Survive the 21st Century - 3 Primal Resilience Methods for Crisis & Everyday Well-Being 

Tom, many in the resilience movement behave as a cloistered monk. You are the wandering friar that the world needs. Keep spreading the good news.

The "live from a rucksack" can get REALLY powerful if you've got 4-10 friends along with rucksacks. That gives more overall space to include shared pots, pans, tarps, stoves, food, etc while still allowing everyone space for their limited personals. Learned that canoeing in Canada in the 80s.

I failed at the ‘breathing’ part. Skipped straight to ‘eating food’

"When our Fight or Flight response is being applied to threats that we can't physically combat or run away from". I hadn't ever thought of it like this, that's brilliant. Cheers.

a huge problem for the average American is the wildly unbalanced work/life balance. We tend to get away from work very little, what time off we get is usually filled with completing other necessary tasks. Myself I get about 3-4 weekends a year to do things i actually want to do or enjoy doing. I know many have even less than that. Americans tend to brag about how 'hard working' we are, but it has gone way beyond healthy levels. Our mental health has obviously suffered in part due to this, evidenced by the mental health crises our nation seems to be suffering. Thank you for this. Hopefully your voice will be part of a change for the better.

I literally paused the video to go out and get some fresh air and sunshine. Thank you.

The point of facing threats that we cannot fight or run away from, is so spot on.

I’m a sheep and cattle herder, and I feel so much more sane out on the prairie with the wind in my face.

I have read some psychology at undergrad level. It was found that people living in cities are far more likely to have depression than those in towns, and those in towns were worse off than villages. Further research was done. The main factor was how much time people were exposed to plants and trees etc. It's been narrowed to sky blue and the green of chlorophyll hitting the eyes. Just sitting in a vehicle looking at trees in the countryside makes a small difference. Actually getting out and walking through a small woodlands makes a bigger difference. Going barefoot on grass also helps.

Hey Tom. Greetings from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I spent 25 years in a Military Uniform and have been thrown into many stressful situations. Some people turn to booze or narcotics to deal with it. Some do choose suicide. I have lost several people I served with to suicide. God knows there are things I experienced that will never truly go away. How do you deal with it? I really do believe we who dwell in modern society have lost our connection with many things. I was dealing with some heavy spiritual and mental issues. First thing I learned was there are three types of health. Mental, physical and spiritual. In today's world, modern society seems to steer people away from the spiritual part of being a human. I think that plays a lot into our society. A few years ago I was working on a Reservation in Montana. It was there, with my Crow Co-Workers, I discovered my spiritual health was neglected. My friends I made on the reservation inspired me. I started a journey of balance and self exploration. I started in my late 50s but...its never too late. Love your channel. Keep up the good work.

I passed the survival test! (....here on the couch...). Nice video. The intro is hilarious and hooks you in for the info

One thing to note with the rucking thing is that you shouldnt do it if your body hasnt finished growing as it can cause serious harm

The concept of experiencing discomfort on a temporary basis so you appreciate what you have is very much in alignment with Stoic principles

your suggestion to turn off the internet one hour before bed and for one hour after waking up is the BEST ADVICE i've heard in ages! thanks

Thats actually on to something, we aren't adapted to deal with modern issues, and our mental health is lowered. I have always said, people 100 years ago, could go out and work all day, doing enough or more to keep them and their family, sheltered, warm, and full bellys. And when we came in in the evenings, we had a sense of accomplishment, and one's mind would have peace. But now, going out and working 8 to 12 hours 5 to 6 days a week, and coming home and still being worried about if you were going to be able to pay all the bills, keep the car running, a roof over your head and the lights on, is a constant stste of stress and people cannot sustain it without serious mental and health problems.

Excellent vid. My two cents would be the stoic principle of not worrying abt. things outside your control.

And naturally a thermos of hot tea!!!!

Thank you for your work. You were part of my rekindled interest in my family history in Scotland. I am 3rd Gen Canadian from Scottish/Irish Great Great Grandparents. And a descendant of Alexander Mackenzie. I have 5 Yards of Tartan coming today for my Great Kilt. And I am learning to make sew kilts as well! Thank you for sharing your love of the outdoors in a context that is helping to connect our past and present. I learned and practice Anapana and Vipassana meditation. I still have anxiety but I know that it is only temporary and that I can experience in its full nature. I am that which continues through change and challenge.

