By the time I turned 22 I was living a lifestyle that seemed completely unrealistic to everyone I knew. I had abandoned my suburban roots and struck out on my own. I was now living deep in the forest of southern Oregon. I had stripped my life down to the absolute minimum so I could start over from scratch. I was now living without electricity or a telephone, and my only source of running water was the mountain creek that flowed past my tent.
This was the beginning of a self-discovery quest that would forever change my perception of life. I had never felt confident in the relevancy of my education, or the answers supplied to my deepest questions. I was determined to tap into that vast source of wisdom that has always existed outside the proverbial box. I would become a graduate student in the school of life in hopes of discovering my unique place in this marvelous creation.
The sound of solitude
I realize that solitude makes some people uneasy. I am not one of those people. I knew that getting in touch with my very core would require being alone with myself, and frankly, I was happy to be away from the hum of humanity. As things turned out, I would spend the next three and a half years living alone in a world of huge trees, beautiful nature sounds, and a variety of furry creatures large and small.
I can still remember how the coyotes would run past my tent in the middle of the night. They would howl and carry on all around me. It was like something out of a nature film. I would lay there and think how rare that kind of experience was in this day and age. It was an opportunity I will always be incredibly grateful for.
The school of life is an eye opener
One of the first things I realized was how much we all take for granted. We grow up thinking that food comes from the refrigerator, water comes from the faucet, and electricity comes from those outlets on the wall. It’s really easy to take these conveniences for granted when we have always had them and have never had to think about what’s involved in providing them. This realization moved me to think deeply about other areas of life that had not received the appreciation they deserved. It was humbling.
To make sure I was receptive to this new learning experience, I consciously practiced letting go of all my preconceived ideas, concepts, and conclusions about life. I had stripped my material world to the bone, now it was time to do the same thing with my intellectual and emotional world. It was time to unlearn everything I thought I knew so that I could fully connect with the wisdom that was all around me. To the greatest degree possible, I wanted to start the learning process over. I wanted to completely immerse myself in this incredible living experience.
Two kinds of wisdom
Soon, it became very clear that there are two, distinct kinds of wisdom in this world. In the man made world we rely heavily on analytical wisdom. But in the natural world analytical wisdom is nonexistent. There is only genetic wisdom, what we like to call instinct. This is the wisdom that I believe resides within our genetic blueprint. Interestingly, in the absence of analytical wisdom there are no imbalances. Everything in the natural world is in perfect balance without having to think about it. There is nothing to figure out, there is only harmony.
Every creature of the forest knows its place in creation. They don’t go searching to find themselves. They don’t wonder how they fit into the world around them. They are not disappointed because they want to be something else. They are innately at peace with their place in creation, so they are free to live their lives fully immersed in the moment. For me, seeing this truth in action was life changing. The whole arrangement was perfect, and it was beautiful!
Our analytical mind, curse or blessing?
With the realization that balance and harmony thrive in the absence of analytical wisdom I was moved to examine the real value of analytical thinking. Was it a blessing or a curse? Did it serve us or enslave us? The answer I discovered was – it really depends on how we use it. Our unique ability to solve complex problems, to visualize, to formulate, and to contemplate deeply, comes from our analytical mind. In their proper place, these abilities add a whole new dimension to our genetic wisdom.
On the other hand, too much emphasis on the analytical side can cause us to completely lose touch with our intuitive side. Remember, that is the side that allows us to be in balance with the natural creation. Clearly, mankind as a species has come to be overly reliant on the thinking process. We have lost our balance and that has put us out of touch with our real source of meaning and purpose. By allowing our analytical minds to subdue our genetic wisdom, we have forfeited our sense of belonging. We have lost our place in the natural world.
Finding the wisdom link
These realizations were the beginning of my education in the school of life. As time passed I learned how to think in ways that complemented my intuitive, genetic wisdom. I became convinced that the wisdom from outside the man made, analytical box was exceedingly more relevant to a happy and satisfying life than anything taught through conventional channels.
