The delicate art of survival.

[@maryaskenback789]

After 49 years of marriage I became a hermit. The first thing that happen a man walked across the ice and said hello. It was my decision to live alone. Reason is because we are never alone. We are each other, across the fence, across the ice across the universe. Treat all as yourself and forgive all. A hermits love is not about getting, it's telling the truth . It's been five years solo walking on water.

[@cherokeestrong442]

There is a lot of wisdom here on your channel sir. I gracefully bowed out of a very high stress “Corporate America” job a few years ago. It was the best decision for me, and I have never looked back or regretted my decision. I live very cheaply now, and can breath deeply now, without the feeling of an elephant sitting on my chest, which was caused by workplace stress. Life is beautiful, if we can slow down, and see the beauty.

[@LilyGazou]

👍wonderful

[@wildernesshermit]

Perfect. BOOM.

[@jimmcd5660]

That’s awesome to hear, congrats. I’m currently stuck in the corporate machine, but planning my exit, comments like yours are encouraging, the elephant on the chest is real..and constant, I hate it, it’s no way to live. Fear keeps me stuck doing what I hate for most of my waking hours , financial fear, it sucks.

[@cathleen537]

5:30 am and you show up... In 2013 at 57, I went to New Mexico and lived in a hermitage in the high dessert-mainly in silence and solitude, for a year. While there, I became friends with a hermit and a mystic in his 80's, an incredibly wise man with whom I shared many of the mystical experiences I was given at the time. I continued to live a hermit's life for the next decade and and though I have left NM, I will forever carry within me the mystic's love of stillness, solitude and silence. Looking forward to knowing you better.

[@LilyGazou]

Few people could do this.

[@wildernesshermit]

What a grand comment to share, many thanks.

[@comicalhomestead]

North Florida a balmy 41 this evening. Lol. A few candles for ambiance, a blanket and a Chihuahua by the feet for warming the toes. Completely comfy.

[@wildernesshermit]

Perfect.

[@ttocselbag5054]

This channel just showed up in my recommended feeds, and I’m so very glad it did. You exude calm peace and serenity good sir. Thank you so much brother! 🙏

[@reverend20piece]

Yo, ttocs, good to see ya..!

[@ttocselbag5054]

@@reverend20piece - Hey Rev. Glad another of my brothers is here too! 👊😁

[@reverend20piece]

@@ttocselbag5054 😉💯👍

[@Lightandlovetoyou]

The off grid Alan watts we allll needed Thank you sir

[@AlexMathersFilms]

Refreshing channel from a great guy. Subscribed.

[@KarenWolf-h3o]

New subscriber here-love your wisdom and soothing voice.

[@Gigi30107]

North Georgia mountains here. Preparing for the extremely cold blast headed our way.

[@elbertmoreno2159]

Keep the fire going... 🔥 And keep warm

[@shaunhall6834]

Take care. I'm here in Colorado deep in the cold now. It is cold!

[@wildernesshermit]

Indeed. We send warm thought to all our cold friends. I love these interactive comment contributions that share human kindness. Many many thanks.

[@buffiehowe1609]

Hey I’m waving at you and Lori ..33 degrees Long Island New York …a what nicer way to get warm and cozy with a cup of Camomile tea and some great wisdom chat from you …Thank you again 😊

[@LilyGazou]

My home island👋

[@wildernesshermit]

Always a heart felt thank you to you Buffie.

[@lindawilson4625]

Thanks for sharing! I'm happy to see a person who has found what is important to them and is living in peace. A good partner is a bonus! You are far richer than so many others. As a fellow older desert dweller I see a couple of spots on your face that are concerning. If you haven't already done so, please get them checked. My apologies if I have overstepped. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and insights.

[@Bawkr]

You know in some small way it's like I still have a dad watching this channel, it's great. Appreciate your takes on stuff.

[@wildernesshermit]

A wonderful comment Bawkr, thanks.

[@jessemsparks]

Almost at 1500 subs. Good job.

[@michaelgriffin2741]

Being in a similar situation , I found being inventive and indepenant of imposed solutions , one has the freedom to create . I modified my propane furnace intake and exhaust building a sepatrator to increse oxygen to the combustion chamber .Reducing over 30 % on fuel . Burns better for sure.My trailer is 34 inches off the ground , I have hip and knee damage. Rigged up a lift with a $55 used warn winch . couple old cat batteries whiich is my backup power . ill never finish till im finnished. Critical thinking , common sence , and a few jokes work well for your soul , and for the few around you. thanks

[@Gigi30107]

Would like to hear your input regarding the dark night of the soul✌️

[@wildernesshermit]

BOOM. An excellent question. In my prolonged period of solitude I experience what some might consider The dark night of the soul. A complete collapse of my conceptual self and sense of life purpose. But along with that collapse of purpose came the realization of my cosmic insignificance and I became elated. I allowed myself to fall into the mystical abyss where there is seemingly no net and no longer needed or wanted one.

