others.
Also, I was just telling Rebecca about your comment, and repeated the 'american dream which is best believed when sleeping' part of your comment, and only now realized the sleep/dream connection. What a clever and poignant statement!
much of what i offer comes from 40 years of listening to others and establishing ME. When we learn that I control ME and if everyone controls themselves...then there isn't much need for anyone else to interfere unless you are harming someone else or something else. When we have money you have toys, that need registration and maintenance, fuel, and $$....then you have to store it, clean it, and hope it works next time you use it so it doesn't cost more $$...then you have a house that if it's too big...you spend many many extra steps just getting from one usefull spot to another....chores almost become obstacles and you have to make a lot more money to purchase, maintain, furnish, clean, heat, cool, pay taxes on, clean again, and worry that it might get damaged. The grass "gardens" that everyone seems to have.. has to be mowed and hauled away from you every week....when we start putting emphasis on what is important to us and what we are able to extract a return from...such as an option of a real garden instead of a "wasted crop"....life becomes MUCH easier.
the hardest lesson of chasing the dollar is that your kids can't keep up...and neither can your significant other when she's taking care of everything else... and so your life becomes based around making money instead of memories. Here are a few other ideals I hold true Don't let your biggest regret be when you die that you didn't learn what living life is about. The only difference between the rut of the rat race and a grave is the depth. If you don't have respect for who you are, your natural desires and your divine will...you will always be a slave to the expectations of others. The only criticism that matters is upon self reflection. Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit We are not humans on a spiritual journey...we are spirits on a human experience. Its never too late to be who you might have been.
We are shaped by our environment and what we choose to hold close to us...Not all of my words started as mine...but it is what i will share with others that shapes me.
RUclips University of Hawkshaven
Your first comment, reflecting upon the demands that our 'things' make upon us -- it brings up the observation that in a way, we don't own our things, but our things own us! Your second comment held so many gems of wisdom . . . these are such important things to remember. It also was good to hear about 'keeping up'. I think it can become so easy for our careers or money quests to push everything else aside. I've seen that again and again, with people who come to ReWild University wanting to reconnect with the basics of life. Reaching and reaching, forever striving, we lose our foundation and never seem to end up happy, or really able to serve those around us. Yet paradoxically, when we pay attention to nourishing ourselves, we end up having more energy for those around us. Selfless service seems to sap all but the saints. But cultivating a powerful foundation for our own lives gives us the resources to truly serve others with our greatest wisdom, love, and compassion.
Kinda late for the comment but I stumbled onto your channel as of recent. I haven't had a chance to watch too many of your videos but I can see that you know your stuff. Plus the fact that you are very mindful and at peace with not only yourself but with the world is something that you should share. Which brings me to my opinion :
1. . I believe that there is no price for freedom. no amount of money can buy your soul because like you said money isn't that important. Yes we need money because we want to eat and provide for our families. But if we let it control us and our beliefs then we have enslaved ourselves to its powers. Don't give up what you believe in for money.
2. . With that said, however, I also believe in opportunity. If you can further grow your business without having to do something you don't believe in then you should go for it. Just know that with each new venture comes a new challenge. Perhaps this is something to consider and maybe you can leverage a deal that allows you to do the things that you are already doing without having to leave your family and your school.
Finally, in terms of entertainment I can say that these days people will watch all sorts of things. I cannot tell whether the general audience will have the attention span to watch your content without wanting to click the next viral video. People are easily bored. Other than that i would say I enjoy watching survival n how to videos. You can do a survival series on your channel or something like that. I hope that helps. Thanks for sharing and reading our comments.
Ps: I do have an idea for a tv show that you can pick up that will showcase all your skills. If you're interested then you can pm me. Cheers.
My Hoach Hello, and thank you so much for these wonderful words of wisdom. They are greatly appreciated.
It would be fun to hear your idea! Can I just give you my email? It is rewildu (at) yahoo (dot) com.
Thank you!
=) Kenton
...also p.s. i believe a youtube style program would be a lot better then TV and I support any decision you make on the material you decide to show. I honestly like the survival skill tips along the lines of the pathfinder school and i love the philosophical side of your videos as well. Keep to what makes you true for sure.
Thanks for this support! I'm excited by the ideas people have given, and am putting together some new ideas for upcoming videos and programs. I'm glad you like the philosophical side that I sometimes present. For me, it's been an integral part of my own life experience, and I feel that RUclips offers a wonderful chance to share some of the gifts I've been given over the years. =)
+ReWildUniversity great video. I think its ok to feel all that you feel. It's ok to be tempted. it is amazing that you have been tempted and have made the choices you have made.
