I've gained weight and gotten squishy since I got out of the military and I am very familiar with apathy. I couldn't sleep last night and took a 3 mile walk and felt better than I have in years; your words are always profound Kenton and this video really helped.
+tjsmith112 Thank you for sharing this. To just step out and go for a walk like that . . . well, that took courage my friend! Paying particular attention to how good those things make us feel can get us to do it again . . . and again! Thank you for your service, as well. =) Kenton
I broke out of my video game shell about 5 years ago. I spent 12 hours a day playing video games. I was content, It was enjoyable. Then I read a book about animal behavior. It gave multiple examples of unique animals behaviors from crows to squirrels. Animals in my own backyard. I was inspired, I grabbed a notebook and pencil and woke up at 5am to go walking in my local park. I witnessed a hawk being cased by three crows. I was in awwww. After walking home the three crows had followed me, one landed on my roof and another on the neighbors, the third of the telephone pole. Just remembering and writing this experience down again it has encouraged me to study wildlife again. Your videos are always inspiring. Thank you for taking the time and effort of just being yourself and expressing it to others. -Eric
+Deranged Survival Eric, thank you for this wonderful comment. Made my day! Especially inspiring because I was working this weekend with a young man who was very addicted to video games. I think if he hears your story, it will give him strength. =) Kenton
I love watching your channel and it always hits home. I recently became disabled but not cripple. I get up everyday at 3am go to gym and walk for 3 miles and try and get in shape to back pack longer. Then at 6am everyday , I go to a Buddhist Temple for meditation , then a 12 step program till 8am. It's at this point I get sucked back in my house. I get stuck here , but watching your videos inspire me to engage in adventure. The mind is an amazing muscle that I need to work at , just like quads , bicep , triceps etc. Why do I cave at mental challenges , I do not know. Thanks for your spirituality in these videos. Peace
+Bryan Resch Bryan, this is super inspiring! You've been hit with a major hurdle, yet you're exercising, meditating, and engaged in that 12-step program. Way to go! I can understand that feeling of "getting stuck" sometimes, but your spirit is showing through -- I'll bet that you find yourself more and more excited about meeting those mental challenges as time goes on! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story! =) Kenton
Watching your videos makes me remember my childhood, i always had something to do and i enjoyed things to the fullest. When i was around eleven people started getting gaming consoles, phones, etc. and i started sitting in front of their computers more and more, i did too. The days started to merge and time seemed to fly by. My life is basically school, games, sleep, repeat. im now 15 and when i think back on the last years i can only remeber a mess of fragmented memories. What a waste of my time. The bar of enjoyment is now so high that the only thing I and literally my entire generation can do is play games, and consume in enormous quantities. People cant even get together anymore because it doesnt give them a kick like games gadgets and clothes. This isnt just specific to my generation but rather a massive change that has been going on for a long time but has accelerated in the last three maybe four years which i have witnessed first hand growing up here in sweden . Regular life flashes by, you feel sedated. Im definateley not getting a regular job because whats the point of buying something if you cant even use it because there isnt any time for it. As you might know sweden is a rich country and its getting even worse, parents buy the latest iphone for their 7 year old kids they brake it after two weeks and get a new one, this is normal now at least for the middle class which i belong to. Its probably even beyond what you experience in the US. I could tell you even more but this comment is getting long. What i can tell you now is that im sick of it and after school im going to find an alternative instead of desk job slave labour.
Kasper, you're seeing the problem first-hand. It's massive, and the tech is so seductive that it can literally take over our lives. My hope is that people can begin to see how hollow the satisfaction is, and begin to crave deeper connections, like the ones we get from nature, from interacting with other people, from doing work you are passionate about. I have to send kudos to you for seeing the "game" and being conscious enough to break free. It makes me excited to think of what you'll end up doing after school! =) Kenton
The way you turn everything in adventure and a game is very creative and refreshing to see. Also the way you challenge yourself is very good, you use a non competitive way without ego to make things fun and easy to try. Thank you for the fun approach of going off the path and trying something new.
