I Spent 12 Days Camping Alone in the Remote Canadian Wilderness - Here's What Happened

60 day trial for Headspace is up but there's still a 30 day trial here absolutely free: Code: XANDER30
Link: headspace-web.app.link/e/X30
Filmed in Wabakimi
IG: @xanderbudnick
Patreon Alternative - www.buymeacoffee.com/xanderbu...
Timestamps:
Day 1: 0:00
Day 2: 2:55
Day 3: 12:14
Day 4: 18:45
Day 5: 27:49
Day 6: 37:12
Day 7: 45:56
Day 8: 52:34
Day 9: 1:01:45
Day 10: 1:07:29
Day 11: 1:21:56
Day 12: 1:30:25
My longest solo trip and possibly my most remote
Lifejacket - Level six - www.levelsix.com
Canoe: Novacraft Royalex Prospector 16’
Sunglasses - Campo Zeal Optics
I love you!

[@XanderBudnick]

Spot the shooting star to win 5 Imaginary Xander Dollars

[@Zepimp]

Do you mind doing a quick video or just a comment on what filming gear you use? Thanks

[@user-iv9qu6mb1v]

the shooting star behind the star himself 1:00:39 🫶

[@CD-hz8iw]

Yea just saw the alien spaceship behind you at 1:00:39

[@ryanhines2857]

Just as you were looking away coming back to camera. 1:00:40. Some awesome Northern lights. We didn’t see any on our trip. Probably slept through some I’d imagine. We had smoke in for a few days and cloud cover at times though.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Saw it! Amazing shot.

[@xerox13ster]

Glad to hear you are doing better Xander! It's so touching and humbling that you're willing to talk about your struggles like this.

[@XanderBudnick]

Thank you. I appreciate that ☺️

[@shandelebroyles1099]

​@@XanderBudnickwhat's Poly???

[@masterp2269]

​@@shandelebroyles1099Not sure what you're referencing, but it usually means 'many'

[@ToadMan9000]

​@@shandelebroyles1099 It's when you're taking more than 1 substance at a time. Mixing. Such as alcohol and cocaine. Sober going on 5 -6 months now myself.

[@UnPetitPique]

Makes it real.

[@MightyAmygdala]

I started watching your videos when I was in a very dark time. I was drinking daily watching videos of people solo camping and I would just imagine the freedom that you would feel doing that. Today I'm almost 2 years sober, employed, and doing better than ever. I thank you for being open and honest about how you've been doing. Just know there are a ton of people rooting for you Xander! Keep it up!

[@vyrkolach5546]

I been drinking for 4 years heavily also I love going to nature and camping. Only place where I feel good. I'm gonna be 22 this December. And I started to stop drinking. I'm working as accountant and Im in university at the same time. Only thing scares me is how bad can my liver be.. I will gonna find it in 1-2 weeks. My liver sometimes feel bloated a little not always when I drink something with sugar or even touched a beer. But I'm concerned alot that gives me anxiety. :/ did you experienced something like that If so do you think I have problem there :/ thanks.

[@tylerdurden4289]

⁠@@vyrkolach5546mate I have been abusing alcohol for the last 30 years. I have just done 2 months sober for the first time ever in my life and after the first couple of weeks I actually started to enjoy it. First time I did anything like that just for me. Early days yet but when you feel like doing something for yourself too you should try it, I did it because I realised that alcohol wasn’t adding anything positive to my life any more. It never had done really but. It’s just a change of mindset and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Good luck dude, enjoy your life.

[@MightyAmygdala]

@@vyrkolach5546You sound exactly like me. When I was drinking I was 20 years old. Isolated from the outside world, scared of basically everything. I wasn't living I was surviving. My breaking point was when I was hospitalized for pancreatitis. My enzymes were so thick from the blood sample that they took, they couldn't get a reading on their machine. They didn't know if my pancreas was going to rupture or not. But the cool thing about the liver is that it does regenerate itself. I knew someone who was on a liver transplant list, completely yellow, and now has 3 years of sobriety and is healthier than ever. It is possible. Once your brain makes the connection that you aren't harming yourself by not drinking, sobriety becomes a blessing. What worked for me was talking to other alcoholics. Learning what they did and why. For my first 3 months of sobriety I was just listening. Doing what I was told, going to meetings, saying a prayer or two, and most importantly not picking up a drink. I pray that you find the peace that you deserve. Best of luck man!