You have have been shown that you are a rich man. Wealth, value, worth, all are realy not of this world.
life is a right of passage to heaven. The right choices you make now give you tastes of the wealth you will have eternally.
Owl Scout
Great wisdom, and I appreciate your words that guide toward self-compassion. So important!
=) Kenton
Great video man and your right money isnt everything. Tho a life long dream is very high on our list and tempting. If you could go it would be nice as well. If your set in life then no need to chase dreams. Good video bro.
Thanks Kull. I do feel like I am searching for that ROP (Rite of Passage), but Rebecca, though she would have fully supported me doing this venture, reminded me that "the only Zen you find on a mountaintop is the Zen you bring there.". A great realization that in a way, it would be easier to go on a spiritual quest if I was alone in the wilderness. A much greater challenge? To find the same substance of that quest within the context of everyday life. After all, that's the mission of ReWild University -- to give people tools and realizations that are just as life-changing whether you're in the wilderness or driving a car to work.
Money and recognition weren't the only things drawing you to want to be on the show. As you first said, going on the show "would have fulfilled a life long dream" getting paid is just the icing on the cake. Hopefully you don't regret this too much or resent those that made you choose to throw your dream away.
Good insight! Over time, I've found that I'm extremely happy with my decision, especially after coming to know some folks who have participated in various of these shows and had interesting things to report about what's really going on "behind the scenes" (for instance, only showing parts of your footage that further the storyline they want to present for each contestant, to the point where one person said he had been eating well for days and the show had shown him "starving" and then catching his "first fish".) Lol!! =)
Thanks for the comment!
Kenton
@@ReWildUniversity That would be very frustrating! To say the least. When they edit it that way it just ends up making that person look dumb/bad when in reality they were kicking the challenges butt!! When the whole point is to showcase how capable you are. Glad you are still happy with your choice and with the more info you received it just further confirmed your initial "gut" feelings.
Indeed -- I was surprised to hear how they had "spun" things for him. Needless to say, he didn't feel his skills were fairly portrayed. And he was pulled for "medical reasons", even though he wanted to stay and felt like he could keep pushing through. Ah well . . . =)
Interesting talk and thanks for taking the time to do it. You sound like someone who is truly "Free". So many talk about "Financial Freedom" so they will spend a lot of time seeking financial rewards.Freedom (without the requirement for fame, riches, or the perceived power that comes with those things), is so much stronger and fulfilling. Good on you for making your decision based on what is truly important. There are not many people with your strength. Thanks.
I understand your feeling kent, I'm having a similar situation at the moment but no kids, I just want to test myself in the Same way by going alone into the wild but my family would think I was crazy probably not like it, but the pressure from them has nne not wanting too but I feel the same desire for this "rite of padsage" I'm just trying to find direction and guidance from a deeper place and re wild myself so to speak.
I can definitely understand, Jeff. Nature offers such a promise of vitality and adventure and REALITY, yet it can be difficult for others to understand when they are enraptured by comforts of our culture. If you do your rite of passage, please tell me how it goes!
=) Kenton
Hi Kenton, Everyone sees things differently, I listened to everything you said and greatly respect your decision and you for standing by that decision. Now looking at you and what you do as it relates to this from my side of the fence, this is how i view it. and this is me being you right now, I would first ask myself,Kenton, why would you do this, what reason above all ? And i think the first answer would be, to be able to reach more people with my knowledge of nature and the outdoors, survival skills, and the many other things your good at. Well, you're doing that right now, you're on youtube where people get to learn what you love to get across. Only this would be on a bigger scale, and you don't have to get famous from this. you don't have to do commercials and be on talk shows. you film yourself and then come home. You're only going to be as famous as you want to be. As for the money, you know in your heart you would not be doing this for the money. The money is a great side benefit. getting paid to do what you're doing right now, only on a bigger scale. Money will only change your life if you let it. Look at it this way. Lets say hypothetically you have a thousand bucks in the bank, you take out 200 a week for grocery's or whatever it may be and leave the rest sit until you need to buy or pay for the next necessity. Why couldn't you do the same thing if you had a million in the bank ? If you truly believe what you say about money, then it should be a non issue, you would only take out for necessities. The money wont change your life if you let it sit and continue living the way you like to live. The other bright side of it is, someday those babies aren't going to be babies anymore. They may embrace your way of life, and then again, maybe not. They may grow up and want to go to college, maybe become a biologist, or a veterinarian, it sure would be nice if they didn't have to work 2 jobs to try and pay for that education. I look at this way Kenton, It's up to you to make it as big or as small of a deal as you want it to be. And all of these other beliefs that you have, you're still going to have them whether you're a survivalist or a surgeon. So there you have it, there's my long winded version, Oh, and when you read my other comments on your videos, know that i say what i say jokingly and with a humorous nature, i like to make people laugh. Cya pal.