It became my personal mission to understand the essence of a balanced, meaningful life. I discovered the existence of a neutral “common ground” that is supported by both genetic and analytical wisdom. It is a bridge of sorts that would provide me with a pathway leading to a new concept of balance and harmony. This “wisdom link” would allow me to use analytical problem solving skills in a way that fortified my intuitive, creative nature.
Bridging the gap
The creatures of the forest have something more than instinct. They also have skills. They actually find ways to work around challenging circumstances so they can continue to meet their most basic needs. What we call adaptation is actually the development of necessary life skills. And these skills never disrupt their sense of harmony with the creation.
As thinking beings, we also develop skills. Nature teaches us that, done properly, we can also develop certain life skills that will harmonize with and support our sense of balance in the natural world. I call these skills Advanced Life Skills and they are now the main focus of my work.
These skills are not the product of higher education or analytical thinking. They are the lessons I learned from an experience that forever altered my perception of this world and my place in it. They represent the essence of the wisdom I gained from an extended journey outside the box.
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Jonathan, I don’t even know where to start. I am both holding my breath and crying right now. Not in a bad way, but in a very good way. Like when something has touched so deep inside you that you’ve had the wind knocked out of you.
Its as if you were writing about MY life, something that goes so deep that even writing a whole book didn’t convey what I experienced or felt from my time in the wild. To read of another who “knows” felt like I was going “home”, felt like I was.reading my own life, my own cherished experience. It threw me right back into the rainforest.
But it’s more than that. I’m so stunned and moved it would take several posts for me to express what happened to me while reading this. I think I am crying because I feel like a wild animal in a concrete jungle who has run across someone who also remembers the wild on the deepest level, remembers who they really are. You have not forgotten. Like me, you became the wild.
There is so much I want to say, but I’m still in shock. You’ve no idea how this slammed into me. I am proud of you for claiming your heritage. The world needs who you are more than I suspect you yet know. And now more than EVER is the time for you BE and SPEAK the beautiful gift you were given, the gift that you ARE. There are so few in the world, Jonathan, who remember. YOU ARE ONE OF THEM. What you are and what you are doing here is sooooooo much bigger than you may yet realize. You are changing the world. This is your “right” and true path. You will shine like you’ve never shined. Just as you were called to the forest you are now being called to help others remember.
I know this so well my friend: ” I consciously practiced letting go of all my preconceived ideas, concepts, and conclusions about life. I had stripped my material world to the bone, now it was time to do the same thing with my intellectual and emotional world. It was time to unlearn everything I thought I knew so that I could fully connect with the wisdom that was all around me.”
THIS made me sob shamelessly. It is beautiful and more wise than I can possibly tell you or anyone else. You keep going on your path, Jonathan. It is a calling. I am more proud of you than I can express.
Nothing could have prepared me for this. I thank you from my heart for YOU listening to YOUR heart and walking outside the box. Hugs, Robin
.-= Robin Easton´s last amazing blog post ..What Does “Naked in Eden” Mean? =-.
Thank you Robin,
I must admit, this was exactly the nerve I was hoping to touch. Your own story has caused me to reflect deeply on my experiences, and to be motivated to share them. Very few people have a chapter like this in their life. But I think everyone can feel the truths that such an experience reveals.
I think we are all aware on some level of the vast knowledge around us. Sadly, the manmade noise has away of overriding that wisdom. Having had the privilege to escape the noise and plug in to that wisdom also brings a responsibility to verify its existence and to share what we have learned.
You reminded me of this and I am deeply grateful. Thank you Robin for helping me find the words.
Yes, I agree that we all can feel these truths. They are stored in our cells from eons of evolutionary memory. It is why we come to life when we are in the presence of Nature and the truth that she is. We remember. Thank you for seeing, knowing and sharing. What a way to end my day. I couldn’t ask for more. The world has changed today.
.-= Robin Easton´s last amazing blog post ..What Does “Naked in Eden” Mean? =-.