[@larrygunn3796]

You both serve each other with unison utility.

[@Gigi30107]

Great video sir. I'm gonna look up Teresa and see if there's any audiobooks and study my inclinations.

[@wildernesshermit]

BOOM.

[@Bo_xoxo]

Your video's are soothing to my heavy heart. Looking forward to your take on nomadic life and doing it cheaply and comfortably.

[@wildernesshermit]

And may blessings go with you.

I enjoy hearing what you have to say, I appreciate you. I'm sure others who watch your channel feel the same way.

[@wildernesshermit]

Many thanks. Your encouragement is appreciated.

[@richsimon3310]

Please keep the videos coming!

[@TheBackwoodsHermit]

Your philosophy and world views remind me of a Japanese farmer named Masanobu Fukuoka. His book The One-Straw Revolution changed me in ways I can't describe. I would highly recommend it if you aren't already familiar with him. It was simple enough for the 20 something version of me to take something from, but deep enough that future old man version of me will still have his mind blown by his wisdom. Like the Tao Te Ching applied to surviving simply in the modern world.

[@LilyGazou]

Thank you. I’ll look for it.

[@wildernesshermit]

Many thanks, an excellent referral.

[@mikeobrien288]

You look like a late uncle of mine born in NYC . Real mellow like you.

[@LilyGazou]

Been inclined to seek for truth since childhood. The book The Razor’s Edge- I read at 13 and was so excited thinking- here is someone seeking!!! The answer is in here!!! 😆

[@wildernesshermit]

BOOM. Lily.

[@doingitwithnothing]

Good Morning idk if I learned anything from this video but… rest assured if you wish I’ll digest on it and see…

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

Ever read any Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), former Ivy League professor? He was friend of Timothy Leary, went to India and had his mind blown. I read his BE HERE NOW, which may still be THE handbook for Western students of Buddhism. That's all it took to make Buddhism 100% accessible to me. Nice talk, thanks.

[@wildernesshermit]

Indeed. Dr's Richard Alpert and Timothy Leary. I read their scientific reviews on LSD. What a transformation, Alpert to Ram Dass. Be Here Now was so simple. I sat with Timothy Leary during one of his talks back in 1968, unfortunately he was so often sadly misunderstood. Great addition to our "Comment Contributions." Many thanks my friend.

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

@@wildernesshermit The book may still be in print and available. Recommended it to my yoga teacher and she put half dozen in the retail entrance to her studio. (Yoga teachers are usually Hindus, not Buddhists, so I was impressed.. lol ☺️). I gave away my copy, sadly, as I seem to do when I want to share great spiritual teachings. Written by a Westerner near the beginning of his great life as a Western yogi. Welcome.

[@doloreslott7135]

Love your channel

[@theresa3635]

You, sir, are a teacher. Thank you for sharing.

[@peterpiper487]

Thank you. You made me laugh uproariously... once I got past the genuine wisdom. You have a knack for this sort of thing so I hope you keep it up.

[@wildernesshermit]

Many many thanks Peter.

[@grinning_owl]

I have found that our inclinations are purely selfish. Even when we do things that benefit others, we do them because they make us feel good, If a person's inclination is to harm others, the act is done for selfish reasons. For example, taking the life of another can make those who are inclined to harm others feel powerful.

[@CanadianDrifter777]

Wow, wonderful stuff. Food for the soul. Keep going!

[@Lightandlovetoyou]

Love this video Allll the wisdom Please don’t block abundance sir There’s many of us that would love to send gratitude 🙏🏼 in money form Know this

[@Thetruthisstrangerthanfiction]

Like the Taoist saying goes, He who Knows doesn't say and He who says doesnt Know. Thanks for your postings and I can relate to how you live.I live a lot like you. Really enjoyed hearing you this morning with coffee.

[@jimmcd5660]

I like your videos very much, please keep making them. I love the idea of living simply and cheaply. You seem wise and happy, thanks for sharing and making these

[@jimcramer9656]

I think your volume level is fine. On my phone only 35 percent of the way up is good.

[@qq1651]

Can you tell us the story that is "Lori"? When and how did you meet? her education? Did she work outside of the home? Have children? Where did you guys live besides where you live now? When did you move there? And WHERE do you guys sleep? lol. Would also love to see a video of how she shops and what and how she cooks/what you guys eat etc.

[@appalachianunderground8474]

Your doing it right… no argument there. Take care and much respect from Alabama. God Bless ✝️🇺🇸🤙🏻… I subscribed also …

[@wildernesshermit]

Many thanks and blessings in return.

[@hippiechickoffgridmaine8625]

Yes yes yes ❤

[@richardwhite6353]

Thanks again Little by little

[@wildernesshermit]

BOOM.

