Hello Everyone,
Due to time constraints, Eli, and I (and our cameraperson) will be leaving this Thursday and returning home the 20th or 21st of June. We will most likely spend a solid 14 days living primitively in the wilderness. As for the publicity of the journey, we saw it best to just do it, film it and put it together after. Often times stories like this don't develop until you are out there. As long as we have the experience, the footage and the will, the documentary will come together.
I wish we could have been more active on the blog, but better late than never and I'm sure we will have a world of things to discuss upon our return. I am both nervous and excited for this. Nervous for the obvious reasons. Excited cause it's rare that one gets a chance to be away from TV, cell phones and computers for more than 20 minutes these days.
Our philosophy behind this project still remains the same and it is now our job to try and convey our beliefs in a manner that is unassuming and powerful. We strongly believe that all homo sapiens, the most intelligent of the great apes, are equal. Until the human race can stop misusing religion, color, gender and every other excuse to hate each other, we will always be worse off as a species. With our incredible intelligence must come the realization that no one person is above any other.
We also feel that people have become incredibly disconnected from the home of our very recent ancestors. The wilderness. Mother nature selected us as the most dominant land creatures and you would think that we be grateful. Our progression and technological advances are astounding, but at a high cost for our home and our health. Human beings will not continue to exist much longer unless we start to respect wildlife, the environment and each other.
My hope is that by the time I am old and grey, the world will be greener, people will be healthier and the beginning of an equality movement will be on the horizon. We have to do what we can while we are here.
Anyway, we leave thursday. Thank you for reading our posts that took place once every four months. Much love for everyone. Wish us luck and good luck yourself. See you soon!
Spencer
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Project Update
Greetings!
I would like to apologize for our lack of posting on the blog. We are very happy with the discourse garnered and feel it is just the start. The website is moving along pretty nicely now. We ran into a bit of a lull as we got busy. I can guarantee that we have not "lost interest" in this adventure. We are more pumped than ever, actually.
I can totally see how this may be perceived of as a publicity stunt. There are tons of people in this country who live off the land and are for the most part, self sufficient. They don't film it or make websites or anything. It's true. But, the way I see it, if we wanted to be famous we would do something like the guy who wore a cowboy hat and his underwear in times square. There's no doubt, we strongly believe in what this represents and the more people who are touched by it, the better. But, we aren't in this for fame. We just feel that there are a few things that people could be more aware of for their personal, familial and societal benefit. We decided to do this before we had the idea of filming it and creating a website. After we were confident in our understanding of what this can represent, we thought it might be cool to include as many people as possible.
Well, now you know what we believe and we've heard from a number of you. Great discussion by the way. I feel conversation really is the best way to gain knowledge. I had this thought that I wanted to pose and see if people agreed, disagreed or saw the concept in a different light...
I've been trying to come up with a definition of happiness. It seems like it maybe a word that will never have just one definition. I bet the feeling of true, genuine not-another-thought-in-your-head happiness feels different for everyone and manifests in different ways. I thought then, how can we tell if we are happy? Sometimes we are, sometimes we're not, sometimes we think we're happy, but then question if we really are, sometimes we ARE happy and don't realize it until we're pissed, other times we look back and think "oh, that was awesome", but we forget how we were miserable.
Anyway, so I was thinking that maybe the time to assess if we are happy people is when we are in a state of relaxation. Where do you want to be, physically and mentally. When work is done for the time being and one has a moment to ease their body and free their mind, where will you want to be? How do you feel? Are you happy with your accomplishments, who's around you, where you are? or is there something missing? What is going through your head and in your heart when you have time to be introspective?
Just a thought
I would like to apologize for our lack of posting on the blog. We are very happy with the discourse garnered and feel it is just the start. The website is moving along pretty nicely now. We ran into a bit of a lull as we got busy. I can guarantee that we have not "lost interest" in this adventure. We are more pumped than ever, actually.
I can totally see how this may be perceived of as a publicity stunt. There are tons of people in this country who live off the land and are for the most part, self sufficient. They don't film it or make websites or anything. It's true. But, the way I see it, if we wanted to be famous we would do something like the guy who wore a cowboy hat and his underwear in times square. There's no doubt, we strongly believe in what this represents and the more people who are touched by it, the better. But, we aren't in this for fame. We just feel that there are a few things that people could be more aware of for their personal, familial and societal benefit. We decided to do this before we had the idea of filming it and creating a website. After we were confident in our understanding of what this can represent, we thought it might be cool to include as many people as possible.