Wow, thanks! That's just what we are hoping to share and instill. Fun, not taking ourselves too seriously, while at the same time being "serious" about our personal self-evolution and developing compassion and love. Woohooo! Love, Kenton =)
Life is what you make of it, and the glass is half full. Everyone can fully understand these sayings, but a lot of the time negativity wins out. External pressures, relationships, obligations, finances. At times I've just had to bottom out to do something for my own well being. A moment of motivation has sometimes knocked me back on track and led to some positivity that improved everything. Great topic, thanks Kenton.
+ANXIETOR You've summed up some of the tough things we can face, that can pull us down. And the power of bottoming out -- sometimes that can be just the thing that kicks us into gear, can't it? =) Kenton
This is so real and empowering, 🙏🏽 thank you . I’ve been such a motivated person my entire life before the last year of it. It’s made me feel like a fraud and shadow of my self. I’ve always been goal driven and energetic seeing the beauty around me. I legit welled up when you mentioned being like a squirrel to climb that tree because I so relate having wanted to be like a bee visiting flowers.. and the flag pose I get that because I used to find so much in accomplishing more ease doing harder yoga poses. I’ve gone through terrible circumstances in my life and while it’s not perfect I have nothing to complain about but apathy has seeded the deepest depression I’ve ever had. I feel I’m in recovery but this video felt like a spongebob moment where he watches a video about “the power within” I mean it as no insult 😅 this just came from a real place and not out of a book and I’ll be checking out other videos of yours 🙏🏽✌️🌈☀️
Wow, I am SO excited for you! Not because of what you're suffering through, obviously, but because of the way you've been living so passionately, and because I can sense you coming back to that life-passion! And in an odd way, having been through that deep depression, you'll be able to better understand those around you going through their own tough times -- you've been there before, it seems, and can truly relate with compassion. If this video inspired you, please know that your comment inspired ME -- this is what really keeps me going, knowing that these videos are making even a small difference for someone out there. I hope you enjoy the other videos, and please let me know how things are going for you over time. I'm hoping to see you here in the comments more often! Sounds like you'd have tons to offer people through your various life experiences. Love, Kenton =)
My family and I decided to go to the local woods for a walk yesterday- the sun wasn't shining and it wasn't a "beautiful" day, anyway we left the path and decided to climb trees, forage for nettle and pine resin- what could have been a fairly mundane walk turned into an adventure. I also took my native American Flute- which was amazing in the woods! Thank you for another inspiring video Kenton!
+Gemma Young I can just imagine that flute's music echoing through the woodlands, and your family scampering about adventuring. So lovely! Thanks for sharing this! =) Kenton
Nature's always been one of my main sources of adventure, even from childhood. At 6 years old pop some holes in a jar lid and catch honey bees, or lightning bugs... being completely freaked out when a Praying Mantis lit on me for the first time, then being amazed at the way they're put together and just wanting to stare at them and study them, feeding spiders, feeding Doodlebugs (Antlions), climbing trees, laying in lush green grass and watching the clouds, slowly moving rocks in the creek to catch crayfish, planting some eyes that Mother just peeled from the potatoes, planting a watermelon seed, trying to catch a bream by putting a jar on her bed.... and on and on. I'm 58 years old. I'd still enjoy all of those activities. The 2 greatest cures for apathy, for me is, Nature and a well rested mind and body via a good night's sleep. Thanks, Kenton.
+David West I could just feel the joy of each of these descriptions -- perfect examples of a world filled with wonder, mystery, and even a bit of fear. That mix equals a sense of joy that permeates our whole life. Thank you, David! =) Kenton
I would catch bees in jars too! Me and my brother would have competitions to see who could get the most bees in a single jar. I'm 24 and fighting that ever encroaching apathy that pervades our modern culture. I hope to get back the wonder of my childhood. It sounds like you have achieved that, congrats!
