The End of Shopping

Paul Gilding told me a few months ago that the end of shopping is in sight. ‘We’re living with the illusion that more stuff means we don’t die.’ I’ve discovered the past weeks that he is right about that illusion. Something in me is convinced that I need to shop to survive a vision quest the upcoming 12 days. Small group, middle of the dessert in Southern California, four days of fasting and 3 days of solo. Without a tent. I’ve seen all the rain jackets, tarps, merino wool t-shirts, therma rest mattresses, fire starters and tools to clean water that are available in the world. In shops and on the internet. All has to fit in my backpack of 20 years ago. Didn’t try that yet.

Since I read Synchronicity of Joseph Jaworski 8 years ago, I’m dreaming of doing a solo quest. The deep connection to nature, meeting animals, being part of something bigger than myself and all rosy ideas. Now that the time is there, it feels different. Pretty nervous about the fasting for such a long time. I tried it the past week for two days. Just to have a look how I would physically respond. Wasn’t too bad. It slows you down for sure. It brings more stillness and peace of mind. 12 days sleeping outside without a tent in  minus 5 degrees temperature is something new as well. During the day it should be 18 degrees. But for Monday (tomorrow) snow is expected. Lucky bastard that I’ll be in the plane. I’ll keep a journal of all my experiences. My book about transformation and the past 10 years is progressing well. I’ve written already 100 pages…

Paul’s message was to shop less and to live more. For sure the upcoming weeks I won’t shop and live a lot, I hope.