Well, now you know what we believe and we've heard from a number of you. Great discussion by the way. I feel conversation really is the best way to gain knowledge. I had this thought that I wanted to pose and see if people agreed, disagreed or saw the concept in a different light...
I've been trying to come up with a definition of happiness. It seems like it maybe a word that will never have just one definition. I bet the feeling of true, genuine not-another-thought-in-your-head happiness feels different for everyone and manifests in different ways. I thought then, how can we tell if we are happy? Sometimes we are, sometimes we're not, sometimes we think we're happy, but then question if we really are, sometimes we ARE happy and don't realize it until we're pissed, other times we look back and think "oh, that was awesome", but we forget how we were miserable.
Anyway, so I was thinking that maybe the time to assess if we are happy people is when we are in a state of relaxation. Where do you want to be, physically and mentally. When work is done for the time being and one has a moment to ease their body and free their mind, where will you want to be? How do you feel? Are you happy with your accomplishments, who's around you, where you are? or is there something missing? What is going through your head and in your heart when you have time to be introspective?
Just a thought
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Extreme actions to promote a mild and universal message
If you haven’t had a chance to read the last post, this summer, Spencer Mondshein, Beny, and myself will be leaving our respective urban lifestyles to live off the land for 30 days.
We all have obligations that prevent us from going on 30 day ventures into the untraversed wilderness. I’m starting my third year of law school. I’m on law review. I intern full time. I’m studying for the bar. The list goes on. The idea of this trip is not to abscond from real life challenges but to better appreciate and confront real life challenges.
What is the point of leaving modern society to venture into the unforgiving bowels of Mother Nature? What are we seeking to accomplish by this documentary of us living in the wild? How will this equip us to live as better citizens, fulfilling our duties to country, self, family, and friends?
It’s hard for me to admit but truth be told that the means and goal of the trip are not inextricable linked at all times. There are two forms of civil disobedience. Direct and indirect. Direct civil disobedience occurs when norms are directly violated in order to show its injustice. For example Rosa Parks sitting in the white only section of the bus. This act was directly protesting segregation by violating the law that is being protested against. Indirect civil disobedience occurs when the protest is indirectly related to the problem. For example, the act of trespassing on government property to protest the nuclear arms race would be an indirect action that is taken to spread awareness on a particular issue. The trespassing itself is not the point of the protest; rather the point is trespassing in order to spread awareness of a greater cause.
I see our expedition into the wild as a form of indirect civil disobedience. By doing something extreme, we are accomplishing our goals in sending a message to the world. Sometimes you have to do something extreme in order to shed light on global and personal issues, even if those issues are mild and universally recognized. Alain Robert, for instance, scales skyscrapers in order to draw attention to his radical environmentalist message. In a similar way we are going to live in the wild for 30 days in order to shed light on issues this world is facing. What are these issues you ask?
1) Physical health improvements through contact with nature.
We are facing a major health crisis. Studies show 58 million Americans are overweight and 40 million clinically obese. According to the American Heart Association, heart diseases, that can be traced to our diet and lifestyle, are directly linked to over 910,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Going into the wild, living off low fat meat and wild edibles for 30 days will be a healthy experience. In contrast to Morgan Spurlock, promoting a health message in Super Size Me by ravaging burgers for 30 days to shed light on the health crisis this country is facing, we are doing something healthy to promote a similar message of the health epidemic in this country. It will be an experience that others can model in a small way in order to better take care of their physical health – even if it means eating low fat meat and chicken instead of fast food. Even if it means going for a stroll in the park. Getting more exercise at the gym. When people see how our bodies are transformed from exercise and wild veggies, people will invariable be inspired to start living healthier lifestyles.
2) Mental and emotional health through eco-therapy.
