Absolutely fascinating and engrossing. I am so interested in this series and I cant wait to read more. I love your work Alexander, and this is also right up my street. I've had a lifelong obsession/interest/fascination with prehistory and the possibilities of social structures that are integrated into, not only wider natural rhythms and systems, but also the whole conceptual arena of how this integration influences psychological, philosophical and spiritual development and the social behaviour of humans. Your insights are fascinating and I really appreciate you writing and sharing your knowledge and experience here. Thanks.
Your distinction between being “a part” of the wild vs “apart” from it is spot on. This article has got me thinking about the relationship between outdoor recreation and the wild. I’ve spent months in the backcountry… with the assistance of an ultralight tent, stove, water filter, etc… and while these experiences are “in the wild” and subject to the forces of nature, they’re still a far cry from living in/with it.
The section on fire and hunting both stood out to me. In the Rocky Mountain West (where until recently I spent most of my life) camp fires are frequently banned because of drought and wildfire danger. Even without a ban, I prefer not to build a fire unless it’s at a designated campsite. Fishing/hunting is (for good reason) regulated because of overuse. All of which is to say, it’s challenging to (re)find our role and place in the wild.
Your knowledge is immense Alex, and it shines beautifully in the details of your writings!
This is the perfect introduction and I’m so excited to see what others may write too…
Once again an enormous thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your project, I too feel this is very important work. I will be researching more deeply the links to the past and the links to our ancestors, (I am deeply envious of your education which must give so much to the foundations of these essays..) where possible because information on this area is very basic at best, but I have just found the name of a local historian! Hallelujah! Small steps….
I'd agree five days is about the sweet spot for really getting attuned into being a part of the woods, as well as the ticks being a distraction from this attunement.
I also find the time around the fire just being rather than doing is key to opening the space for conversation around spirituality and art.
Some experiences can't be discussed if they haven't had the same experience I find open discussion and suitable framing definitely helps facilitate the conversation to those willing to have it.
Absolutely fascinating and engrossing. I am so interested in this series and I cant wait to read more. I love your work Alexander, and this is also right up my street. I've had a lifelong obsession/interest/fascination with prehistory and the possibilities of social structures that are integrated into, not only wider natural rhythms and systems, but also the whole conceptual arena of how this integration influences psychological, philosophical and spiritual development and the social behaviour of humans. Your insights are fascinating and I really appreciate you writing and sharing your knowledge and experience here. Thanks.
Your distinction between being “a part” of the wild vs “apart” from it is spot on. This article has got me thinking about the relationship between outdoor recreation and the wild. I’ve spent months in the backcountry… with the assistance of an ultralight tent, stove, water filter, etc… and while these experiences are “in the wild” and subject to the forces of nature, they’re still a far cry from living in/with it.
The section on fire and hunting both stood out to me. In the Rocky Mountain West (where until recently I spent most of my life) camp fires are frequently banned because of drought and wildfire danger. Even without a ban, I prefer not to build a fire unless it’s at a designated campsite. Fishing/hunting is (for good reason) regulated because of overuse. All of which is to say, it’s challenging to (re)find our role and place in the wild.
Your knowledge is immense Alex, and it shines beautifully in the details of your writings!
This is the perfect introduction and I’m so excited to see what others may write too…
Once again an enormous thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your project, I too feel this is very important work. I will be researching more deeply the links to the past and the links to our ancestors, (I am deeply envious of your education which must give so much to the foundations of these essays..) where possible because information on this area is very basic at best, but I have just found the name of a local historian! Hallelujah! Small steps….
I'd agree five days is about the sweet spot for really getting attuned into being a part of the woods, as well as the ticks being a distraction from this attunement.
I also find the time around the fire just being rather than doing is key to opening the space for conversation around spirituality and art.
Some experiences can't be discussed if they haven't had the same experience I find open discussion and suitable framing definitely helps facilitate the conversation to those willing to have it.
Very much enjoyed this. A part of or apart from is integral to my own perspective.
Also appreciated the mention of Art and Spirituality in your writing.
I shall look out series one of AWE now