Bushcraft of the mind!

a short video update on where I've been and what I've got planned!

[@petejam7]

Excellant, thought provoking video Paul. Thanks for being so candid, Im sure it will open some avenues of thought for a lot of people. I for one look forward to the next few videos, as and when your ready to make them available. Thanks again. Take care.

[@ReWildUniversity]

Paul, I know what you're talking about! I've felt that myself -- that sort of "falling out of love" with something that I KNOW I love. What I really appreciated about this is that you're talking so much about just your feelings -- something that's often left out of outdoors videos. Those feelings can drag us down into dark place, or, as you are planning in this video, can lift us up to new adventures. Will be fun to learn where you've gone from here, as this was 3 years ago! =)

[@sonofabear]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

Thank you for taking the time to watch buddy I appreciate it. 🙂🤜🏻

[@BushwackerMan]

Sorry to hear about the woodland camp Paul. Great chat, I think you are going to start a new chapter in your life. Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful journey in your worldly travels, Take care Dean

[@nathanmorris6768]

I've found that being outdoors gives me an opportunity to clear my mind and gather my thoughts a lot better. I also wild camp and practice bushcraft skills with a few friends and the conversations we have are often eye opening and encouraging. I've spent a bit of time surrounding myself with the right people and that has made all the difference. I think a lot of us have been reflecting on things during this time and I believe the answer is more in who you have along side you as you journey through life rather than trying to deal with everything by yourself.

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Turning points are good 👍

[@marjiecleveland]

So sorry you don't have that land to do your bushcraft. I believe we all experience burnout or unmotivated now and then; I sure have. Thanks for being real; it's refreshing, and does make sense. Looking forward to your future videos, no matter how often you put them out. Future travels sound interesting. Mindfulness doesn't have a negative connotation any more!

[@yearofthegarden]

As someone in his 30s, I know exactly what you're talking about. It comes down to collecting more skills, you still love bushcraft as we all do, but there is only so much sitting in the woods by ones self that any of us can do. If we had tribes to sit with, or bushcraft were more interwoven with life, I could see another side of the hobby, but bushcraft has really become a hobby that many people take on and integrated other aspects of EDC, gear and tech that are anything but bushcraft. Which is why I love your channel so much, as you seek the true techniques and skills involved in participating in nature the natural way, but you are not trying to sell us knives or pouches, which neglects your viewership and I assume monetary gains, which would make bushcraft largely more sustainable to pursue on a longer timeline. I still love bushcraft, but the older I got, the more I enjoy having it as a skill I can whip out as I pursue my other interests and jobs. I now spend my time growing mushrooms and vegetables, which being outside and having bushcraft skills makes life much much easier. I am glad all the misery and lessons I went through pursuing bushcraft, while I never sought out to make it a profession, nor have anyone to really share it with in person, I wouldn't give up any of the time investment and skills that are second hand nature to me. If I could suggest something, spend your time on what makes you money, start building yourself up brick by brick, make space in your life for another person, but focus on yourself and pursuits, and eventually someone will move in and spend time with you, and be excited that you want to share these skills with her. Make this youtube thing just for fun, people will still watch and enjoy it, maybe even more so if you are not putting pressure on yourself to perform. I fully understand the unsettling feeling losing a camp, but learning to setup camps fast, by making lots of them and you will get faster each time. Also make them more hidden or easier to knock down. Take these events in your life as opportunity to thing past them, if you let issues persuade you to stop, you won't reach your goals.

[@alasdairtaylor5]

Paul, this is amazing! You are naming so many issues that we in the modern world (especially guys!) cannot avoid if we are to survive and thrive. Would love to keep dialoguing about this. As you may have seen from Facebook, I run 'ecotherapy' programmes which address these exact issues. Maybe we could collaborate somehow? When travel becomes possible, I hope you come to Australia - 60 000+ years of indigneous wisdom await!