On a similar front we are facing a mental health crisis in this country. A staggering 25% of Americans will have a major depressive episode in their life, with millions taking anti-depressants. Going into the wilderness will serve as a form of eco-therapy. Eco-therapy is the term used to describe using nature as a remedy for reducing stress. Being out in nature significantly decreases stress levels. Some studies show that being in nature decreased depression in as much as 70% of patients. We want to promote mental health and stress reduction through contact with nature. Yes, we could probably get the same health benefits by staying in a fully decked out cabin in the woods but we want to get our message across in an extreme and provocative way. If we, city slickers, can go out for 30 days, with just the clothes on our back, in order to improve our health, certainly others can take a weekend or two a year to go on a healthy camping trip that will reduce stress and improve mental health.
3) Taking steps to reduce environmental degradation.
On top of those internal crisis’s that we are seeking to alleviate in ourselves and perhaps inspire others to alleviate in them, we are facing an external crisis. Whether global warming is man made or not is irrelevant. We are clearly facing an environmental crisis. New U.S. research demonstrates that pollution has been linked to over 200 different diseases, ranging from cerebral palsy to testicular atrophy, as well as more than 37 kinds of cancer. Our life sustaining resources are limited. We hope to shed light on those issue. Perhaps inspire others to make changes in their own lives even if it’s starting a compost pile or starting to recycle. Small changes when taken collectively make a global impact.
4) Achieving self-actualization and internal happiness.
There is nothing wrong with acquiring material goods and appreciating the benefits of modern technology. The greatest inventions that have offset the most pain and suffering in the world are a product of civilization. Regenerative medicine. Vaccines. Antibiotics. Hygiene. Penicillin. Wonder bread. (Disclaimer: Keep in mind that with those positive technological inventions also came the atomic bomb and other destructive devices.) I’m in no way diminishing the importance and value of these inventions but nevertheless those innovations cannot alone bring us internal happiness. Once we start viewing technology as an end in itself to achieving happiness we are doomed to be miserable. That is why celebrities, like Britney Spears, with more material goods than the average person could dream of can still live miserable wretched lives while the patient dying of terminal cancer lives a deeply meaningful and happy life. Research shows there is no correlation between material goods/money and happiness. More material goods does not mean more happiness. The message of this expedition is not to shun materiality but to recognize that materiality is only a means to a greater end. At the end of the day we have family, loved ones, and humanity to rely on. We often forget this when caught up in the hustle bustle of every day life. Sometimes it takes an extreme experience to reawaken this in us.
This trip will inspire us (and hopefully others) to take care of their physical and mental health, to recognize and work toward creating a cleaner environment, and to recognize the simple precious things in our lives by moving beyond acquiring materiality for its own sake and hopefully becoming closer to achieving internal happiness.
We look forward to you comments and reactions. Critique is welcomed and encouraged.
We all have obligations that prevent us from going on 30 day ventures into the untraversed wilderness. I’m starting my third year of law school. I’m on law review. I intern full time. I’m studying for the bar. The list goes on. The idea of this trip is not to abscond from real life challenges but to better appreciate and confront real life challenges.
What is the point of leaving modern society to venture into the unforgiving bowels of Mother Nature? What are we seeking to accomplish by this documentary of us living in the wild? How will this equip us to live as better citizens, fulfilling our duties to country, self, family, and friends?
It’s hard for me to admit but truth be told that the means and goal of the trip are not inextricable linked at all times. There are two forms of civil disobedience. Direct and indirect. Direct civil disobedience occurs when norms are directly violated in order to show its injustice. For example Rosa Parks sitting in the white only section of the bus. This act was directly protesting segregation by violating the law that is being protested against. Indirect civil disobedience occurs when the protest is indirectly related to the problem. For example, the act of trespassing on government property to protest the nuclear arms race would be an indirect action that is taken to spread awareness on a particular issue. The trespassing itself is not the point of the protest; rather the point is trespassing in order to spread awareness of a greater cause.
I see our expedition into the wild as a form of indirect civil disobedience. By doing something extreme, we are accomplishing our goals in sending a message to the world. Sometimes you have to do something extreme in order to shed light on global and personal issues, even if those issues are mild and universally recognized. Alain Robert, for instance, scales skyscrapers in order to draw attention to his radical environmentalist message. In a similar way we are going to live in the wild for 30 days in order to shed light on issues this world is facing. What are these issues you ask?
1) Physical health improvements through contact with nature.
