It hit the fan and I had zero expectation of it. I thought the dogs did all the work... not so much. More motivation for keeping the mind engaged while training.
I think putting yourself in dangerous challenges, as you did, is important for resilience. We are capable of more than we think, if we test our capabilities. But you, know that first hand better than I ever will. You have my greatest respect.
I think you know it full well brother. You only find yourself in the position to zig when you should have zagged by putting yourself in that position in the first place. Thank you all the same.
One of your best pieces. We must have self-confidence and drive, even as we recognize how little we are relative to the universe. Reverence can't just be for something, it must come from someplace. Reverence is our souls finding their place in a magnificent universe.
Hey Sam - usually I’m a silent appreciator of your work but felt the need to comment on this one. Can’t relate to your experience in the military, but I can relate to spending too much time locked inside my own skull. Like your trip to Alaska, I find that the fastest way out of the skull trap is through the outdoors, as it provides a real reset on perspective and priorities that’s often hard to find in everyday suburban life. Just wanted to thank you for sharing and keep up the great work!
Rock on, Jack, thank you for the comment and thought. I agree wholeheartedly. It is staggering how merely being outside can invert whatever craziness the mind has gotten itself wrapped up in.
Wow, man. Truthseeker. Next-level powerful and beautifully written.
We’re built to thrive on truth. More specifically, on searching for it.
The raw truth of physical exertion for a purpose, of danger, of unimaginable beauty, of love. The awe-inspiring breadth of all that we don’t know or understand. Of cosmic perspective.
There is no greater reminder of our own insignificance and what we do not know than looking up at the sky on a clear night or venturing out to an outer reef alone when a big swell is running.
I'm here for it Peter. It is such an easy cure if we make the time for it. I've never had the pleasure of surfing, but imagine I would become completely addicted to it for this reason.
Sam you wrote and reflected on how nature is the way. So many of the ancient philosophers still speak to us regarding using nature. Each of us struggles to stay in the moment with her. Your piece is another excellent example of how to connect. Thanks for your willingness to share.
I never read Shackleton but damn I am blessed to read Alaimo. Seeing Jupiter's moons in a story dark night sky, thirst and sweat in desert air, facing any and all mortally dangerous situations I have experienced... All moments of sheer pure being. And for that matter, the privilege to have lost something means I had the privilege to hold it dearly once. So there is no shame in living through and even having reverence for....the loss. What a profound meditation Sam. I see the life I've lived in new ways-- through these lenses.
Outstanding piece of writing! I myself spend the month of September on the Yukon each year with two of my outdoor brothers. Self guided for moose, bear and wolf. It is the most spiritual and rewarding time of my life with each trip (leaving in 5 weeks for trip 6)it is also grueling, both physically and mentally. Beyond description to someone who has not done it alongside me. We have been stalked by griz with 150lb moose hinds on our packs, found ourselves in the mix of a wolf pack that was ultimately pursuing a cow and calf while we killed the bull that was with them. We then took two of the wolves. The raw adventure and life or death aspect is a 24/7 process. The bond it has created for our group is cemented in our souls. You captured the experience beautifully!
God speed on your sixth trip—this sounds amazing. It is the ultimate reset. It will also be great to read about if you decide to write it up. Thanks for dropping this.
"Each shovel full pulled me bit by bit out of my skull and back into the world"
Which I would tweak into
"Each shovel full pulled me bit by bit out of my thoughts and back into my body/senses"
Our ruminating hamster wheel minds can create art/science and, if not restrained, drive us crazy. I saw that in a lot of my clients, and I wrote about that here in case you're interested:
I like the tweak and appreciate the link as well. Great piece. I have been there (and often still am) when I cannot leave work mode behind and carry it with me everywhere.
Great read, as always! A long walk in the woods, with eyes wide open and genuinely seeing the world for what it is, would do more good for us and this world than anything I can readily imagine.
Sam: a home run. Great recounting of the malaise in your soul & your quest to purge it from your being. Sounds as though all of the commenters can relate. Rock the day! Tim
Thank you for sharing and for your conclusion. It is all relative but when we connect with nature in any way and revere its power and beauty, it’s glorious! Your post came as I am reading “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” the Appalachian Trail in one go. It’s never too late.
You're more than welcome, Barry. She is most definitely glorious. I need to check out this book. I live near the Appalachian Trail and have walked parts of it, but the entire journey would be epic.
“the strength of the gym does not translate to the strength of the field.” Amen brother! This shows when the you know what hits the fan.
It hit the fan and I had zero expectation of it. I thought the dogs did all the work... not so much. More motivation for keeping the mind engaged while training.
I think putting yourself in dangerous challenges, as you did, is important for resilience. We are capable of more than we think, if we test our capabilities. But you, know that first hand better than I ever will. You have my greatest respect.
I think you know it full well brother. You only find yourself in the position to zig when you should have zagged by putting yourself in that position in the first place. Thank you all the same.
You are kind.
One of your best pieces. We must have self-confidence and drive, even as we recognize how little we are relative to the universe. Reverence can't just be for something, it must come from someplace. Reverence is our souls finding their place in a magnificent universe.