[@charlieh5058]

Wow, this explains my experience in life to a T currently, I have dreams of being out there which are attainable, but currently feel impossible. So here I am drinking and watching what I know my life could be instead...

[@bulltheshin]

so basically im you haha im like you before sober then

[@senseipaans]

xander your struggles as you explained them makes me feel less alone. thank you

[@Ouf-la-la]

I loved this video so much. It made me homesick AF for my beautiful home country of Canada, but just to be able to listen and watch this vid while I worked on other stuff around the house was just so good for my soul. I live in England now and as much as I love many things about it, there are few places on earth that can top Canada for sheer wilderness, natural beauty, clean water, amazing accessible spaces. God this made me homesick. The crackling campfire, the canoeing and rush of the water, hell, even the memories of huddling under a tarp in the rain while camping. Going to go have a little sob session now lol.

[@eleanorrichardson4837]

I'm doing the opposite and am a British person currently travelling Canada - your country is beautiful and I am really appreciating and enjoying it if that helps at all :) not sure how long you have been in England but there are some beautiful spots that remind me a lot of parts of Canada I've been to so far, the Lake District, Cornwall and Devon, Pembrokeshire, a lot of Scotland and North Wales have that same kind of mystic and breathtaking beauty that I've seen here if you hadn't been to any of these places and wanted a little slice of home. Sending love & maple syrup

[@randyrc58]

You are absolutely correct about our wilderness. I feel privileged to live in the boreal forest. I can go 20 minutes from my house and not see another human being. The peace and tranquility is therapeutic. I love where I live. I don't have much money, but I consider myself a rich man. Thank you for sharing your love of the wilderness with the world. Rock on bud.

[@RafaelW8]

True wealth is measured in the amount of peace and free time an individual has.

[@CEA.]

Same, even watching from BC

[@HDThoreau_]

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived" Henry David Thoreau - Walden.

[@RenegadeShepTheSpacer]

​@@HDThoreau_I routinely watch a video that includes this quote, among many other motivational bits and pieces, and was thinking about it less than five minutes before I saw your comment. That's a nice coincidence. I'm glad someone else can appreciate it as much as I do.

[@funonvancouverisland]

Amen brother I can relate

[@zachaldrich2707]

As someone who struggles with mental health but enjoys the outdoors as you do, I can't thank you enough for your contribution. Love the days you upload

[@annemarieacosta8775]

Glad you're feeling better. Nature can be so grounding and healing. ❤

[@NexissTV]

Thank you man for everything, getting to sit back and watch you do these things gives me a little sense of being there myself, I wish I could but at this time in my life it isn’t really feasible, you have come so far man and it’s okay not to be okay sometimes, i’m happy to hear you’re doing better, i started watching you from your tiktok about a year ago i believe, and i have not regretted it a day since, thank you for all you do for us. We are all so proud of you.

[@matiasghersi2000]

This is the first video I watch from you and cant thank you enough for taking us through your journey. Thanks for being who you truly are. Get yourself surrounded with peolpe that really love you, thats the best way ❤ Stay safe my friend!

[@DavidZupancic]

Dude you just deserve an actual Netflix special at this point. Phenomenal, captivating, soothing. Thank you, Xander!

[@funkydozer]

One of my anxiety / looping thought therapies is watching Xander’s videos among others such as primitive technology and advoko makes. They take me away to the silent wilderness with them, and for a few short minutes I am at peace. Thank you Xander for giving your life and time, and for free. Much love and respect from Britain.

[@julianPM2024]

This is true. Xander's videos help me go back to the basics and just be grateful about life and earth. These little pieces of masterpieces you create and post here in YT help me ease my anxieties and fixation on personal challenges.

[@mz2062]

Shout out to the uk appreciation society - great content

[@utsabkhakurel9742]

I love that you take us all in your wilderness trip not just visually but emotionally and spiritually too. That's what makes you different than other wilderness videomakers. You deliver experience with a heart!