Jonathan,
What a direct and clearly written piece of natural wisdom you have shared here. In reading it, I feel your honesty. There are no pretenses or tricks to enhance the words–just the truth as you have experienced it.
And because you have said it so plainly, others will “get it.”
It feels like you have come home to your heart and you will now proceed from that point. Does that make sense to you? It’s how I feel when I read this.
Very beautiful Jonathan,
John
.-= John – Zen-Moments´s last amazing blog post ..Sunshine Comes Softly =-.
Yes John, that makes perfect sense to me.
In fact, I feel that is exactly what has happened, and you hit that nail right on the head. I have never felt so liberated from putting something in writing before. I guess it was needing to be said more than I realized.
Very insightful observation my friend, thank you!
Jonathan, I’m sure I’ve read a hundred of your articles by now, yet this one stands out for me for sure. I had the same exact words as Robin as I scroll into the comments, “I don’t even know where to start”.
I can particularly resonate on the points of solitude. It has such meaning to me I strive to find solitude not only into nature, but even within the concrete jungle in my work, my commute and past times. I find my quest to dissociate my surroundings is my path to wisdom and is the place I can connect spiritually with my creator and as you put it, my own self discoveries as well. I’ve not had a chapter in life with the same solitude as you, but the values and lessons I seem to discover in life have certainly come from that place of solitude for me. I’m convinced that solitude is the only time a person gets to love themselves, spend time with themselves and talk to themselves. Metaphorically or not, it is that time of love that builds what we know in the form of wisdom in our souls. Love is what binds us to others, love is also what binds us to ourselves, and ultimately love is what binds us to our creator. Its in that we can gain wisdom! Thanks for the inspiring message. Still pondering the rest…
.-= Mike King´s last amazing blog post ..Resources February 2010 =-.
You make an excellent point Mike. We don’t need to have these unusual experiences or circumstances to connect with our core self or find our place in the creation. It’s very important that people understand that. I told my story because it is pretty unique, and in my case it facilitated the process. I think the real message is that we need to find a way to make those connections and recognize them as valuable.
Obviously, not everyone can unplug and stick themselves in a wilderness setting, but that shouldn’t prevent us from learning those lessons. Your example is one I hope everyone will take to heart. We can always find a way to get away from the noise and spend time getting to know ourselves. In fact, it should be a priority.
Jonathan, more than any other article you have written this one showed me who you really are and why you are such a wise soul, it’s like you are saying ‘I am Jonathan Wells and there is another world out there and inside ourselves.’
I loved how you ‘let go’ of all previous pre-conceived ideas and the forest showed you the way.
I totally get what you mean about solitude. I am very comfortable with myself and have always been considered a bit of a ‘loner’ or a ‘weirdo’ and these were tags I loved when I was growing up, however in this social world nobody sees the solitude inside me any more which is a good thing I suppose. The strange thing is the more alone I wanted to be the more people were attracted to me. So like you said there has to be a ‘common ground’.
You truly are a warrior in every way and I thank you for your words.
.-= Steven Aitchison´s last amazing blog post ..How To Make A Quantum Leap =-.
Thanks Steve,
This article had a lot of significance for me personally. I wanted to open a giant portal into my life so others could feel more connected. I too have strong loner tendencies. Perhaps that’s why it took this long for me to pull back the curtain all the way back and tell my story.
Many of my online friends have been encouraging this and I want to say thank you one and all for providing the nudge I needed. My new goal is full exposure and transparency and I feel a strong sense of liberation already.
Thank you for your continued support, wisdom, and encouragement.
I just read over what I said and it gave me something I have been searching for over 24 hours.
I have been looking for a new name for a product and writing to you has just given me it – I’ve been racking my brain all day yesterday for that – thank you!
.-= Steven Aitchison´s last amazing blog post ..How To Make A Quantum Leap =-.
Names can be illusive little labels. Just so happens I am searching for one also. Maybe it will find me today in a similar way.