***** Christopher, it's awesome to hear that you are aware of the encroachment, and are being active to avoid it. That memory alone is magical! You're ahead of the game with your awareness -- adventure until the end of your days! =) Kenton
Great one , I had a long experience about apathy, procrastination and getting stuck in my comfort zone , no more , I quit the bad lazy me and start the new me which is kinda like the young me before stopping sports , smoking...... Today I through my cigarette s pack to the bin and decide to no more let me drag down by apathy and bad habits . I will do what it take to stand beside my choice even if I know it will be tough in the next 2 month.I though about this for a while now but your videos has helped me to want more about the life, and myself ! I give you credit for that , watching you having fun doing awesome things or just simple walk in nature have giving me the will to do it myself .I can maybe engage friends to do the same and help them too, it would be awesome , me being a rewilder too , hahaha ! Sound awesome .Anyway I want to thank you for having helped me turn that switch in my mind .By the way stop smoking will make me more easy financially , so I have edited my pledge on patreon , it will be far better used compare to tobacco .
This news has lifted me spirits so much my friend! I'd love to be part of the next two months as you release the smoking -- if you want, write me each week and update me on how you're feeling! With love, Kenton =)
Great video! What I like about your channel is that you not only show some difficulties that we face but you also give clearly instructions and techniques about how to solve those problems and at the same time motivating the one watching. Thanks for sharing as always!
Your videos are an awesome, Among all you do, I look at you as a none-traditional creation therapist who has helped me greatly. I would suggest to anyone to only use meds temporarily if needed. Find mentors for motivation and to call you out if needed. And if you have a faith, call on your Maker. I was an extreme case and your videos, and these things brought me to a health person. It did involve a lot of struggle and pain, but that was necessary for better growth. Thanks for your part in my therapy.
Thanks for helping in my healing through your videos. It's not dramatic to say depression can become a death of the soul. Leaving it untreated can lead to physical death. There are many ways of help: Jesus, counseling, meds(would suggest a low dose and temporary), a trusted friend, the internet, peer groups, and very importantly nature(especially using the philosophy in your videos). Sorry to seem overstated or over appreciative.
+Luther George Thank you so much! I am so honored by your words, and they inspire me deeply! I hope others can see what you've come through, and hear your words of strength. Also, If you do want to edit, feel free to re-write the comment and I can delete these two =) In appreciation, Kenton
I watched this video when it first came out and I remember liking it. But by your suggestion (through your reply to my comment on the online course) I checked it out again. It really hit home this time. Thank you!
+Wildernessing in the Rockies So interesting! I've found that often, when I come back to a book or a poem or a video a few weeks or months or years later, it holds new things for me that I didn't find there before. So glad it happened for you with this video! =) Kenton
+Wannabe Bushcrafter Oh yes . . . I had a couple of students this weekend who were battling the lure of easy electronic entertainment. It's powerful stuff, and so addictive. =) Kenton
You know he is SO ON THE MARK, with this one. Well ALL your videos are on the mark! Everything in our lives really do begin with choice! Good or Bad, Turn Right when i should have turn left! Easy to say, quite another thing to put into practice! But you give me so much hope in the choices I make, and the things I do and don't! THANK YOU AGAIN!
+Scotty Warren Thanks Scotty! As you say, it's one thing to say it, but another to practice it. But hopefully if we can keep reminding ourselves, we can slowly shift to this understanding you speak of. =) Kenton
I've watched this one before - probably my favourite presentation amongst the many you've made! And I'm getting up right now to go outside and walk a particular path in the forest that I haven't walked for ages. Pretty sure I'll find edible mushrooms, cross paths with hunters and their dogs and who knows what else!