sassy squatch What a great perspective. I can see your point. I think I've always had some difficulties with money that I'm still wrestling with. It's tough for me to imagine having more than I need when others have so little. But as you point out, the money can be used in beautiful ways. Not only for creating opportunities for our children, but for reaching out to help others. Though we currently live on an amount of money that is below the poverty level, we still have enough to tithe 10% of our income, because of the simple life we live. But if I truly feel that I wouldn't be affected by money, could I not then give so much more if my income were more significant?
It's very timely that you've put forth this very thought-provoking comment, my friend. I've just been re-contacted by the same folks with another offer, and I've been doing some soul-searching again, especially since the offer would take me away from my family less.
Your thoughts are much appreciated!
=) Kenton
So Kenton, here's a question. If the proposition had been for you to spend up to a year in the same way, well-paid, not for TV but for a research project, do you think you would have done it? You explain that the TV offers didn't fit with your values, which is clear, because you didn't want to chase tens of millions of viewers and become a 'celebrity' in the US &/or beyond. If the offer, though, had been to do the same thing, not televised but with a research team documenting how you were doing, for an academic study....would you still have said No? (I guess you would, because the main reason you gave was, understandably, not leaving your family for so long. Or would it have been more tempting?)
Wow, what a great question, Cathy! I think I still would have said "no" due to the family reason, but it definitely would have been more tempting if it was an honest attempt at educating people and learning something about what happens when the human animal is out in nature for an extended period. I often have wondered what might happen if we had a science team researching the forest monks out here, taking blood tests and psychology tests and even more deeply, having ecologists go out with them into the ecosystem because often the forest monks become so intimate with nature that they notice things that even highly-trained naturalists won't.
At any rate, this sure brought on some interesting thoughts!!!
Love,
Kenton =)
God bless brother, you are a wise man that can offer so much to people thru face to face teaching I'm glad you said no to the fake empty idol a TV how and fame is. I hope I can meet you in person one day, person to person and not person to superstar ;)
TAVOR VICEROY VALDOR Thanks so much. Your words are appreciated!
=) Kenton
Your words echo my own thoughts on such things.
My temptation would have been that as with you, I would love to have the chance to test myself on an extended outing.
Not for the opportunity for recognition. Not important to who I am.
Not for the greater income, though covering my needs to keep my home while I was away would be a need for me.
But to live a dream of mine, I know exactly where you are.
As for the ROP, I believe there are many throughout our lives, if we embrace them.
I did a ceremony a few years ago with a group called SIPA. It ended with a stick I had harvested and fought another with. Not trying to hurt, only swing and strike blocks. We went to blazing speeds, mine broke, yet on we went. When the instructor eased out of his need he realized we were the center for those others who had been following this ritual. What he had inside that ne needed to kill was released that evening, and while I had always believed within myself that I could do this, I had never put it to a 5 to 10 minute test with someone skilled.
And that day, I found more about me, that I could detach, keep calm, keep focus, feel my giving to another what their need was while focusing almost solely on the activity.
Almost solely, because while I could not look away or break focus, my mind could embrace that point where the Universe and I were one. My energy was that of the Universe, as was my calm. I was aware of my connection and my actions. And I was able to detach from and observe both.
The staff had been slender, as we had been instructed to gather, for we were going to merely tap sticks. The staff broke, yet if did not fail me or its purpose. I was no longer a broken stick, it transformed into a talisman for me. And though this was 8 years ago, this odd little stick remains with me, radiating to me in my bedroom, beside my firearms, more valuable to me than any gun.
Anyway, my moment of one example of an ROP you can tell your wife about for someone who enjoys your energy and manner of teaching and thought.