That’s enlightening, Jonathan. I always love the posts in which you’re sharing your personal experience.
There is a layer of analytical thinking which is powering our “artificial” life and there is this wisdom outside of the box as you call it. What I really liked about this article is your position about the analytical wisdom. Most of the time, this duality creates a string dichotomy: there’s either one, either the other. But melting them together, in a bold attempt, trying to integrate them in one “bigger” or “more powerful” tool is something worth pursuing.
.-= Dragos Roua´s last amazing blog post ..How To Avoid Being A Toxic Person: 13 Simple Tips =-.
Dragos, what a great phrase, “a layer of analytical thinking which is powering our “artificial” life.” That was so perfect. You know, for a guy who’s native tongue isn’t English your ability to put concepts into words never ceases to amaze me.
I meet very few people who grasp the concept of duality as it relates to human nature, but I’ve heard you reference it more than once. I have a feeling there is a story in you that hasn’t yet been told. These kind of concepts are not the stuff of casual conversation. Like to uncover the mystery a little?
You’re first podcast was wonderful by the way. Thanks for your continued support Dragos, it is deeply appreciated.
Jonathan, marvelous reading, and again I must echo Robin. Thank you for sharing your nature experiences so plainly and honestly, as John commented. I did not break out of the box to the extent you did – here in the mountains we use a well of spring water for our daily use, and there is electricity and a telephone – fiber-optic internet connection now, in fact! But fifteen years of reconnecting with nature around me led me home to my own inner nature and my deep gratitude for the amazing web of life that supports and sustains me. I continue this life in the mountains, and also teach and write what I now call “natural energy wisdom.” It is indeed the innate wisdom we carry within our cells, and each living entity expresses it in a living harmony of vibration and intelligence. I am so grateful for what nature has taught me – what nature teaches all of us, freely and naturally, and joyfully. And it is this forgotten wisdom and joy that is tugging now in our depths, urging us to awaken again to who we already are, and always have been, and to know once more our place in the grand expression of life. It is my great joy that reconnecting includes meeting you, Jonathan, and the community of readers whose spirit soars when you write the words already in our hearts. I like to sign my comments from the foot of Mount Fuji, but today I would like to ask you to read my latest blog post if you have time. Mount Fuji was badly shaken by shelling again yesterday, and I felt compelled to write about it. What happens here is so far removed from natural intelligence and wisdom and more than ever today it is time to show the light of our true essence – Catrien Ross.
.-= Catrien Ross´s last amazing blog post ..Catrien Ross on Blasting Mount Fuji to Bits – Does Live-Fire Artillery Count As a Spiritual Distraction? =-.
Hi Catrien, rest assured, I eventually found my way back to all the modern conveniences. Happily, it was with a new sense of appreciation because I now realize what is required to provide them. Besides, I know I could always let them go again if need be.
I don’t think it matters how we manage to connect with our “inner nature and the innate wisdom we carry within our cells.” We can create an environment that fosters this kind of growth regardless of our circumstances, if we are truly motivated to do so.
I read your article about blasting Mount Fuji to bits and I am in shock and dismay, I really had no idea. I feel a special affinity for Japan, mostly because of my love for the ancient art of Bonsai. As I read, I could not reconcile that the Japanese people would do such a thing to their beautiful mountain. Then I came to the real source, the US Military machine. How typical. Such a complete disregard for everything that really matters. I feel terrible that you and your neighbors must endure this constant reminder of this crude, invasive, and barbaric smoking gun mentality. I wish you inner peace as you struggle with this repulsive intrusion.
I discovered life at 45, better late than never. To be truly happy you have to find what makes you ‘tick’.
Great ideas and thoughts, keep up the great work.
Jonathan, I can only say, Wow! What a life experience you have had? One has to live through it to be able to tell the story of how it build the inner strength you have. In addition, having done that now you can tell others what life’s greatest values are. Just like Robin said in her comment, I too feel the same. Self-discovery in a wild has made you the person who you are today, a wise man!
