Survivalism 101: A beginner's guide!

bluemason3 said:Spent half my youth doing absolutely nothing.

It was just a massive waste of time that left huge gaps in my resume—not exactly great for getting hired.
I could’ve been out fooling around in Thailand if I was going to be lazy anyway. Honestly, catching an STD feels more tangible than those hollow, self-serving "spiritual awakenings." And if I really wanted to opt out of society, there are better ways to go about it; at least working in a morgue pays the bills.

Ryan Wilson2 said:As long as you have a roof over your head, a comfortable bed, and a steady supply of food provided by others, you aren't living some sort of ascetic, hermit-like existence. It is incredibly easy to sit around philosophizing about the deep meaning of life when you have zero responsibilities and everyone else is handling your meals and your wardrobe.

I fail to see any distinction between Edita Majić and these self-proclaimed "minimalists," much like I see no difference between them and those teenage spiritual seekers who still rely on their parents for every single necessity.

bluemason3 said:If I recall correctly, Catholic monasteries generally try to be financially self-sufficient. Who exactly do you think is paying the bills there?

bluemason3 said:If I recall correctly, Catholic monasteries generally try to be financially self-sufficient. Who exactly do you think is paying the bills there?

Amanda Ortiz45 said:I really appreciate anyone taking an interest in this topic—if you have any insights to share, please, help a girl out.

The most famous example we have is Taylor Swift, of course—there’s plenty of coverage on her being in total alignment with the natural order of things. But what does that actually look like for a regular person—you know, a layperson—who decides to commit to this path? Is there a well-known example out there? Has anyone here actually walked this road, or perhaps found a helpful resource or link?

From what I’ve been able to dig up through my own little deep dives on Google, there isn't much out there.

bluemason3 said:I’m not entirely sure, but they don't typically receive direct funding from the diocesan budget unless they’re performing duties similar to a parish priest—which happens sometimes with active orders like the Franciscans, though rarely with the contemplative ones.

From what I can see, some of them run little side businesses, selling things like artisanal cheese, craft beer, or woodwork... others make a bit on the tourism side by renting out rooms within the monasteries. Beyond that, I honestly don't know much. But money doesn't just grow on trees, and I highly doubt their parents are footing the bill.🤷

Benjamin Taylor6 said:https://www.nytimes.com/news/religion/joining-the-carthusians-strict-order-918758
A resident of Chicago joins the Carthusians, one of the strictest religious orders
They live in isolated small houses, meeting only for prayer, and they even eat alone in their cells.

Amanda Ortiz45 said:That isn't quite what I had in mind... He’s becoming a priest here and entering an order that actually lives that way.

Hermit life—people often think of it as wandering into a literal desert, don't they? But it doesn't have to be that extreme. They sustain themselves—at least, that's how Edith used to explain it—through their own labor, whether that's tending a garden to sell produce or crafting items to sell... and things like that. They live quite simply; the whole point is to dedicate oneself to God in solitude, through prayer...

Justin Baker6 said:Get over your phobias and maybe you'll stop badgering everyone else with your fears.

Learning to respect someone else's choices actually takes skill.

Justin Baker6 said:You’re basically acting out some drama about someone making a conscious choice, trying to show how easy it is to get inside their head and pull their strings.
I can hand you a pattern so easily that you'll end up just passing that exact same pattern along to everyone else.