[@Original_fat_cat]

I like the fact that you keep in it real. You’re travel adventures is an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing.

[@LondonMus]

I always go back to your 3 day solo you made a while back. You said “I’d like to thank the frog and the fish for contributing to feeding me, id like to thank myself for contributing to the circle of life, I’d like to thank my mum and dad for giving me life and thank God for creating this amazing universe, and how happy I am to be alive on days like this” Your gratitude in that moment makes me so happy that someone out there is able to feel like that, my depression has never allowed me to feel so grateful as you was in that moment and although I’ve never been that grateful I’m glad there are people like yourself out there who can be.

[@Lusufu]

Gratitude is the attitude and You got alot of it in you or else you wouldnt see it. You got it,your mind is playin trix with you💯❣️🕊🕉💜🦋✨

[@absoluutz]

🌎🌲

[@mflacke]

After several failed attempts at making content that is anything resembling what you, Lost Lakes or Max do, I am even more in awe of your talents and hard work. Thanks for making these experiences for us. Come down and paddle the Ozarks when the snow moves in!

[@backroadbirder3316]

I'd agree with that, but my little corner of the Ozarks has gotten to be quite crowded. It's pretty hard 20 go 6 hours without seeing other people, much less 6 days.

[@alecmegherdijian2513]

Im from Brazil and I love our landscapes! We have huge forests and lots of remote land as well. Theres something to the view of the never ending mountains in the horizon that really draws me in. With that said, I'm in love with Canada and the outstanding natural beauty of your country Xander! I was blessed to visit your homeland at the end of last year and I considered moving in from the second I stepped on this amazing nation you call home. You guys are indeed lucky, and btw yall deserve it! In Canada I found one of the most kind and sweet people I've ever had the chance to meet! Have a good one, eh?

[@ladygabes5558]

Fellow Brazilian ❤

[@davidharvestgivan989]

You paint a beautiful picture! I'm very lucky to enjoy Canada's beauty in my home, but I am so interested to learn more about the wilderness in Brazil! Thank you for sharing with me something I might not have thought of myself, I am excited to see this new kind of forest!

[@PauloCesar-ye1lx]

Man, that country is outstanding, i almost cried with the beauty and all this feeling of peace, thanks for share with us that beautyfull trip.

[@CamRoc785]

Been watching Xander for a long time and it’s good to see how well he explains his emotions and struggles to his viewers. A true kind soul and always love watching these amazing videos. Loads of love and support from Ireland 👍🏻

[@KarenPrudensLetsStitchMakeup]

I second that! 😊👍

[@Erated78]

He’s incredibly strong and a wonderful soul, hard not to like him.

[@austinocampo2410]

Couldn’t have said it better than that

[@keithbrown7388]

Just remember mate - you have over 600k subscribers and these people are not here because you are dave cantebury or the legend Mors , (not saying you are not skilled etc), people watch your videos because not only are you out there living their dreams, you come across as a lovely bloke and are very relatable, not pretentious, just doing your stuff like one of our mates. You have no obligation to anyone who subscribes, you are delivering free content, so if you don't put something out for a while, so be it... and we will just enjoy when u r back. You are one of millions whose brain likes to mess with us now and again - but you are a rarity as in one of those who was able to tell possibly 100s of thousands that you have struggles, most never tell anyone so thumbs up mate, i bet there are people who will watch this and possibly go on to tell people how they feel and get the benefits of that - well done fella x

[@maelenadumaguit8901]

Indeed

[@theowencookeshow146]

Yes

[@donnaj.1634]

Agree

[@cosmicutopianrose381]

Blessings and loving support to you, Xander! I'm so loving your adventures!🙏🌸🤍🕊

[@arc0214]

your videos bring me such peace and serenity that sometimes i feel like i don't deserve it. thank you so much for creating content online. thank you for capturing a slice of your life, out in the open, in the wilds, with the raw emotion and humanity that you bring

[@luciereadman4003]

This by far was my favourite video of yours. Not sure you realize how open you are with your struggles helps many of us who also struggle on a daily basis. Thanks for being you and taking us along on your adventures. Those northern lights were absolutely wild, swirling and dancing all around you. Stay strong!!