[@lukecollyer]

Gonna pm ya dude. But excellent video. “Pretend Scotland”. Love it! Sounds, in part, you’re outgrowing your home. Indeed time to see the world and al it has to offer as well as you have to offer it. Get the ticket asafp. The excitement and alive feeling it will give will set a spark under you that will keep you going until your return home

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

If it's south of Inverness I don't wanna know about it 😂 Thank you for the support and encouragement my man I certainly think it'll ignite a fire, and I'm looking forward to being able to share it, totally terrified to experience it but I think that lets you know it's worth doing 🙂🤜🏻

[@joesmalley806]

Paul you're a total legend. I'm sure like everyone else has payed a compliment to yourself and this video. I'm definitely looking forward to the next fire brother and hopefully open up some of the stories with a Debbie or 2. Much love man x

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

Me you and Debbie too... Now you're talkin'! Hopefully sooner rather than later my man ☺️💙🤜🏻

[@barlonmrando4921]

I for one will be sure to follow you on this new chapter in mindful bush craft its something I try do myself and show others around me who are open to it. I have found myself in a dark place once or twice being unsure as to my purpose around certain situations that have risen up , the mushrooms are a great tool /medicine and that's a fact from time to time I use a light dose when out. it does wonders for the mind and body I've used them on and off for years. I wish you all the best in the future dude if you ever jump across the water to Dublin you can look me up. that guy Shimotukushichi :)

[@kennethcarter5720]

Paul there must be many people thinking this way I am. I am going out tonight because you have just inspired me to do so. Hammock and a fire. I am going to watch your podcast and be enlightened some more. ❤️

[@turkishdelight7083]

Would suggest not comiting to anything and just give yourself a time period to explore life/places/people. You seem like your in your 20s so its a right of passage and you will be the better for it. Interests change as we get older and instead of mourning try to think of it as an accomplishment that will serve you on the next challenge. As for 'Bushcraft', it is a skill set that you have and can now use it to serve you in an adventure, some use it to make careers, some (like myself) use it as a tool to make camp comfortable after a hike (I couldnt go and stay in a camp like a lot, the terrain/moving/planning/journey of a trip is what I love. Your trip sounds amazing and if you can marry your passions it makes for a great experience. Thanks for the video and good luck with whatever you do.

[@NorthwalesBushcrafters]

Hi Paul we all get burn out from time to time and it’s triggered by many different things you put a lot of work into your camp there so dismantling it must of been emotional good on you for your next adventure matey keep talking always here bro 💪🙏

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

That's very true my man! And thank you for your kind words and support it means a lot 🤜🏻🤜🏻

[@Reeceeeyyyy]

An important message. I am sure many will benefit from your honesty on how you are feeling. All the best in your future endeavours.

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

Thank you Reece, I appreciate it! ☺️🤜🏻

[@Pherd123]

I'm not sure if you are aware of it but there is a college in upstate New York in a town called Paul Smith's in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains and the college is named Paul Smith's. The college is split between "Forestry" Environmental Studies major and Hotel Management. I lived there when I was younger. Just FYI. Very interesting.

[@KreekyKat5983]

Brave and honest, thank you. New to your videos so my comment is based on bushcraft sector in general. Is bushcraft about the beginnings of settled society or nomadic living and being at home anywhere in your bioregion? Is it basecamps and 'forts' or 'leave no trace'? Is it a set of skills and kit or a way of flourishing within nature? Is it a way to listen to nature rather than imposing? Big questions and I sense you are on your way to find some of your answers to them. I've subbed as interested to hear what you discover.

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

Hey Kath, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment you raise some interesting questions, unfortunately there is no definitive answer, bushcraft is a very very subjective thing but in its purest sense the word bushcraft originates from Australia and it is to be out in the 'bush' and to 'craft' the things needed to survive there from nature so for the purists out there a bit like me it's about learning to live utilizing the landscape and the materials Held within, traditionally that was incorporated into a more nomadic way of life following migrating animals and the likes but these days bushcraft is often seen in much the same way but from a more stationery way of doing things, typically people will build camps and practice their skills in said location. I could go on and on because like bushcraft itself the ways in which the meaning of it can be interpreted are almost endless it's very much an all encompassing phrase when it comes to the outdoors, and like all outdoor skills there's an incredible amount of crossover with other outdoor persuits. 🙂 I hope that makes some sense I'll have to do a video on it some time and try to explain it more thoroughly perhaps haha, but thank you again for taking the time to watch and for asking such an interesting question I really appreciate it! 🙂🔥

