Friday, June 10, 2011

How to be a Hermit

How to Be a Hermit



Whether you are inspired by Thoreau, or want to learn how to live like a religious monk, deciding to be a hermit is life-altering. Living a life of solitude is not for everyone, but many people have found it fulfilling.



Get away. Move to a remote area, with a cabin or home already built, or build one yourself. Thoreau chose to build his own cabin, but this is not a necessity. The point is to find a place away from civilization.


Remove all clutter. Cleanse your life of meaningless possessions. The point of being a hermit is to live the simplest life possible. This means that you will have to part with your laptop, cell phone, MP3 player and other technological gadgets.


Become one with nature. The best way to survive as a hermit is to live off the land. Start a garden or hunt. Being a hunter-gatherer will be a different lifestyle than most Americans are used to, but the rewards can be great.


Keep yourself company. By writing or simply being. You must learn to be your own best friend. Hermits usually have no one to talk to but the birds.


Plan ahead. If you are only becoming a hermit for a short time, let your friends and family know that you will return to civilization soon. This may ease some of their fears and decrease the chances they'll disturb your solitude.

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