[@Nicole-oi6il]

Have to agree...best video for me also! Many thanks Xander.

[@jazmin5777]

Xander, I never comment but thank you so much for your videos and for sharing your mental journey with us. I’ve been there. I relapsed more than once with addiction and intrusive thoughts but thankfully I’m still here. You’re videos have saved my life and you’re part of the reason I’m still here today. Don’t give up, Know you’re valuable to this world, not by what you give or offer, but by simply being you. We love you!

[@lisagauvin]

Hey there! We love you too! Never give up. Xander community has you too.

[@j7489]

Stay strong, girlie 💪

[@XanderBudnick]

You've got this keep up the fight 💪

[@jayspowart]

You guys aren't alone. We are here as a community ❤

[@Marsha-Boyd]

Big respect to you mate! I also struggle with anxiety, (health anxiety) and dpdr 24/7 for the past 4 years … your videos help me relax

[@deansmith1506]

I’ve been watching your videos for years and I think this is your best one, a classic solo Xander adventure, and for 90 minutes ❤

[@BogWraith1]

Just glad you're ok Xander. You've got so many people, all over the world, pulling for you and love what you do and how you do it! Being Canadian, I'm so proud of the way you carry yourself. I'd be honoured to call you my friend! Love to you & Max, always!❤

[@skylarmichael8390]

I’m proud of you dude. I’m working on kicking some addictions and you have inspired me to fill the space of drugs and alcohol with my roots of being outside. I’m really stoked everytime you post something because it’s grounding to witness. I can’t imagine how wonderful it is for you. You got this and those thoughts from anxiety are real and valid but what’s even more valid is processing through them.

[@nicke9910]

I am rooting for you! Im fucking proud,

[@Weird-Mike]

There's something about your videos that don't feel like I'm watching something someone made to show the world, but more like you have kept a video journal but took us along with you. When you feel joy, it hits me incredibly deep. I have had much better days since finding your place here. Thanks. Also when you make little remarks after just about everything, I connect with them and cheer often when we match thoughts

[@sharifkhpalwak6520]

Much love and respect to you brother! I live in Germany and tired of civilization. Preparing to go on a similar journey and your vids are helping a lot.

[@buckfever2014]

Congrats on 3 years brother! I’m on 4 months and a days sober from alcohol and drugs! You’re videos have played huge part in my sobriety. You John and Jim Baird’s, for about the first month I was going through quite the withdraws and I watch all you guys to calm myself down! Keep up the good work! You guys do slot more for people than just create content! Much love brother 🤝

[@XanderBudnick]

Keep after it it gets easier my friend. It's a better life on this side 💪

[@sylviacraig4593]

I have not seen you for a while, now I understand why....you have had problems! Glad to see you are embracing Mindfulness....it will help you a lot....thought that you were not on the right path when I last watched the drone footage. Your mind was all over the place. Peace be with you, in your efforts to stay sober and drug free. Keep up the good work and nature will be there for you to take advantage of. You are lucky to have those lakes and your canoe access al those things and you will be ok, but it’s an ongoing challenge in your life Xander.

[@nathanandrews1752]

Being outside has literally saved my life on more than one occasion. You have inspired me in so many ways over the past few years Xander. Thank you for being vulnerable and deep in a world that is usually closed and shallow. Thank you. For real.

[@MrStreetMosher]

recovering aswell since the last few yrs. iam proud of you my friend. greetings from germany and plz keep it up my man

[@djmelchisedec6242]

The way you share your thoughts and explain how your meditation works for you is helping me . Thank you Xander, GOD bless and keep your videos coming . 1:00:40 was the shooting star.

[@dougarrowsmith6088]

Thanks for that video Xander. It's remarkable the things that come into our lives to silence the mumblings in our brains. I'm 52 years-old and, what some folks might call, a functioning alcoholic. About 10 years ago I randomly stumbled into wood carving, specifically spoon carving and the meditative act of creating something with just an axe and a few knives has healed many goofy mental wounds. Finding "that thing that was missing" is integral. One love brother.