love you bro, everyone should watch this and learn, sounds so simple yet it is so powerful. a simple walk through nature gives so much energy. God bless
Thanks so much for this video! Been in a slump of apathy about life recently (nothing will bring me joy, why bother doing anything...), but just watching this video got me excited and I'm not even sure why. Thanks for helping me flip a simple but hopefully effective mental switch :)
I hope this makes a profound difference for you, Rich. Apathy is a powerful force generated by our culture, but we CAN transform it. Your positivity shows me that you are capable of it! =) Kenton
Thanks for the video. This is important stuff. It is not a good thing to get stuck in some passive pattern, but it is really easy. When you start to get out of the habit of apathy it just gets easier and easier the more you manage to do it. In my experience it is important to go slow and easy at first and build up over time. - Martin
+NorwegianWoods Great advice, Martin. This is about the slow conditioning of our minds over time, and making sure that we consciously condition them in a way that keeps us passionate and compassionate about life. =) Kenton
Boy you hit the nail on the head Kenton. I've worked night shifts for 18 years and it's been difficult on my body. I've put on weight and finding the energy to do what I need to do seem hopeless at times. I guess you got to decide to do it and make it a priority. I need a personal motivating trainer like you. lol I really enjoy your videos buddy. God bless!
+aHigher Power Thank you as always my friend! Night shifts can be brutal (I did that for a while). And it can indeed be rough on the body. Yet your body can indeed shift -- it is marvelous at adapting! =) Kenton
One of the worst conditions in which I can find myself is having lots of free time and wasting it all. Now I am in my exam period so I just have to study at home and, wanting to avoid to fall in the conition I explained before, last week I paked my bags (with my physics copybook) and walked for a whole day until I got pretty high up in the mountains. There i lived for the whole week studying in the morning and hiking and having little adventures in the evening (and at night). I even kept a small diary. The outside world sure is full of adventures if you want to look for them. Thanks for the video! I do hope more people get to live adventures more often and you sure are good at giving initial motivation! P.s. i just noticed you pubblished this video on the 27th...that's the day the same day i left for the unknown.
One of the most constructive things I learned in this experience was overcoming my fears (some of wich wheren't actually mine). So yea, if you find a soft grassy/snowy place I'm sure you can backflip...it's just beyond the fear. :)
I seem to gravitate my exploratory motivations by using natures cycles. I pay attention to the seasons, bird migrations, when my fav flowers are blooming, going out right after a big storm. eg. I try to be out hiking on the summer and winter solstice, spring and fall equinox, peak migration times etc. I have had some amazing close encounters on these occasions.
+rarusnak What a great way to inspire ourselves! This could be a perfect tool to help us break out of ruts -- taking advantage of the seasons or other natural cycles to inspire us to get out. I know that a good meteor shower can get the whole family out looking at the stars, even on a cold night! =) Kenton
Its funny when I used to go for a walk with my ex, she always wanted to go direct as crow flies. When ever I said lets go here and see where it take us she would almost have a fit. That was the first thing I remembered when you said take another path. I love going the "wrong" way home.
+ReWildUniversity Yeah, its like somewhere along our cultural history we have defined the wrong way as any path that is not the shortest route. We are all in such a rush to get some where ha ha! Liked and subscribed as your talking my language.
Thanks dude. I am sucked into the internet too much too often. I watch bushcraft videos but never go out of the city to practice. I think small steps are the way forward as you suggest. I am going to start by learning how to tie a sheep shank knot.
That's a perfect start. Every step is one step closer to adventure! And I can actually relate to the power of the internet to suck us in. I have to consciously limit myself because it can have such a powerful draw. =) Kenton
Thanks. Great video. Coming out of a period of depression and apathy feeding on each other. A healthy diet, exercise, sleep, go a long way to help. And as you said, self motivation and help from others. Good to be encouraged to look at the world through new eyes, as you point out. These steps help a lot in braking through. Been waiting for another video from you. Thanks again.
+Luther George So inspiring that you've "been there" and are able to find your way out. I hope others see this who might feel stuck -- your words can inspire them to realize that it can indeed be done! =) Kenton
Question? I live in the Missouri Ozarks(God's country). In a SHTF situation, I have around 12+ people counting on my bushcraft skills. For winter stealth/heat, my best idea is several larger debris shelters with Dakota fire pits. Any other ideas.