In connection to channeling anxiety and fight/flight into flow, I have to strongly recommend grappling as an invaluable part of martial art. Judo, jiujitsu, wrestling, etc, just find what's available in your town and start training. You absolutely will learn to breathe and enter flow-state under pressure (often literal pressure). Resiliency is mandatory, you will have many, many opportunities to try, try again. And hey, it's hard to be burdened with the cares of the world when you're defending against a choke. It's also a very social activity, great way to make connections. It's not for everyone, but if you haven't tried it you should!

You really hit the nail on the head. I have noticed that alot of people I talk to that those that spend some time out in the wild, learn skills have a much healthier outlook on life. I think Knowing that one has the skills to take care of them selves gives one confidence. I myself have been a self reliance person my hole life, hunting, trapping, fishing, farming, carpentry, mason work, black smithing, knife smithing, camping, woodsman, preper, survivalist , ect.. ect.. Through living this way I tend to be able to hand alot of things that most ppl lose their minds over. I very much suggest for people to get out in the wild, live, learn. It will change everyones world

Love the combination of primal skills + Maslow's hierarchy of needs into your tree!

U get better and better every year

"...for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." Absolutely love this vid Tom, thank you for the work you're doing!

Awesome.🇮🇹🇪🇺. Brilliant content. Spot on.

Weapon of Mass Distraction!! Brilliant!! I will use that in more conversation with my daughter - Absolutely outstanding content as always - Many thanks Tom

Dude, you’re killing it. Thanks for all the help. This and the flow video are the juice that keeps me alive 😅❤

When you ( gradually )build up your fasting from 16 to 48 or 72h without any food, you realize you're not going to starve if you find yourself in a situation where there is no food available. It helps with anxiety in that respect that, you don't feel so desperate or threatened when you don't have access to food for a while. You know you will easily survive this. You have been through it before.

I usually don't comment on videos but I felt this one deserved one. I think you absolutely smashed this topic and I'm working to implement these habits into my life. More people should talk about this especially in todays day and age. Appreciate the content and hope to find more like this on your page.

Love your perspectives and channel! Keep up the good work

Awesome. Brilliant content. Spot on.

I like your style. Thanks for reminding us all of the importance of staying connected to nature.

The problem with getting out in the wilds in America, is the distance away from the towns. Most wild land here is either Private Property or National Forest land. Very few choices there.

Heel goed! Dankjewel! Groetjes uit Holland.

Love your channel man, such good content. You're spreading good messages out here and have a great perspective!

I love this. Thank you for this knowledge.

I love your channel omg, this video is exactly what I needed 😂

How can you not like this channel. Great job

Tom great video, you really hit the nail on the head, keep up the good work!

Glad you showed some gardening, weeding is excellent for teaching mindfullness , getting those beneficial micro organisms that absorbed by the skin bring good moods , physical exercise of all kinds suited to bodies of all conditions and mobility.

I started with a surplus wwii backpack. It gets mostly used as my hunting pack. I have a wild organic natural food forest. Thought about maybe taking a deer stalking trip to Scotland. Too many deer not enough predators. My rifle weights over 10 lbs and my old 1994 oneida bow 8 lbs. I do a lot of muzzle loader hunting too. You can legal take/import a black powder gun into most countries too. Even Mexico that has super strict gun laws that don't work. Here sales of most hunting and fishing license have decreased. All though we do have a growing amount of bear hunters. Think that is because bear population explosion.

Cracking video Tom. Really enjoyed it. Some very very good points and well made.