[@meagan2106]

Congrats on your sobriety! I'm coming up on 3 years sober from methamphetamine. Stumbled across your videos, and I find them so calming. I enjoy your sense of adventure and humor as you explore and camp. The time and care you put in filming shows and you have immense talent. Looking forward to more content from you!

[@goldysgeneral]

Pls marry him u 2 will be good couple

[@KMEntertainment1.]

Congrats on your recovery!!

[@taylorg8509]

Sheesh 3 years off me good for you,a lotta our dopamine I back now !

[@OriginalShaubYi]

I started watching a few of your videos recently and they really inspire me to practice mindfulness. I want to explore like you are someday. It seems so grounding. Keep it up man!

[@patriciadeane7250]

Thank you so much for sharing your life’s journey. Nature is so rejuvenating and your video is so amazing to watch. Be proud, stay strong and enjoy each day as a new adventure.

[@MikeVSMike]

What an amazing episode. I watched this with my dad and we both enjoy watching your videos, and it is often our time together. Thank you for such an incredible episode.

[@YJkwinter]

I haven’t watched you for a few months until yesterday when i watched your 7 day solo trip all in one go. It made me remember how much i appreciate your content. I’ve been struggling with an anxiety disorder and other mental health stuff basically all my life so seeing you openly talk about your own struggles really touched me. I hope you know how much peace you bring your viewers in such a busy world. Thank you for all you do❤

[@TheSurvivalSkillsSquad]

What a legend... this is some great content. Thank you for capturing all of this and thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@kristinahkrush1134]

Thanks for being vulnerable and transparent for others to see they aren’t alone. I am happy you are actively seeking resources that are helpful. I have been there before my friend. More then once. The only thing we can do is keep fighting and keeping exploring the world and all its wonder. Stay strong my friend. Thanks for the inspiration

[@06jwakef]

Thank you for sharing your story Xander and showing everyone it's ok to feel vulnerable and also to talk to people. Seeing you talk about this inspires others and we all support you.

[@MrWildNature]

The environment and the kaleography are wonderful, thank you for your hard work.

[@clairewhyte1953]

Hey Xander, I only recently found your channel and I’m loving your videos. I love Canada, visited many times and it’s a beautiful country. Being alone out on an adventure in the wilderness is so healing and my favorite place to be especially when the anxiety creeps in. We have some amazing wilderness here in Scotland. Not as vast but just as beautiful. Thank you for sharing your adventures. I wish I had half your talent and skills to share my beautiful country like you do 😊

[@kylemacintyre7059]

This is by far my favourite video you’ve posted. I started following you awhile ago when I was looking for an escape, due to drowning emotions and wanting away from people but I’ve come to really like your videos because as funny as it sounds I live vicariously through you. I work too much and never take time for myself so lots of nights I’ll watch these videos. You are an amazing human being and you’ve helped me more than you may know. Thank you.

[@whiplash4616]

That trip you shared was not only inspirational, but it hit next to home because I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks so I respect you and all you share... Love ya bro and keep em coming Xander... God bless you man!!!!

[@stevebaranowski9556]

One thing I love about Canada, is you Xander! I love your gentle demeanor, your sense of adventure, your life journey & willingness to share it with us. And especially your sense of humor. You also 53:27 have such beautiful and expressive eyes. My family also used to vacation and fish in Lake Nipping and boat 18 miles up to the French River. I loved our time in Canada! I pray for you good health, safe paddling and long life.

[@davebergmuller6476]

Wow. Just stumbled onto this today. Thanks for sharing. Been there myself and the way you describe yourself is me in a nutshell. Honestly I think there's more of us screwed up people than "normal". I'm glad for the support I have. Love the vid. Just kind of raw and genuine and real.

[@JonUchaczOutdoors]

Xander - this was such a special film. Thanks for sharing your journey, both mental and physical. I’ve been battling through it lately and nothing gives me more encouragement than when others share their stories. You’re a special guy and I love watching your travels. Thank you for being you and for keeping on.