Luther George I've helped some people with setting up a "remote camp". You choose a location (or better yet, 2 or 3) where you would bug out to, and bury some basic supplies there. Heavy-duty plastic bags are a great bury-item. They can serve as waterproof covers for your shelters, as solar still covers, and as bivy sacks. A simple "bury bag" consists of a granite wear cook pot into which you place a couple of heavy duty garbage bags, some fire starters, a Platypus water container, and a mora knife. You could add some salt, a supply of dried beans or lentils, and some multi-vitamins. Wrap it in duct tape and bury it near your camp. Then, no matter what supplies you are able to bring to your camp in a SHTF situation, you know you at least have the capacity to make a rain and wind-proof shelter, start a fire, boil water, and cook some food. A jar of honey in there will also keep indefinitely, and helps with morale in a bad situation. Imagine the first meal when you drizzle honey over the wild greens you've gathered! =) Kenton
great advice, its like thinking like a kid , as a kid everything is new and adventure and your'd do silly or crazy stuff just because you could , but then at some point we 'grow' up and become boring. I'm going to give this a try.we could all get so much more doen if we went out lookign for new adventures and challenges every day instead of letting tv and internet rule our lives .
Adventure! Wow. Seems like we get trained to stay on the well worn easy familiar path. And sometimes it's easier. I have more fun in my neglected jungle when I try following a critter trail instead of staying on the paths we've kept relatively clear. I think I need to go for a walk! Maybe find a log down to scramble around on!
I've noticed this so many times. It always seems to be the case that when I decide to go out to the country and do some hiking for example, that my mind will tell me "that sounds boring", but it's always the case that once I'm there and doing it, and experiencing the outdoors, I can't help but think what a great idea this was. It was so worth it. Why wouldn't I want to be out here? But more interestingly, why does my brain fall into this forgetful sort of apathy and try and trick me into believing otherwise? It really is strange how the mind works sometimes.
+ddscout23 It is, isn't it? Some people feel like our minds are 'wired' to seek the easy path. I feel like it's more of a cultural conditioning thing. In either case, as you've noted, it sticks with us for a long time, until we can really consistently recondition our minds. In the meantime, hopefully tools like the Eyes of Adventure, or just repeatedly doing what you do and just getting out there, can keep us on the adventure track! =) Kenton
+ReWildUniversity How do you overcome that first step out the door? all my life (albeit 19 years) I get excited about something make plans but the second I "open the door" I feel a strong need of sinking back into my cushy already "done for me" life and continue my shitty job and sitting at home staring at a computer screen, I really need to know how to finally take a real step into something, actually do something I never thought I could do. I've struggled with social anxiety, depression and so many other things that have also stopped me from "stepping out the door" (in a sense) I've wanted to just sling a pack and walk around the country and live in eco-villages, get a job on a boat in alaska, get my GED, But I just regress back into in easy life, I so badly want to do so many things for such a long time but I always get shied away when the moment of truth comes, it even stops me from wanting to camp in my backyard.. its not just apathy, I see all these cool things around me and adventures and I want to do them but never try it.. I really need some advice on actually persevering and do things in life
+Mr. McClassy Don't get overwhelmed in plans, take it easy. At some point you have to go out right? So on your way back walk home instead, if you are going home motivation is easy. Then you l start taking different paths and new detours etc.. It s a habit like working-out.