Bravo ~ I applaud you!
.-= ZuzannaM´s last amazing blog post ..SPECIAL DEDICATION =-.
Hi Zuzanna, it’s funny how life just goes by. We have experiences, but we are so involved in just living that we may not always understand their full impact. Then we stop and reflect, and some of those adventures seem bigger than life. I have really enjoyed sharing this story. Stay tuned, more to come!
Jonathan, I completely agree with Steven’s comment above, this post showed us who you are, your core, what you stand for and where you come from. That was powerful. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
.-= Lana – {Daring Clarity}´s last amazing blog post ..Here comes Daring Clarity… =-.
Hi Lana, and thanks for being here. I guess I’ve come to realize the importance of sharing who I am in addition to what I’ve learned. So that’s my new quest, total transparency. It does feel really good to share these experiences.
HI Jonathan,
I loved this post so so much! I was completely immersed in your experiences and was actually looking through your eyes. I felt like there was so much i wasn’t acknowledging…and I want to thank you fro bringing this to my notice.
We do tend to be more analytical…and forget our natural core selves in the process.
I must actually applaud you for taking the bold step of actually going and living with nature fro so long…I am all for solitude and learning through silence. Somehow there is no better teacher.
Thank you again Jonathan…I think I can safely say today..that I feel a great bond with you…this person that your are is so beautiful.
Whats more beautiful is you sharing your wisdom with us…for us to benefit.
Thank you so so much for this post! I truly am questioning my own existence…and i am all for living with wisdom from outside the box
Much love,
Z~
Hi Zeenat, I was really touched by your kind words. I’ve gotten such an amazing response to this article, it’s quite humbling. Thanks you!
Dear friend Jonathan,
That was a wonderful article. I only wish I had found my way back to the beauty and power of nature when I was 22. It took me a bit longer. I get the point of your article, but while reading it I kept getting distracted by a tangential thought.
I’ve often struggled with a question relating to our natural genetic heritage. Since we are part of the natural world and since our human intelligence is in our nature, where does “natural” end and “unnatural” begin. I often use the material creations of humans as the definition of “unnatural”, such as our concrete jungles, which we call cities.
However, how is that different in principle than the dam home of the beaver or the nest of the bird? They are also taking materials out of nature and rearranging them for some purpose.
I feel deep within there is something fundamentally different about it, but I’ve never really resolved it to my satisfaction intellectually.
When I leave the concrete jungle and go into a forest or onto a beach, I feel balanced and whole once again. I feel like I’m somewhere where I belong once again. On the other hand my analytical mind tells me I am simply typing this response safe within my beaver home.
I went off track a bit from your article. It was wonderful and I do think it was one of your best.
.-= Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last amazing blog post ..Change Made Simple – Direct the Rider =-.
Stephen, what an excellent question and comparison you pose here. I don’t think anyone actually knows where natural ends and unnatural begins, but I do have some observations on the subject. Because the beaver dam and the bird nest are the product of a genetic or cellular wisdom, there are creative limits in place.
A beaver doesn’t envision the devastation of a whole forest so he can create a giant community. He merely uses his skills to provide for his basic needs. There is no greed or commercial gain involved. His activities are also subject to the natures complex system of checks and balances. Too many beaver will bring in predatory forces to restore balance.
Mankind can use his analytical mind to shift this natural balance to his advantage. He is also susceptible to ulterior motives such as greed and commercial interests. That doesn’t mean that we can’t use our analytical wisdom and skills in a way that harmonizes with nature, because we can. But to do that we need a greater level of respect for the creation than for our own selfish interests. History seems to suggest that our ability to cause problems usually exceeds our awareness of, or concern for the problems we create.
When we concern ourselves with only the basics, our footprint is proportionately smaller. If we all had to build our own houses, grow our own food, weave our own cloth, etc. We would be much less likely to disrupt the natural harmony. In other words, we would fit into our world. I think that our cellular intelligence recognizes that and longs for it. We can see the havoc we as a race have created and it feels wrong to us on a core level. If we allow ourselves to be guided by that core consciousness (and conscience) we will know the difference between natural and unnatural.