[@base3000]

Great videos! Stumbled upon your channel last week and have watched all videos since. I'm a bit younger, 29 and live far away (Netherlands) with a stressful corporate job and high costs of living messing with my mind, your mystic insights came at just the right time (and a surprise, usually off-grid channels tend to just be full of advertisements to buy stuff) Slowing down is difficult in a society that keeps going faster, usually I hit a mental brick wall that forces me to I was wondering if youre familiar with Epictetus and Seneca, stoic philosophy? Would you have any books to recommend to get more into Buddhist/Easter philosophy? Thanks and keep up the great work

[@LilyGazou]

You might find some interesting interviews with authors and philosophers on the New Thinking Allowed channel. Dr Mishlove has been doing this for decades, long before KZbin.

[@wildernesshermit]

"Kindly Bent to Ease Us" parts one, two and three. Books about the teachings of "Dzogchen." There are several books with the spiritual poetry of the great Sufi mystic "Rumi." "Tao The Ching" Lao Tzu Translated by John C.H. Wu. A great KZbin channel "Back to Skool." Brilliant content.

[@wildernesshermit]

An excellent suggestion, many thanks Lily.

[@mariehall9514]

A kindred spirit here

[@Rita-ic9tv]

Another lovely book "the abundance of less" by Andy Couturier

[@wildernesshermit]

Indeed. Thanks Rita.

[@glenn5692]

I enjoy listening to you from here in the Philippines. Been here 6 months after living in the rat race of Texas for 5 years befor that Seattle my home town and you probably have seen the nightmare it is 😅

[@LilyGazou]

I’m in that nightmare😂

[@raystack6250]

It's cold up.there

[@ClutchCarson]

Very enjoyable ty

[@Lance-y2f]

Thank u my friend

[@thebeasters]

It sounds good

[@wildernesshermit]

Many thanks.

[@Bawkr]

Turn it sideways & put it up on some kind of a stand so that it's level with your face. Or some kind of mount. Makes the videos more standard which people like in general for long form youtube with out having to do any editing.

[@press.agency6475]

You, sir, exude wisdom. I feel like I have a lot of your same inclinations and can learn a lot from you. Don’t hold back. 👍

[@deisy4855]

👍👍🙏🙏

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

For those looking for writings of the Spanish mystic that you mention, search for Santa Teresa of Avila. She lived as a contemplative in seclusion, if I recall correctly. As a "bride of Christ," she would sometimes experience ecstatic trances and be uncommunicative for long stretches of time.

[@wildernesshermit]

Excellent suggestion, many thanks.

[@cynthiamurphy3669]

That poor woman was most certainly no "bride of Christ." Lol.

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

@@cynthiamurphy3669 It used to be true, and probably still is, that this is part of the transformation that occurs when a Catholic woman takes her religious vows as a nun. It is a figurative term, and the aspiring nun promises to keep her heart and mind focused on Jesus Christ at all times. The many vows that a woman takes when she becomes a nuns are very serious.

[@CMoore8539]

Thank you for the video!💞 Question: Have you had any health issues since you moved out there? If so how did you handle it? I’m asking these questions because I’m struggling in society.

[@wildernesshermit]

The closest health clinic is about 60 miles away so you sort of live by faith and conviction. So far so good.

[@Luckey900]

The Heart Sutra ?

[@cincoy3679]

Hi. 😊😊

[@wildernesshermit]

Hello.

[@Luckey900]

I have a Logitech 400 W Mega Bass Sound System and even Cranked to 10 your Voice is just a Whisper. I terrified youtube will Interrupt you with a Commercial and Blow me off my Old Couch ! Your Lectures are Great ! I'm a Independent Seeker now after getting Burned by too many Organized Religions and so called New Age Shysters. Seems like a their main M.O. is $$$ and Young Women "Devotee's" rather than Enlightening and/or saving Souls ?!

[@kontrop6339]

when i retire in 12 years, ill be living on about $1400..thats it

[@LilyGazou]

You can make a plan.

[@kontrop6339]

@@LilyGazou I'm trying to plan all I can with what I'm making.

[@shaunhall6834]

There are no second rehearsals in life. Or maybe there is? 😅

[@kevinsusnar7070]

The trouble with this heart-mind Buddhist concept is that the heart is more deceitful than anything else and desperately sick-who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 It’s true, I followed my heart and ended up in more of a mess. This is the problem and if you add that fact that the heart and the brain don’t speak the same language. Look around in the world and you can see the effects of people’s heart-mind! Lol Yes, you got lucky and found a rare deal that you could swing on a fixed income to gain property ownership. But like you said, those deals are becoming more harder to find because you have everyone looking for the same way to survival -get your own piece of land where no one can harass you nor kick you out. Not easy now, what was available a few years ago is no longer the case. We are caught in a trap we can’t spring from and we cannot see what we can see nor hear what we can hear….We’re fucked!

[@nathanieljefferson3951]

Promo-SM 😉

[@rebjava]

You talk a bit like Sam Elliot.

[@Mr.Fields.]

Thanks for sharing your perspective and wisdom. "Don't know." "Study your inclinations." 🤍

[@wildernesshermit]

BOOM.

[@kevinlowder8555]

THANK YOU