+Craig Twiner Thanks Craig! A book is in the process, actually. We did just put together an online course on 'rewilding our mind', too, which we'll launch in just a few weeks. Happy New Year to you! =) Kenton
I was planning on doing a video on this subject after the first of the year and if you don't mind I would like to use this video to share and build off of. This is such an important subject, especially this time of year. It can be called by many names. You used apathy, it could also be called cabin fever, lack of motivation, not knowing your life purpose or mild depression. No matter what we call it, If it is gone unchecked, it could lead to a more serious depression..... People need to understand what could be causing this in there life before they can fix it. It could be something as simple as a lack of vitamins from our American diet. If people are eating pizza rolls 3 times a week, they aren't getting the vitamins they need to have a healthy mind. The sun shining on our face gives us the majority vitamin D we need to be healthy and when we are stuck inside work for 8 to 12 hours a day, then come home to relax on the couch the rest of the day, our vitamin D doesn't get replenished. You are right Kenton. It starts by stepping out the door and finding adventure or by simply getting up off the couch and doing 30 jumping jacks. Seeing how excited our kids are when they come in from playing is a great example of the adventure most people are lacking..... People also need to realize how addictive TV and internet ads are. They are done on purpose to get you to buy or watch stuff. Election season is a great example. Political ads are poll tested before let out for the public to see. The message that gets the highest ratings are the ones people see and that gets people riled up into a political frenzy. Advertising research analyst is a science that preys on the addictive nature of people and most people aren't even aware that they are being betrayed. most people cant go a day without TV, let alone an hour to go for a walk. its a trap that only the person involved can fix. turn it off and step out the door... Bringing this information to the forefront is very important and like always, You are leading the charge. Great video Kenton. Keep up the great work.. Until next time. Take care. Brian
+Devils Advocate Survival. Brian, I appreciate you noting how children can really embody and inspire this philosophy. And yes, I would be honored for you to use this video as a foundation to build off of! =) Kenton
Hey Kenton hope all is well I just had a though this can be a very tough cycle we get our self in to However I have found that if you set a daily goal for you self you can & will brake it 😉 We just have to be determined to push ourself's You my friend had great advice Where you ever a therapist ???? Lol my Sargent used to tell us a good swift boot in the butt works too 😝 I miss her sooooo much 😹😹😹 Happy new year to all of you all Peace ✌️
+1960Plague Your Sergeant sounds like she was awesome! That's some good motivation for sure. I know what you mean about setting goals and breaking them. I've been very good at doing just that for much of my life. That initial "oomph" you allude to, giving ourselves a kick in the butt, can be tough, but if we can just get ourselves moving . . . Rebecca used to get herself to go for a run by just committing to getting her running stuff on and walking out the door. She didn't commit to the run, but after getting that initial momentum, she always ended up going. It's that initial push . . . =) Kenton
Yes! It makes me always SO happy, if I start my own "Challenges" - for example, yesterday on my walk - I saw an empty bag of dogfood in the forrest - and while i was walking across ( I was already 2 - 3 meters away ) I tourned around and grapped it for the whole walk, straight to the next bin. It might not me the perfekt example, but i think even these little things make you feel more alive! And for the point of getting out of the house - I often trigger my self with Music, to get me out of my comfort zone ! What do u think about using music for that? - Greetings from Germany
+Wurzelberd Music can be a great tool to inspire! And I love your example -- that simple act has far-reaching implications, including making the forest more beautiful and creating a mental benefit for you of compassion, caring, and being willing to step off the path. It would create a much different feeling if you saw it and just walked by, but you chose a path that brings much goodness! =) Kenton
do you know anything about UK laws regarding axes and knives, see I was raised out doors and I been using both since a child, however friend told me its a criminal offence now ?!!! A farmer was arrested, is this true ? Can the law dictate my cultural rights regarding this?
I'm going for a short walk in a new fallen slushy snow. I know it will be uncomfortable after a bit. We are still waiting for some substantial snow, it's been unseasonably warm.
how do you distinguish between decisions made purley from fear and those that are probably sensible. for example some friends and i were exploring a cave system near to us but as we went deeper and going back started to seem harder and harder we decided to turn back out of fear. however now i wish we had gone further. how do we know when to listen to fear?
+Reuben HB Great question. As we get more intimate with our fear-sensation, we can learn to feel it as it begins to emerge. At that point, before it is strong, we can learn to stop and assess things from outside the fear-stance. In your case, the reactions of your friends or the close-in feeling or the dark might have triggered a fear response, and if you could catch it early, you might be able to assess your friends -- are they deep in fear, or could they be calmed if you stopped and guided them through some relaxation breaths -- you could assess the cave -- do we know our way out, or are we really in danger of getting stuck or lost. The trick is catching the fear early, before it overwhelms us. It takes practice, but it can be done, especially if you begin a practice of mindfulness that includes catching all of your emotions at earlier and earlier states of emergence. This was such a good question, and you made me jealous with your cave explorations -- I love caves (in part because they can invoke fear in me), but I have precious few around here to explore! =) Kenton