SpiritofWildWings What a powerful experience you describe! As you say, I think that a ROP emerges not only from external circumstances, but from our ability to 'go into it'. In this case, you truly went into it, transforming within the experience. So beautiful, and a good reminder for us all.=) Kenton
I'd love to meet you. I'm not that far away living in Minnesota. Right now I'm at this crossroads in life. Just lost my house. Now I'm living back home with my parents and that's not such a bad thing. Yeah, I'm 56 years old, but it's very clear I'm needed here. Despite the stigma of my age and suddenly going back to mom and dad it seems like fate had this in mind as a high probability trajectory potential. I don't want to see my parents dwindle away in some nursing home with a bedroom defined only by a curtain, and wall-mounted TV blaring away with what awful entertainment they offer these days.
I'm very intrigued by how you keep fit. I've always kept myself in pretty good shape but over the last three years I let myself go. Back here with the folks I'm the hidden elf that fixes things mostly when they aren't looking. I've cut back on drinking. I've lost lots of weight, but I still feel I can go further. I'm getting stronger, but want to get stronger still. We've exchanged messages. I'm the one who talked about "flow state," the act of being totally absorbed in the moment with little or no mental investment in past or future.
Someday I hope we will meet ...
Jorel, we're not far apart! Staying fit -- it's really at attitude more than any specific exercises -- an attitude of play and "parkour", trying to always be moving and playing in my environment. As I type, I'm on an exercise ball, leaning back to engage my abs and then rocking forward and trying to balance. That sort of thing.
And yes, your words about the "flow state". If we can find that in our whole way of being . . . wow! What an incredible thing to try to cultivate!
=) Kenton
Your a great man I learn live off the land Bc grandaddy taught me and so many ppl want me to teach them but I won’t Bc its a family trait not for business
I respect that sentiment. I can't claim to be that pure in my intentions, as we do teach those skills (though they weren't part of my family upbringing), yet I deeply respect someone who can have your level of integrity.
=) Kenton
Good for you! Thank you for the video and your wise words. I totally agree with you. Being financially independent doesn't mean having more money than you know what to do with, but it's rather about not needing money.
/Matti
+mafric750 Matti, this is such a powerful realization. I see so many people get trapped into the endless quest for more money, never having enough. But not needing money -- that is something else entirely.
=) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity Thanks for replying! Yes it is a huge realisation. I used to think that happiness and success would be found if I could only make enough money. After a specific event a few years ago I came to the conclusion that money is never going to make me happy. Thank you for so eloquently putting my own thoughts and feelings into words. I may be visiting the US in summer at a place called Oconomowoc in Wisconsin. I hope I'll get a chance to join one of your short courses! Always good to meet likeminded people.
mafric750
That must have been a powerful experience for you -- it's so great to hear when people have "broken free" from that trap!
You'll be in Oconomowoc! Just about 3 and 1/2 hours from here! What brings you to the States?
+ReWildUniversity We're visiting my kids uncle who has a house in Oconomowoc. He is kind enough to help us with the trip from northern Sweden. 3½ hours away? Perfect! :-) I guess I contact you via your website if I were to book a course? Do you have family courses?
+mafric750 I do custom courses, so feel free to contact at any time. I hope your trip to Wisconsin is amazing, and it would be cool to see you!
=) Kenton
Good for you man🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
oh and another thing. Maybe you did already video about that but I haven't seen it. The most difficult for me as a beginner is recognising a different types of trees (I know how this sounds). Maybe you could do a video when you walk around the forest any explain what trees and plants you find and what they best use is so when I go in to the forest next time I will know what I'm looking at. If you already done something please just link the video.
:-)
I haven't! I'll put that in my list of videos-to-do. Would prefer winter or summer ID?
=) Kenton
ReWildUniversity I would say any. The problem with me and I guess other people is picking wood. I have no idea which wood to use for a starting fire (I know the main ones that everyone uses in the videos but what if they not there can I use any) and which wood will last whole night as a camp fire. and things like that. I know I'm being simple but just saying what I would like to see. :-)
In hindsight, looking back at the programme - do you wish you'd gone on Alone?
+madeye1 Great question. I don't, actually. First, so many amazing things happened in my life during that time, and I'm grateful that I was there for them. Secondly (I didn't see the program, but I did hear about it and read a little about the "winner"), that guy who was there longest would have kicked my butt! I think he was there to stay, and though I would like to imagine my skills could have kept me fed and sheltered, I would have been missing my family something terrible, and I don't think I would have stayed all winter. I think he would have, though he would have been skin-and-bones if he kept losing weight like he was! He seemed to have an amazing don't-quit attitude.
=) Kenton
Thanks for the thoughtful answer! I definitely recommend the show. Its one of the few almost completely authentic reality wilderness programmes out there unlike Naked & Afraid and the majority of Bear Grylls' shows.
madeye1
I may just sit down and watch an episode sometime. I've definitely heard good things about it!