‘Suffering’ is relative to our experiences and comfort levels I posit that life/nature/the creator has provided us all of the internal and external resources we need to be happy and comfortable and even thrive, What we lack is knowledge of these abundant resources and the discipline to manage them sustainably, both of which we can acquire and develop through rigorous and objective training, because there will be failures (sometimes, you just can’t get the fire to light) Gotta stay in that state of flow, me brudder 😉👍🏻 Play is the most important part of resilience (the ability to flow in different directions with the least resistance), maintaining an appropriate level of play is the most important component of a resilient flow, Also think of laminar flow as it relates to your definition of flow

Just recently found your site and have watched a few of your excellent videos. I am a senior in not the best health but have been talking with others on my age group and hear it more and more how ppl have quit watching tv, tuned out the news and have basically withdrew from society just to maintain their peace of mind. Here in the US things are a mess politics, border problems, social problems, poverty, and all we are trying to do is survive. I’ve experienced some mental health issues, primarily depression but have been able to pull myself out of that hole. Going to honestly take a hard look into your video series, peace be with you.

TY Tom. 😄👍

Thanks.. love this video!!

Brilliant much respect, love your content and gives me alot of inspiration good sir 🙏🙇‍♂️

Excellent video for persons of all ages. few people understand that the means of coping with todays mental challenge are to do what we have been doing for centuries...physically addressing our survival needs. thank you for sharing your insights.

Your flow video is one I've come back to repeatedly after I first saw it. Excited to see where this takes me!

Awesome video Tom, your free thinking mentality is enviable of a Martial Arts Master. I have to say that your 'Flow' video is epic and very thought provoking. Loving your work mate.

Thanks buddy il look further into this

Excellent and spot on thoughts and ideas to stop and smell the roses in our lives.

Beautifully done, Tom.

I love this on a very deep and soulful level, thank you

Good on you, brother!! Making these practices beginner friendly for the coming generations is an excellent idea.

This is fantastic, thanks for sharing and reminding us all!

I think youre an absolute genius dude, just running around in a kilt and youre the only one that knows you actually are lol, funny AF. 100/100 true masterclass of youtube videory.

Your flow is crazy tom!

Fantastic video, thank you.

Well done. So pleased for you.

You are a legend, well done for doing this video, we need to hear this. I look forward to turning my phone off for the day or off for a whole week at a time.

I fully agree with you! Amazing content!

Really important--thank you.

So important, the merging of the physical and metal is so symbiotic. Returning to our natural or what people call “old ways” through skill or thought is life changing.

So important, the merging of the physical and mental is so symbiotic. Returning to our natural or what people call “old ways” through skill or thought is life changing.

Jus signed up on your Patreon never done that before! Stoked for th course bro

Great channel! and also great channel and character development, i followed you a long time ago and now found your channel again and find thencontent to be really beautiful and useful. Keep it Up! and go further!

Excellent material! I really like the woolen Brown tunic/coat in the final scenes. Looks warm and fluid.

Thank you, good and positive mindset conquer all. Jah bless

Pretty much my childhood in the best parts. Thank you, just what every family needs. Survive with your carry. Kia ora

Great contributions, some very important work. Will check out the course!

Very well put together - you're talking a lot of sense! 🙂 Watching with interest to see how this develops

Thank you for doing your channel. It really rings to my love for history and survival skills. I do 18th and 19th century reenacting where I have to make my own clothes, shoes, hats, and equipment. Along with making shelters and cooking over fires. There is something about getting into nature and back to the basics that does help center your mind and spirit to combat the complexities of modern life and society. We do a School of the Ranger here in Maryland (US). We learn and practice 18th century skills and material and martial culture to make us better reenactors and more in tune with our ancestors. You should come out for it. Usually around the first weekend of February.

Sounds Very Cool 😎; I'll try it!!! 👍👍👍 15:35 My 2 cents on this subject = 1st & Last thing in your day; 1) a 5 minute Gratitude practice. 2) A Daily Meditation (see The Willpower Institute) practice! 3) Qi (Chi) Gong

Awesome , many Thanks! So inspiring 🎉💜🔥🍷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Outstanding!!!!

