Here, here. Disengage the prevailing "culture" to the extent you can. I have kids in HS and college, with bills to pay to try to enable their future, so I can't disengage completely. But I don't have to give the machine my attention, belief, or support. While I'll never have @roamer1's self-reliance, once my obligations are fulfilled I'll be able to disengage even more. Entertainment, sports, and social media are worse than a distraction, they're detrimental.
Think for yourself, read things that matter and endure - like the KJV - and recognize that most people do neither; you won't be in a crowd, so be sure you can manage solitude, physical and conceptual.
From time to time you might find that people seek your counsel; give it honestly and gently, and never apologize for the truth.
Right back atcha
@HoustonSam ... Self-reliance comes in many different ways. It ain't got to be mine.
But after years with my nose on that grindstone... decades playing games with the Big Show... That first big swig of raw truth was so cold and refreshing after so many years of lukewarm promises... I can't help but chug it down... Never sated.
Turns out the money doesn't matter. It's just a way of keeping score. And it turns out politics are a poor refrigerator if you are worried for the milk spoiling.
The things that matter to me now are only those that are true. Impeccably true. Because that is where life and living are to be found. And it is as simple as your hands in the dirt. The sheer honesty of building a cabin, mostly without machines.
And that KJV in your head to ponder on. You can peel that Book like an onion - Dissect it endlessly... Yah says you are welcome to test it all you want... And the next time through you will find still more. And again. And then suddenly you find yourself among others of your kind... looong talks on the porch over sweet tea and apple crisp... Deep into the night over pizza... Deep deep conversation about things that matter... I treasure every one of those.
And simple joyful gatherings and wholesome activities. Pressures are *gone*. Go to your friend's place and take a sit in a sweat lodge. Take a walk on snowshoes through the birches looking for chaga. come over a ridge to look out upon a vast vista - range after range, so beautiful it makes your throat ache.
Catch a big trout on a hobo handline. take your leave in the evening in a rocking chair and a good dog at your feet. Piss off your own dang porch.
I wonder why it was I went running after all that when it never ever gave me peace.
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