[@collinkigin1929]

Xander I never comment much but this was one of the best videos you’ve put out. The realness you present with your struggles as well as the ups and downs of the trip show what kind of guy you are. Keep doing what you’re doing really proud of you

[@MrMunch118]

Hey man, I dont usually comment on videos and this is the first time Ive came across your channel. It was so calming it made me burst in to tears. I didnt really realize what a low point in life im in atm but this helped. Thanks dude

[@stevehogan8829]

So glad you overcame the pre-trip obstacles. You seem to be using your life to create exciting and beautiful memories. Thanks for letting me share and dream.

[@ReadYourManuel]

Love you Xander keep pushing man. We’re fully behind you.

[@ReadYourManuel]

RIP to the drone though titanic scene got me 😂

[@WenchNZ]

@@ReadYourManuel LOL yip he got cool sense of humor, i was hoping he might fish it up lol

[@lurchie]

I appreciate you sharing your anxiety story (and treatment). I've dealt with similar intrusive thoughts, churning and depression. It took me into my mid 30's to finally get treatment. It's a lifelong struggle and it never goes away, but as you know, you can treat it and learn how to deal with it. One of the worst things for me was just understanding what was happening. Identifying the anxiety is a huge first step. I hope others hear your story and realize that anxiety is manageable, and get help.

[@pamb.7753]

What a trip! Your energy is amazing. You are such a funny guy with a wonderful personality. Thanks for sharing your life story to date and taking us along to see all the beauty of northern Canada!

[@walktalkbrew]

Xander, this is a great video. I could certainly see myself enjoying those 12 days travelling, chatting and fishing with you. You've a new sub from Northern Ireland. All the best, Mike

[@JPGjack]

glad to hear you’re feeling more like yourself buddy. we’re all so proud of you for your sobriety, every road has its mounds, we’ve just gotta keep on climbing them❤️

[@NoahFlemingplus]

Xander I have struggled with the same things. It brings me joy to know you are doing better. I hope you keep the outdoors to yourself despite your obligations

[@leithmorkel2024]

Great vid. Thanks for opening up. I might try mediation now. I see so much passion. Well done and Keep it up. Pitty about the drone, but i dont miss the footage.

[@johnbaxter8569]

Thanks for making this video Xander. It really helps to realise your not the only one going through these mental health problems. One day at a time!

[@DanNguyen-ow7pj]

Thank you, Xander for another amazing video. Great to hear you're doing better from your personal struggle. As a fellow Torontonian you're truly fulfilling my itch for the outdoors, immersing myself to your videos fishing and bushcrafting.

[@TheAngryHippie]

What an inspiring adventure. And you are inspiring Xander! Thank you for sharing these moments! That aurora borealis was beyond words!

[@leifallen2358]

Hi xander i only found your channel yesterday and i love your content, and also wanna congratulate you for being sober and slowly conquering your demons, keep up the good work, much love from wales, UK 💙

[@waynejr86]

Ahhhh brother!!!!!! It's because of you and your courage, strength, and openness, that gives us the ability to portage on to our next open waters!!! I personally struggle from anxiety, depression, and reoccurring feelings that I don't choose or welcome. It's because of people like you showing the strength and fluidity to ur viewers that those thoughts and feelings do happen, and makes us want to heal and portage on to our next adventure!!! Cheers bro!!! Thanks for what you do!!! I appreciate you and your videos tremendously!!!!

[@drew6050]

I've never heard someone talk about intrusive thoughts and anxiety before like you did and I related so hard to what you were saying it got me teary eyed. You're not alone Xander. Sending love brother. Glad you're doing better and experiencing everything nature has to bless us with. Godspeed

[@darrendavidsonoutdoors]

Awesome trip once again and glad everything worked out in the end. Like that saying; when nothing goes as planned is where the adventure begins. Love the banter between you and John.

[@nigelhyde1076]

I love your videos. Keep it up mate, please remember this world needs you in it.

[@PhamVans]

Thank you for sharing this great trip with us my man. Nature is quite literally the only cure left in this sick world we live in.

[@TheSvennos]

i kept getting goosebumps throughout the video because i can understand what it means to you to be outside and the effect it has on you. i hope you know the effect your videos have on many of us.