Great post Jonathon.
I don’t believe we’re built to be alone; to live an indefinite life of isolation. We’re not particularly good at it. And it’s not always healthy for us. Having said that, I also know that periods of isolation can be an integral and valuable part of our personal growth journey; life changing even. While we don’t want to live a life apart (understandably), being constantly attached to someone or something (I am not necessarily talking about a romantic relationship here) is also unhealthy and potentially destructive over the long term.
What Terrifies us Teaches Us.
Sometimes the thing that scares us most is exactly what we need to learn, grow, adapt and gain strength (but not what we necessarily want or appreciate at the time). In many cases, what terrifies us teaches us. It can help us discover who we really are (and aren’t) beyond our attachment to, or relationship with, someone or something else. In a sense, it can allow us to stop being a part of something (for a while) and to start being an all of something else; all of me. All of you. Some of us have been a part (only) for so long, that it can feel like we lost us long ago.
Keep up the great writing.
.-= Motivational Speaker – Craig Harper´s last amazing blog post ..Exercise Intensity =-.
Hey Craig, great to have you here.
I don’t believe we (most of us anyway) were meant to be alone either. However, I do think that taking the time to discover who we are individually on the deepest level will make us a much better companion.
Without an accurate knowledge of “self” we could make the mistake of thinking that we should look to others to complete us. This is not a healthy foundation for a meaningful relationship.
I have been happily married to the same wonderful woman for a very long time and wouldn’t want it any other way. Thankfully, we had both established our own relationship with “self” before we combined our lives. I feel this has added tremendous strength to our union.
As you pointed out Craig, balance plays an important role here. Just as being alone too much for too long can be detrimental, so can being in a relationship that suffocates our individuality. As in most areas of life, balance is the key. I’m really glad you found your way here and I hope we will have more opportunities to exchange thoughts and perceptions.
Jonathan, great article. I agree that getting quiet and alone with solitude is powerful. But there is power in community as well. For me, wisdom is found when I seek a Higher Power, Whose Presence is felt in nature, in my heart, and in other people. I have my personal beliefs about that, but this is key for me. Thanks for a great and thought provoking article.
.-= Steve-Personal Success Factors´s last amazing blog post ..Are You Ready To TURBOCHARGE Your Performance Success? =-.
Hi Steve, I think there is a power and mutual benefits from a good balance of both alone time and interaction. The better we know ourselves the more we have to offer others. As for the source of wisdom, creation speaks to us of the wisdom of the one who created it. Thanks for being here.
Jonathan, first of all, what a great shot of a beautiful fox. Second, “hum of humanity” – great phrase. And third, you are one brave man (esp. at 22) and I envy your courage to walk away from comfort and civilization. That story deserves much more than a blog post. I hope you consider writing more of those experiences for us. THANK YOU for the insights here. I could never do what you did but I love that I can partake in the lessons, even if to a lesser degree!
Hi Farnoosh, it may sound like being brave, but it never felt that way. I was doing what I knew I needed to do. I felt like an alien in the city and just wanted to go home, the rest didn’t matter. There are very few places left that are as remote as this area was back then. Even here, it feels much tamer than it once did. Still, I’ll take forests, rivers, and wildlife over freeways, high rise buildings, and traffic jams any day. I feel blessed to have taken this path.
Dear Jonathan,
You and Robin inspire me to be in nature more. I’ve always loved the sense of connectedness I feel when away from the distractions.
More and more my heart longs to be there and I’m finding ways. I find it healing on a deep level.
Thanks for inspiring.
Lauren
Hi Lauren, thank you for your kind words. I feel we all NEED that connection to be truly balanced and whole. In this modern world it is way too easy to ignore that natural side of life. I commend you for being aware of the benefits of being truly grounded and for pursuing that vital connection.