Brilliant, terrific video! 👍✌️💞

Great thought provoking video Tom and I love the way you presented it. One thing that growing people are missing today, is 'normal, natural' stress. By this I mean, natural threats like shelter and hunger, or threats from wild animals. All our needs are provided for, and in the present 'Nanyism' that is rife in our society, the outlets for a young person to prove themselves, are very limited. I am 73 years young now and grew up in a time where we were left to make our own fun OUTSIDE the house and there were no rubber grounded playgrounds around. We went fishing, making cubby houses, toy bows and arrows and shot these blunt arrows at each other, had stick fights and wrestled and all our mothers did was tut-tut and patch us up. Now the cops would be called! 😅 Sure we took skin off and there was rarely a broken bone and we weren't made to wear helmets and joint guards to PROTECT us. We all went camping and fishing on holidays and learned useful stuff! like how to be self reliant. Now my daughters families take their families camping and stuff, because they were taught young. I think you are doing a great job of educating people in life skills and hope you can continue to do so. 👏👏👏👏👏

Absolutely brilliant..............🙏

Well thought out, well made video sir.That you included all aspects of being denotes your dedication to true survival.Safety and Good health to you and yours always.

Well said and we’ll done Tom, sounds like a valuable tool kit for modern life…👍

Well done!!!!

The solutions are so practicle and resonate so well with my personal experience, in my case I do mountain biking along with some bushcraft stuff. Besides, I really want to get grid of the technologies that exist to harvest human attention fully, but yet I still need them to harvest others' attention to earn my living.

Bravo 👏 and thank you 🙏

Thank you very much for this entertaining yet informative video. I am very interested to know what these "generalist skills" are and would be glad if there would be a video on this topic!

I'll be signing up.

Anyone who wants to try, can be a life coach. Anyone who wants to try the struggle and find purpose can lead others to do the same and find purpose.

Hello and greetinsg from Siberia. Im not easily impressed or moved by a lot of material out there these days. However, this video spoke my language in the deeper sense. I agree 100% and spend a good bit of time passing on similiar messages about why things are they way they are and how we might imrpove our condition and situation.. I bought this course this morning and I look forward to studying with you and the like minded tribe. All the best Jon.

this will help many people

Last summer was spent in a hammock, and forging for most of my food!!!

One of the most empowering techniques that I found is the Wim Hof method, which includes cold exposure and breathing. It is not necessary to do ice baths, just wearing less warm clothes during winter and taking short cold showers.

Great video. Something to think about: after every great extinction event, the main survivors were the generalists. Specialization is for insects

Already signed up!

Great acting and nice sketch at all Super video! 🌲

Notes and observations related to my situation: 1) "Resilience" may not be something I've embodied well altely. While I've been through a lot in the past half-year (not least of which was a death in the family), and even accomplished a bit in the wake of my hardships, I haven't "bounced back" psychologically as well as I'd like to brag. In fact, I've been dealing with a terrible feeling of exhaustion almost all the time. 2) As someone with autism and AD/HD, among other problems (which conditions are themselves debated as to how they fit into our primal evolution), I find that my "fight or flight" response can be set off by littel things that "neurotypical" people don't even notice, such as fatigue, unwelcome surprises, or issues with personal space, among other things. This can wipe me out pretty badly.

Ahhh, what a relief to see some Scottish dry humour and magic irony too😊. Now, I'm going to waitrose (can only shop there coz I got a £50 voucher from work for filling out my quoter of near miss forms. Beef Wellington anybody...? Brilliant points made by your good self . Thank you😊

I really like the hunter-gatherer outfit you got, that fox(or coyote?) pelt headgear looks awesome

I'm in construction safety, and I stress easily. This is not a winning combination. It's actually been about three years since I was in the field previously. I could feel all the stress and anxiety coming back as if it had never left, and that was encouraging some very unhealthy habits. I decided to stop listening to music first thing in the morning when I drive to work (I have a 45 minute drive to start work at 7:00am), so that I could concentrate on breathing and mental prep for the chaos of the day. It's helped a lot. In addition to that, I took up horseback riding 2.5 years ago which is all about breathing, posture, and motion. It's been a net positive, and it's helped me manage my unhealthy choices. I didn't know how much I needed something that demanded that much attention, as you're essentially managing all the chaos and momentum of a 1200lb atv with no handlebars and an opinion.

Thanks so much for this tom. Its so refreshing to hear from someone else who feels the same about this topic as i do. Also wjere did you get your long wool smock your wearing at 3.02? I could really do with one of those!

Bravo

I've heard some talk too about the importance of leaning heavier into nose breathing rather than mouth breathing, when you can. Have you seen that too? I love your videos and appreciate the work you're doing❤