[@gordkeith2005]

Hey Xander - truly proud of you brother! It’s a hard thing to admit we have a problem and even harder to ask for help from others. I am now 6 yrs clean myself and the struggle is real! Our minds talk to us in our own voices and can very easily convince us that we are better off using. The mindfulness you speak of is probably the biggest source of strength I have and now understand that I need to be firmly grounded in today - not thinking of the future or regretting my past. I just got back from 4days of solitude with only my dog for company. I find it is the best therapy for when I am feeling overwhelmed with life of life’s terms. Truly thank you for sharing your personal struggles. More men need to do this to show others they are not alone. Keep up the good fight. You are a hero to many, including me. Thanks Gord

[@joshuapipe-xe6oz]

so proud of you for keeping sober, also just found videos are awesome thanks for your inspiration, nature is the best medicine for meditation too i find

[@godfield33]

so beautiful man love the vibes and the scenery

[@fordpodge]

Hey buddy! Every video you make, you really take us with you. It's an experience, not just something to watch. There is peace and humour, humility and honesty in all of the videos you have shared with us. While we all thoroughly enjoy sitting next to you at your fireplace or in your canoe, we forget the toll it takes on you bringing us with you. I imagine it is a huge job filming the way you do, editing and producing these awesome pieces. Both physically and mentally. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. It has brought many hours of peace to my busy mind watching your videos. Inspired me to get back out there and enjoy what we are so lucky to have. To go and light my own fire. Keep on keeping on. Make sure to do some trips where the camera stays at home. Love from Mt Ruapehu NZ Come stay some time!

[@nickbovee4372]

As someone who has been dealing with depression and anxiety as a results of burnout on and off for 2yrs now, I have much respect for you. It touches me that you're being so honest, open and humble about what you've been experiencing. Sharing the good ánd the bad. And of course I am glad to hear you've also found your way up again. Follow your heart and intuition, and you will always find the way back up that mountain.

[@invadergirwee]

I'm so glad I found your channel. Love the content, love your attitude toward life, love the singing :D You are a champion and not letting the bad things keep you down for long. Please be safe in future videos and keep up the amazing videos.

[@KR-Adventures]

Another awesome video dude ! Love it ! Glad the meditation is helping keep up the awesome work ! Have you ever tried cold exposure?

[@justus4807]

Thankyou for taking us along on this adventure, from the truck breaking down, the loss of your drone to seeing those amazing northern lights plus the bear we were captivated from start to finish. Your drone has been commandeered by the giant Pike of the lake and is now the chariot of their mighty leader😊

[@irishplayerkc]

I guess I never truly took a canoe trip alone; always with a group of fellow fishermen, my wife or my dogs; so the self realization and introspection you've shared is insightful. Now in my 70's my canoe trips are over, I tried this summer with less than stellar results. However the passing of my spouse and loss of many friends, has the unwelcome result of aloneness and time for introspection. I have been involved in meditation but rather enjoy morning Tai Chi and evening Yoga; both of which have helped a ton. Fellow searcher, keep the bow into the wind; I have enjoyed your adventures and look forward to many more; thanks.

[@ThisRy]

My man, I love your humor, filming style, ideas and character. You are absolutely great, I'm really proud of you and thank you for these Videos :)

[@TateSpirit]

Saw your one video and now I am hooked man! Love your positive energy mate.

[@oliverdyakov7653]

Xander, I've been watching you for about a year or so now. Beyond this being one of the best videos you have put out yet I just wanted to thank you for all the effort and time you put into things like this. People like you, people who share their mental struggles through life and how they cope with it is how many people - including myself - are able to fight our battles day to day. You are a huge inspiration to not only work on ones self, but to also get out there and do what you love. I am super glad to hear you dug yourself out of dark times because sometimes that is a harder battle than anyone can fight in this world, and I hope all of these messages of people sharing their love for you only help grow the image you have of yourself and not grow some level of imposter syndrome. You are doing amazing things and I can't wait to see what you do in the future :)

[@susansmeeton4321]

glad to hear you are on the mend. My go to place for recharging and calming the mind is the Australian bush - I have always camped and hiked alone - I am nearly 77 and still do, although a lot more slowly 🤪🤪 and in the last few years with my little dog. The wonderous nature you catch on film is incredible. Keep up the good work ❤❤

[@alexlindberg6897]

Glad you’re doing better man, I’ve been there before being out in nature and praying helped me the most it’s so great to get out in the wild for a while

[@THERE.IS.NO.DEATH.]