[@BeeOutdoors]

Paul I’m dying to comment but I feel compelled to just take a step back before I comment as this has hit me harder than I would of thought. Great video and I will post a comment in reply to this 💪

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

Ah thank you my man I appreciate it, and anytime you want to share your thoughts on the subject please do, when ready that is, it can be quite a big prospect trying to look at yourself from the outside in, I know it's something I'm still trying to wrap my head around, I hope one day we can meet up and chat it out someday 🙂🤜🏻

[@cedricdeheynwoeste]

👍

[@theoutdoortraditionalist]

You've been doing so much varied stuff recently l'm not surprised that you have burnt out a bit l have to say for me l am lucky that burn out doesn't really happen because being a hobbyist bushcrafter l have to seize opportunities when and where l can do l'm low risk so to speak.

[@AndyMacaskill]

Hi Paul, Thanks for your candid honesty. I've spent years studying and reading Philosophy and Theology. I can wrestle with subjects like existential angst or finding meaning for hours, as I'm sure you can too. So, you're more than welcome to come through to Inverness (or meet halfway somewhere) anytime and get coffee/tea or drinks and converse about this stuff. Meanwhile, all the best with your plans.

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

Thank you Andy I appreciate the support and the offer of an ear and conversation, I hope it's something I can take you up on one day soon. 🙂🤜🏻

[@BeeOutdoors]

First of all I would like to assure you that by putting this out there “so to speak” is not a easy thing to do but it does not and should never make you feel vulnerable. You have hit a few home truths, for me at least. As you know I am a creative sole and take bushcraft and my projects very serious, I have found myself in a similar position as your self. When I can not practice bushcraft or any of the skills I want due to a lack of time, space or lifestyle I tend to burn out, get depressed SND loose interest not only in bushcraft but life it’s self. It affects my work and personal life to a point that I withdraw. I binge on social media and KZbin until a wave of inspiration takes over giving me a release of interest. I often find myself wanting to create content that is interesting and helpful to people but in fact it’s I that feed from the content and experience I get from it. Keeping a balance between work, family and the need to get satisfaction from bushcraft and being out in the wilderness is hard and yes not having a place or space to retreat to can be hard but I have finally through your video come to a conclusion that all the barriers are not out there but in my mind. Travelling the world is a awesome idea and one I would do again given the chance do pursue that as I think it will make you a better SND happier person. thank you for this video and I do hope you find your happy medium. ATB Alex

[@Roman-lu1xn]

Well if you're gonna go adventuring, there's no better time than when you're young, sleeping rough isn't as much fun when you're older, but it's still kind of fun.

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

That's some solid advice! ☺️

[@0doga631]

Hey Paul ı am coming from your haversack video. What happen to bag? The bag is gone the hair elongated😅. Also you gained subscriber 👍

[@paulsoutdooradventures1790]

Well put mate i myself have felt like this and a few times but like u say I love it but I get down I supose when I dnt get comments I suppose or I see new channels instantly getting thousands of subs But hey I do wot I do for me Yer somtimes it can be disheartening seeing others channels buying new gear all the time testing reviewing etc I can’t afford to do that but I do love to use wot I got and teach my children everything I can and it seems they love to learn it to riley my son who u met at lyde river Rendezvous a few years ago still has a glint in his eye for it and I keep testing him on wot I know to be to be the correct and right way doing things I wish you the greatest trip next year traveling mate and doing wot we all love so much even though we nay lose the faith in it from time to time we love it anyway all the best paul from Paul and riley

[@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft]

It's interesting isn't it, it's a strange feeling it's like grieving for something you haven't quite lost, and I can certainly appreciate the frustration that comes with people becoming prominent figures as the result of materialism or controversy as opposed to doing so from a position of genuine passion and care for others.. but I believe they burn bright and fade fast and the folk like yourself will be growing and evolving long after they have gone.. they key to success is persistence keep on keeping on my man I've certainly got faith in you and all the best to Riley to he's a lucky wee man! 🙂🤜🏻

[@paulsoutdooradventures1790]

@@paulsmithprimitivebushcraft thankyou mate appreciate the a lot I look forward to seeing much more as always from u and I wish u all the best with ur pursuits in the future