a calming Thursday read

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"Wilderness appealed to those bored or disgusted with man and his works. It not only offered an escape from society but was an ideal stage for the Romantic individual to exercise the cult that he frequently made of his own soul. The solitude and total freedom of the Wilderness created a perfect setting for either melancholy or exultation." 

Krakauer presents in his book, "Into the Wildness," that the wild is for those few individuals who are not drawn in by the materialistic society we live in. The wilderness is for those who see freedom and bliss as the realms of their own mind. Exploring one's mind fully without the distraction of company or the stresses of daily life is only possible by isolating one's self and getting back to the early roots of civilization and survival. Only in nature are we allowed to replace stress and grief with a new feeling of bliss and peace. The sentiments of entrapment can only be relieved when isolating the soul in nature.

Disgusted with modern society and its ways of thinking, I feel that a life in moderation is truly the best route. I appreciate the beauties of Mother Nature and often choose them over the frivolous marvels of modern technology. The benefits of solitude, in some cases, are evident to me. I feel that it is the only way to delve into your soul and discover who you are and your personal morals, as interaction with others may sway your beliefs or distract you from your opinions. I also enjoy human interaction and feel that it can be just as therapeutic as isolation. It is the connecting of two vulnerable people who want to talk, cry, laugh, or maybe even learn something new. There's no telling what the connection produces, but the importance is that we connect. Surrendering to the self-pleasing mentality causes us to miss out on what really matters -- authentic human iteration. We worry more about if we're ready to take a selfie than greeting a random person.

Everett Ruess once wrote, “I have always been unsatisfied with life as most people live it. Always I want to live more intensely and richly.” Fulfill yourself with isolation and interaction. Surround yourself with evergreen forests while meeting up with those you care about.