Proud of you for meditating and totally jealous of this trip! Awesome video. I think I'm going to do a trip to Utah and Montana soon. I'm not sure if you ever pray for strength, but that helps me whenever I don't feel right. It seems to help me very effectively if you truly mean it.

[@craigiedema1707]

Thanks Xander I live my life vicariously through you and John. Looking forward to some winter content. Kudos on the honesty around mental health and sobriety. As someone you has struggled with both it's great to see open honesty. ..

[@richardreynolds131]

Well done on pulling yourself out of that place. I know how it feels; I've been there too, and as a fellow sober warrior, I also understand how those negative thoughts can push you to drugs and alcohol. Meditating, journaling and nature were my doctors when I got clean and they still help me now. The present is all there is; nothing else is real, none of those thoughts, emotions or anything else is the reality other than this moment right now. Keep it up and remember you're life itself, which is experiencing itself through consciousness, and what you are doing is bringing joy to your life and those around you. Go where you find joy or bring it with you ;)

[@lggal4264]

If you’re one of the lucky ones

[@Gamn745i]

Great insight!

[@chrissieroxba2949]

Your rawness and honesty are inspiring! I enjoyed this very much and just subbed! Gonna binge your other videos!

[@kelseykungfu]

this is the first video ive seen of yours, I want to thank you for the mindfulness you have brought back in me that I have forgotten about. it was such a peaceful thing to watch. feels good to be back in my brain that I used to love :)

[@edkeyani8926]

That was very fun to watch from here on the Upper West Side of NYC. You're comedic timing is developing very nicely, thank you for all of the sharing you did in regard to your mental health and the benefit of therapy and mediation. You're giving a lot to a lot of people by doing that, and the love is appreciated! :)

[@TheFishingMommy]

It’s going to take me a while to make it through this. But I want to say, I’m so glad you’re doing better and winning your battles. Thank you for being who you are, and for being here.

[@cristideborde3188]

Stay strong Xander! Just remember all of your followers & all the people that have watched your videos! Thoughts & prayers heading your way!

[@elliotmccluskey]

You have no idea how much this video has inspired me! I just discovered your channel and I'm not leaving any time soon! Thanks Xander

[@jj1985vid]

I needed this trip - thank you! You donated some kick ass drone footage to someone who's bound to come across it...just like the backpack you returned...it stings now, but the footage you shared with us today is just as valuable - looking forward to your next trip!

[@mikeredston2209]

There's nothing like meditating in nature. Happy for you to get to experience an epic trip like this and thanks for bringing meditation to your audience!

[@petracollins8623]

Hi Xander, just found your post and really the best thing is to always be looking forward and planning the next adventure. No time to dwell on negative thoughts. So happy you are out there. there.warching

[@Riprock296]

Great channel! Love when these pop into my feed! Now I'm binge watching when I should be sleeping

[@kevinharding2099]

After reading the comments you must realize how important you are to people who appreciate your candor, your spirit, your humor, your talents, and most of all your honesty. We all have bad times, but when we look at the tragedies around the world we know that however real and painful our problems are, there are others who are struggling just to survive. I am grateful to see you happy and hope you continue to prosper. Thanks for another great video. Like many people, when I see you post, I set aside a time when I can watch the entire video and share your trip.

[@PleaseBuffZoe]

Thanks for being real with us Xander (: I hope the process of making a video and being out in the wilderness helps you feel well

[@dayf0ur_]

Thank you very much for sharing this. I'm really glad you are doing better and its good to feel like you are not alone in these feelings at times.

[@user-rr5cm8mz6d]

Thanks for sharing about your status. I recently fell and broke some bones. Really trashed my confidence. Even at almost 70 anxiety is a thing to Conquer. Can't do the things you are doing anymore but the videos makes me feel and remember the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. My husband loved the woods and fishing. We had so many beautiful evenings cooking over the open fire and just listening to nature. Hope you are able to make videos for many years to come. I look forward watching them. Thanks