We are facing a major health crisis. Studies show 58 million Americans are overweight and 40 million clinically obese. According to the American Heart Association, heart diseases, that can be traced to our diet and lifestyle, are directly linked to over 910,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Going into the wild, living off low fat meat and wild edibles for 30 days will be a healthy experience. In contrast to Morgan Spurlock, promoting a health message in Super Size Me by ravaging burgers for 30 days to shed light on the health crisis this country is facing, we are doing something healthy to promote a similar message of the health epidemic in this country. It will be an experience that others can model in a small way in order to better take care of their physical health – even if it means eating low fat meat and chicken instead of fast food. Even if it means going for a stroll in the park. Getting more exercise at the gym. When people see how our bodies are transformed from exercise and wild veggies, people will invariable be inspired to start living healthier lifestyles.
2) Mental and emotional health through eco-therapy.
On a similar front we are facing a mental health crisis in this country. A staggering 25% of Americans will have a major depressive episode in their life, with millions taking anti-depressants. Going into the wilderness will serve as a form of eco-therapy. Eco-therapy is the term used to describe using nature as a remedy for reducing stress. Being out in nature significantly decreases stress levels. Some studies show that being in nature decreased depression in as much as 70% of patients. We want to promote mental health and stress reduction through contact with nature. Yes, we could probably get the same health benefits by staying in a fully decked out cabin in the woods but we want to get our message across in an extreme and provocative way. If we, city slickers, can go out for 30 days, with just the clothes on our back, in order to improve our health, certainly others can take a weekend or two a year to go on a healthy camping trip that will reduce stress and improve mental health.
3) Taking steps to reduce environmental degradation.
On top of those internal crisis’s that we are seeking to alleviate in ourselves and perhaps inspire others to alleviate in them, we are facing an external crisis. Whether global warming is man made or not is irrelevant. We are clearly facing an environmental crisis. New U.S. research demonstrates that pollution has been linked to over 200 different diseases, ranging from cerebral palsy to testicular atrophy, as well as more than 37 kinds of cancer. Our life sustaining resources are limited. We hope to shed light on those issue. Perhaps inspire others to make changes in their own lives even if it’s starting a compost pile or starting to recycle. Small changes when taken collectively make a global impact.
4) Achieving self-actualization and internal happiness.
There is nothing wrong with acquiring material goods and appreciating the benefits of modern technology. The greatest inventions that have offset the most pain and suffering in the world are a product of civilization. Regenerative medicine. Vaccines. Antibiotics. Hygiene. Penicillin. Wonder bread. (Disclaimer: Keep in mind that with those positive technological inventions also came the atomic bomb and other destructive devices.) I’m in no way diminishing the importance and value of these inventions but nevertheless those innovations cannot alone bring us internal happiness. Once we start viewing technology as an end in itself to achieving happiness we are doomed to be miserable. That is why celebrities, like Britney Spears, with more material goods than the average person could dream of can still live miserable wretched lives while the patient dying of terminal cancer lives a deeply meaningful and happy life. Research shows there is no correlation between material goods/money and happiness. More material goods does not mean more happiness. The message of this expedition is not to shun materiality but to recognize that materiality is only a means to a greater end. At the end of the day we have family, loved ones, and humanity to rely on. We often forget this when caught up in the hustle bustle of every day life. Sometimes it takes an extreme experience to reawaken this in us.
This trip will inspire us (and hopefully others) to take care of their physical and mental health, to recognize and work toward creating a cleaner environment, and to recognize the simple precious things in our lives by moving beyond acquiring materiality for its own sake and hopefully becoming closer to achieving internal happiness.
We look forward to you comments and reactions. Critique is welcomed and encouraged.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Escaping civilization
Hello All,
Thank you for checking out our blog. We are currently in the process of developing a website. This summer, Spencer Mondshein, Eli Federman and Beny will be leaving their respective urban lifestyles and entering the rugged wilderness. Despite being city dwellers completely reliant on modern society, we will survive for 30 days and nights, divorced from all of our technological comforts. This means… No cell phones. No TV. No computer. No store bought food. No showers. No cars. No air conditioning. No microwave. No running water. No tent. No utensils. No bed. No medicine. No doctor. No distractions. We will use our natural resources to innovate survival.
