Essential Insights on Why I Embraced the Prepper Lifestyle
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Prepping
Many individuals inquire about the significance of prepping in today's world. Here are five compelling reasons that highlight its importance.
- Embracing a prepper mindset is akin to obtaining medical or auto insurance; you can never predict when it will come in handy.
- While I tend to be optimistic, I believe it’s crucial to plan sensibly for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring not only personal survival but also the ability to assist others in need.
- A growing number of us are drawn to the idea of simplifying our lives and preparing for potential challenges. This has led many to consider returning to a more intentional and balanced lifestyle, with some even contemplating off-grid living.
- Events such as Hurricane Katrina and the inadequate responses from FEMA have prompted many to take their preparedness seriously. Coupled with rising inflation and energy costs, the rationale for prepping has never been clearer.
- Water scarcity in the Western U.S. and flooding in Asia have transformed the perception of prepperism from a fringe ideology to a practical approach embraced by many educated individuals who recognize the risks of societal collapse.
In light of these challenges, responsible weapon ownership has emerged among non-militaristic survivalists, leading to a perception of militarism that some have adopted unintentionally.
Due to numerous requests from members of my Self Improvement Lifestyle Group on Facebook, I initiated a 12-volume book series along with courses and coaching programs centered around this lifestyle. Additionally, I've started publishing regular blogs focused on these subjects.
Ultimately, being prepared for life's unforeseen challenges is a wise approach, which is the essence of this piece.
As with the pioneering Whole Earth Catalog, my aim in discussing prepping isn't to provide exhaustive coverage but to introduce you to various resources that will aid you in your journey as a prepper. This will allow you to delve deeper through online research or additional literature and videos related to survivalism. My primary focus lies in self-sufficiency, ecology, alternative education, DIY techniques, and a holistic view of life.
I often refrain from discussing specific brands or products, as they continually evolve.
My Path to the Prepper Lifestyle
My exploration into the prepper mindset began in the late 1960s, long before the contemporary prepper movement took shape. Initially, I kept my interest in self-reliance private while running an alternative medicine clinic in New York City. Eventually, I developed a series of online Life Strategies Coaching Courses.
During this time, I encountered "Living the Good Life," authored by Helen and Scott Nearing, who were trailblazers for simple living. Scott Nearing (1883-1983) was an American idealist and radical economist, while Helen Nearing (1904-1995) had a background in international violin studies and a relationship with philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti. I was fortunate to study with them towards the end of their lives.
The Nearings married in 1947 after a nearly two-decade relationship that began in 1928. They left New York City in 1934 for rural Vermont, where they purchased land with the intention of leading a more meaningful life, distancing themselves from modern society. Despite their wealth, they chose to homestead, cultivating much of their food and constructing nine stone buildings over two decades. They earned income through maple syrup production and occasional lectures by Scott, documenting their journey toward self-sufficiency.
At age twenty-one, while exploring Eastern mysticism, I missed the chance to volunteer at the Nearing's homestead. Four years later, I met Helen Nearing and engaged in discussions about her and Scott's life work.
The Conclusion
Now, after five decades of learning and applying the Nearing's philosophies, prepping has become my passion. I dedicate at least an hour daily to reading about it and am in the process of creating a series of short ebooks focused on simple living, survivalism, and intentional lifestyles.
In this journey, I have been compiling a glossary of common terms within the prepper community to assist me as I progress.
Here are a few articles on prepping you might find interesting:
Check out this insightful video on prepping:
This excerpt is from my upcoming book titled "Survivor Life Hacks: The Best Guide for Preppers, Part 1 — An Introduction and History of Intentional Living."
For a decade, Lewis hosted a humor-focused Q&A talk show on NPR-affiliated WIOX FM in New York.
"I am always on the lookout for trends and ideas to develop new stories. If you have suggestions for topics you'd like me to cover, please reach out at [email protected] or visit my website at www.asklewis.com."