Beautifully said and thank you. Reverence seems more like revelation than invention. It is exists right in front of us—we just need to acknowledge it.
Hey Sam - usually I’m a silent appreciator of your work but felt the need to comment on this one. Can’t relate to your experience in the military, but I can relate to spending too much time locked inside my own skull. Like your trip to Alaska, I find that the fastest way out of the skull trap is through the outdoors, as it provides a real reset on perspective and priorities that’s often hard to find in everyday suburban life. Just wanted to thank you for sharing and keep up the great work!
Rock on, Jack, thank you for the comment and thought. I agree wholeheartedly. It is staggering how merely being outside can invert whatever craziness the mind has gotten itself wrapped up in.
Wow, man. Truthseeker. Next-level powerful and beautifully written.
We’re built to thrive on truth. More specifically, on searching for it.
The raw truth of physical exertion for a purpose, of danger, of unimaginable beauty, of love. The awe-inspiring breadth of all that we don’t know or understand. Of cosmic perspective.
It’s all there for us to seek, to pursue.
And we get to choose to do so.
Or not.
Wild.
Thanks, Sam.
Well said, and thank you for what is probably the most poetic comment I’ve yet to receive on my writing journey.
There is no greater reminder of our own insignificance and what we do not know than looking up at the sky on a clear night or venturing out to an outer reef alone when a big swell is running.
I'm here for it Peter. It is such an easy cure if we make the time for it. I've never had the pleasure of surfing, but imagine I would become completely addicted to it for this reason.
Just in from a 5 mile paddle, stayed a mile offshore, then went into a sharky inlet to ride some small waves. Let me know if you are ever down South
That's a great wakeup. I appreciate it.
Just want to say: Thank you for writing this.
❤️
You are very welcome Andrea. Thank you for reading.
Sam you wrote and reflected on how nature is the way. So many of the ancient philosophers still speak to us regarding using nature. Each of us struggles to stay in the moment with her. Your piece is another excellent example of how to connect. Thanks for your willingness to share.
You are most welcome, Bill. I'm grateful you enjoyed it.
I never read Shackleton but damn I am blessed to read Alaimo. Seeing Jupiter's moons in a story dark night sky, thirst and sweat in desert air, facing any and all mortally dangerous situations I have experienced... All moments of sheer pure being. And for that matter, the privilege to have lost something means I had the privilege to hold it dearly once. So there is no shame in living through and even having reverence for....the loss. What a profound meditation Sam. I see the life I've lived in new ways-- through these lenses.
I’m grateful this struck you, Anthony, as well for your perspective here on loss. This is an unbreakable mind and soul.
Outstanding piece of writing! I myself spend the month of September on the Yukon each year with two of my outdoor brothers. Self guided for moose, bear and wolf. It is the most spiritual and rewarding time of my life with each trip (leaving in 5 weeks for trip 6)it is also grueling, both physically and mentally. Beyond description to someone who has not done it alongside me. We have been stalked by griz with 150lb moose hinds on our packs, found ourselves in the mix of a wolf pack that was ultimately pursuing a cow and calf while we killed the bull that was with them. We then took two of the wolves. The raw adventure and life or death aspect is a 24/7 process. The bond it has created for our group is cemented in our souls. You captured the experience beautifully!
God speed on your sixth trip—this sounds amazing. It is the ultimate reset. It will also be great to read about if you decide to write it up. Thanks for dropping this.
💗
"Each shovel full pulled me bit by bit out of my skull and back into the world"
Which I would tweak into
"Each shovel full pulled me bit by bit out of my thoughts and back into my body/senses"
Our ruminating hamster wheel minds can create art/science and, if not restrained, drive us crazy. I saw that in a lot of my clients, and I wrote about that here in case you're interested:
https://open.substack.com/pub/bairdbrightman/p/mental-exhaustion-is-a-danger-to?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I think what you're writing about here is very important, Sam. Thanks for presenting it all so well! 👏
I like the tweak and appreciate the link as well. Great piece. I have been there (and often still am) when I cannot leave work mode behind and carry it with me everywhere.
Great read, as always! A long walk in the woods, with eyes wide open and genuinely seeing the world for what it is, would do more good for us and this world than anything I can readily imagine.
Nature is the way and it she could not make it much easier for us. I appreciate the comment.
Beautiful piece!
Thank you, Andrew.
I was deeply moved by this piece. Thank you, Sam, as always.
I'm grateful it struck you, Allison. I appreciate the comment.
Sam: a home run. Great recounting of the malaise in your soul & your quest to purge it from your being. Sounds as though all of the commenters can relate. Rock the day! Tim
I appreciate it, Tim. Let’s get it.
Thank you for sharing and for your conclusion. It is all relative but when we connect with nature in any way and revere its power and beauty, it’s glorious! Your post came as I am reading “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” the Appalachian Trail in one go. It’s never too late.
You're more than welcome, Barry. She is most definitely glorious. I need to check out this book. I live near the Appalachian Trail and have walked parts of it, but the entire journey would be epic.