We will be bringing a camera for the purpose of sharing this experience through a documentary style film. While, we have both personal and sociological reasons for this foray, the essential idea behind this undertaking is to reassure everyone and prove that common people have the innate ability to survive in the wild while reaping the psychological, physical and emotional benefits of being in tuned with nature.
On a personal level, we will be entering this journey for self-discovery and an education on primitive survival. A human’s perception of difficulty changes with the realization that you can survive in the wilderness with no modern day comforts. We often look at people and wonder if they would look the same had they not lived amidst pollution, fast food, television, cars, chemicals, sweets, computers, sofas, microwaves, radiation etc. As city dwellers, it will be interesting to see and feel raw mother nature. We plan on engaging in great discourse on a variety of issues. We will have a lot of time for reflection and thought. So, for us, this will be good mental and physical medicine.
With the documentary and essence of the journey we hope to convey a few things.
1) Protesting American societies pressure for social standing and material acquisition.
While claiming to support "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", American society is very suffocating. The pressure to be "successful" is criminal. The definition of "success" has taken on a meaning that further advocates societies pressure. We look around and see too many individuals leading lives that are for social standing, attainment of material goods and future comfort, rather than intellectual discovery and personal physical and emotional wellness. We are forever trying to be accepted and respected by others when we should be respecting ourselves! There seems to be some giant race that everyone enters subconsciously. However, We don't see what the prize for winning is. If we had to choose it would be happiness, satisfaction, accomplishment, love of something or someone. Unfortunately, social hierarchy and the "American dream" seem to be the trophies, luxuries and material goods, the prize. In everyone’s core there is a wild beast of the forest. At one point in time, no matter how brief, we have all relished at the thought of living a wild and adventurous life. In the forest, you can survive and live comfortably without the luxuries. In the end, the tangible elements in your life won’t determine if you are pleased or not. In the wilderness we will reach this higher awareness living a meaningful life that is not dependent on the acquisition of material goods.
2) Respect and appreciation for the environment.
We simply need to respect this world in which we live. Human beings are guests of this planet. We were blessed to evolve the way in which we did and have the brain capacity to develop the stunning technologies of today. However, if we are so dang smart, then we must be able to see that our planet needs us now. Before human technology came along, the globe was pure, fresh and natural. Mother nature was the scientist, technician, religious figure, governing body and philosopher. Now, humans have assumed all these roles and as a result, we are running out of drinking water and are being exposed to toxic waste and environmental degradation. The very air we breathe no longer is crisp, fresh and healthy. So, not only do we need to do something about this for the safety of the human race, but out of respect for the mother who has nurtured us from day one.
3) The absurdity of racism.
Long before cities, class systems, currency, technology and “civilized society”, the mindset of humans was solely to survive. Power, prestige and privilege did not exist. We roamed the planet as equals. Equals, with the same goal. That goal was to live. At the very core of it all today is the same. Racism is an illogical belief. It is proven that we, humans, share ninety-nine point nine percent of our DNA with each other. As a matter of fact, more variations occur within ethnic groups than between them. How can there be so much hatred when we have so much in common? We are so similar that it would only take .1% more bigotry to FULLY hate yourself. There is no reason for prejudice other than people’s own unreasonable fears. What is so difficult about seeing that all people, whether man, woman, black, white, yellow, green, orange, purple, tall, short, rich, poor, smart, slow, blind, deaf, crippled, old or young are PEOPLE? Those who look at others as inferior fail to realize that they share the same qualities as those other human beings. Being in the wild, Eli, Beny, and myself will become the hunted and the hunter. We will realize that we are all in this together. We are all human beings that require the same necessities: food, water, shelter, companionship, meaning, self-actualization. This realty will be realized through reliving a primitive time where humankind universally recognized their inherent equality.
Thank you for reading and please give your comments and suggestions. If you agree, great. If you disagree, even better. The best way to learn is to discuss. A good open-minded discourse allows for infinite amount of information to pass through. We really appreciate it.
-Spencer, Eli and Beny
Thank you for checking out our blog. We are currently in the process of developing a website. This summer, Spencer Mondshein, Eli Federman and Beny will be leaving their respective urban lifestyles and entering the rugged wilderness. Despite being city dwellers completely reliant on modern society, we will survive for 30 days and nights, divorced from all of our technological comforts. This means… No cell phones. No TV. No computer. No store bought food. No showers. No cars. No air conditioning. No microwave. No running water. No tent. No utensils. No bed. No medicine. No doctor. No distractions. We will use our natural resources to innovate survival.