Hi bruh, just wanna let you know that I totally respect your view and opinion. I practice Aikido, and what you feel is what I feel as a muslim man, and as an Aikido practitioner.
Thank you so much -- and thank you for taking the time to comment!
=) Kenton
Enjoyed your explanation!
+Sage One Thank you!
=) Kenton
You know - a lot of the questions and dilemmas you pose, I have found my answers in the last few years. The temptation you speak of calls to ego and its very hard to overcome. To succumb to it is to think with your head (your rationality). It wont be sustainable though because true wealth comes from those who think with their heart (your compassion). Think with your heart and the wealth will follow and people will cheer you on (because they know you are in it for everyone).
+W Lee That's beautiful. You could see my struggle here, a struggle between head and heart. But I have learned time and again that what you say is true. True wealth doesn't come from betraying our hearts. It comes when we can truly hear them.
=) Kenton
The need to pay for all the things in the "real" world is a powerful influence. You, your wife and children have needs. It will be okay if those needs overcome your needs to be philosophically free of that world. We would understand because we are on that side of the world. Nevertheless, myself, I and I'm sure many others, admire your stance. You are walking on a true path.
tortugabob Great points all around. And thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm honored by your words!
=) Kenton
+tortugabob When a wife and children arrive a person's priority has to change if they want their family to survive. Medicine is the biggest 'item' that only money can buy......surgery.....dental.......education beyond the woods all require money. It's not the root of all evil, the love of it is.
ReWildUniversity, thank you for your prompt reply. Regarding the media, while I am sure there may be a few journalists who at least think they have some honour (?)... the vast majority only care about sensationalism. In any event it is the producers who raise the money for the production, who will always have the last say in how things are presented, okay...Cheers Allan..
Allan Leigh Aussie Allan In Thailand Thanks again, Allan. It's good for people to see this, as I know that a lot of bushcrafters are contacted regularly by production companies. I'd like to see things change for the better, but I think it's good to tread carefully =)
I stopped at 2:30 where you state you have 2 daughters under 4.
You made the right decision. They are too precious to destroy for mere money. Separation, to them, is beyond money.
Thank you. That was indeed the real reason I made this choice.
=) Kenton
Good for you sir.
The yodeling yoda Thank you yodeling yoda! LOVE your handle!
=) Kenton
Like the retail you are holding at the beginning of most of your vids
The yodeling yoda
Yodel on!
The progress in modern science and technology has created the conditions for many to live with access to our basic needs and even luxury. The dark side of this is that we polute a lot and many live unhealthy, unhappy lives. On the other hand, we know that we can sharpen our minds, make ourselves strong and become caring and loving persons by being adventurous and bringing ourselves in the right natural conditions (as Kenton teaches us). These practice could certainly make us happier, but such a lifestyle will not provide for the basic needs for most people, because it's not that productive and there's not enough nature anymore which means not everyone can do it. So, neither of these 'lifestyles' appear to be a very helpful general solution for society, because most of us want both wealth and happiness. That is why I suggest that rewilding and carreer building are put together. I think that people with technical skill and knowledge in any useful domain should contribute in way to society that proves of respect and caring for humans and nature. Besides, people with love for nature should try to contribute to the economy, but the latter happens more often than the former. Of course it would be easy if the government implented this idea for us, but unfortunately it seems that politics are often preoccupied by more urgent matters. Eventually, we stand on our own. Maybe some universities or schools could be inspired to change their attitude from 'carreer oriented' to 'personal growth and development oriented'? Our technology and knowledge have developed to a point were they could provide all of us in our basic needs. My mobile phone has more intelligence than all the inventions combined untill one century ago! It is past time we show people we have to join our money making activities with the practices of growing into healthy, strong, happy and loving human beings.
I know this is a very generalized view, so let me make a practical sugestion: You could try to create a connection between your Rewildu and a local school/university or whatever. So you basically work together and create a study program which should benefit both sides. The program should be of economical value, but it should also be of profound personal value. Or you could put your students to this task.
Merry christmas.
+Kevin Taal Kevin, this is a vital message you are putting forth, and one I think that rewilding must embrace -- not a return to a past that perhaps only existed in our imaginations (since we may never know exactly how we lived long ago), but a moving forward into creating a new "cultural ecosystem" that embraces our personal growth as individuals and a culture. What if people could have careers that also engaged their passions and their true skills?
Great suggestion at the end, and one I'm going to think about more.
=) Kenton