We will be bringing a camera for the purpose of sharing this experience through a documentary style film. While, we have both personal and sociological reasons for this foray, the essential idea behind this undertaking is to reassure everyone and prove that common people have the innate ability to survive in the wild while reaping the psychological, physical and emotional benefits of being in tuned with nature.
On a personal level, we will be entering this journey for self-discovery and an education on primitive survival. A human’s perception of difficulty changes with the realization that you can survive in the wilderness with no modern day comforts. We often look at people and wonder if they would look the same had they not lived amidst pollution, fast food, television, cars, chemicals, sweets, computers, sofas, microwaves, radiation etc. As city dwellers, it will be interesting to see and feel raw mother nature. We plan on engaging in great discourse on a variety of issues. We will have a lot of time for reflection and thought. So, for us, this will be good mental and physical medicine.
With the documentary and essence of the journey we hope to convey a few things.
1) Protesting American societies pressure for social standing and material acquisition.
While claiming to support "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", American society is very suffocating. The pressure to be "successful" is criminal. The definition of "success" has taken on a meaning that further advocates societies pressure. We look around and see too many individuals leading lives that are for social standing, attainment of material goods and future comfort, rather than intellectual discovery and personal physical and emotional wellness. We are forever trying to be accepted and respected by others when we should be respecting ourselves! There seems to be some giant race that everyone enters subconsciously. However, We don't see what the prize for winning is. If we had to choose it would be happiness, satisfaction, accomplishment, love of something or someone. Unfortunately, social hierarchy and the "American dream" seem to be the trophies, luxuries and material goods, the prize. In everyone’s core there is a wild beast of the forest. At one point in time, no matter how brief, we have all relished at the thought of living a wild and adventurous life. In the forest, you can survive and live comfortably without the luxuries. In the end, the tangible elements in your life won’t determine if you are pleased or not. In the wilderness we will reach this higher awareness living a meaningful life that is not dependent on the acquisition of material goods.
2) Respect and appreciation for the environment.
We simply need to respect this world in which we live. Human beings are guests of this planet. We were blessed to evolve the way in which we did and have the brain capacity to develop the stunning technologies of today. However, if we are so dang smart, then we must be able to see that our planet needs us now. Before human technology came along, the globe was pure, fresh and natural. Mother nature was the scientist, technician, religious figure, governing body and philosopher. Now, humans have assumed all these roles and as a result, we are running out of drinking water and are being exposed to toxic waste and environmental degradation. The very air we breathe no longer is crisp, fresh and healthy. So, not only do we need to do something about this for the safety of the human race, but out of respect for the mother who has nurtured us from day one.
3) The absurdity of racism.
Long before cities, class systems, currency, technology and “civilized society”, the mindset of humans was solely to survive. Power, prestige and privilege did not exist. We roamed the planet as equals. Equals, with the same goal. That goal was to live. At the very core of it all today is the same. Racism is an illogical belief. It is proven that we, humans, share ninety-nine point nine percent of our DNA with each other. As a matter of fact, more variations occur within ethnic groups than between them. How can there be so much hatred when we have so much in common? We are so similar that it would only take .1% more bigotry to FULLY hate yourself. There is no reason for prejudice other than people’s own unreasonable fears. What is so difficult about seeing that all people, whether man, woman, black, white, yellow, green, orange, purple, tall, short, rich, poor, smart, slow, blind, deaf, crippled, old or young are PEOPLE? Those who look at others as inferior fail to realize that they share the same qualities as those other human beings. Being in the wild, Eli, Beny, and myself will become the hunted and the hunter. We will realize that we are all in this together. We are all human beings that require the same necessities: food, water, shelter, companionship, meaning, self-actualization. This realty will be realized through reliving a primitive time where humankind universally recognized their inherent equality.
Thank you for reading and please give your comments and suggestions. If you agree, great. If you disagree, even better. The best way to learn is to discuss. A good open-minded discourse allows for infinite amount of information to pass through. We really appreciate it.
-Spencer, Eli and Beny
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