According to the book Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, no one should venture into the backcountry without the “ten essentials.” These are the ten things you absolutely need to stay alive: map, compass, sun protection, extra food and water, extra clothes, headlamp or flashlight, first aid kit, firestarter, matches, and a knife. Consider the list for a minute – the ten essentials will provide you with a minimum of knowledge of your whereabouts, nourishment, warmth, and health.
Notice what it lacks: electricity, plumbing, central heat, television, radio, telephones, video games, iPods/iPads/iAnything, movies, cars, electronic or other gadgets, toys, most material possessions, anything trendy or fashionable, and all the comforts of home.
I have spent a lot of time in the backcountry and have often preferred my experience there to my experience at home. It occurred to me recently that my domestic experience might be lacking a few essentials or overcompensating with stuff I don’t really need. So I have come up with a list of my own: the ten essentials for a fulfilling life in modern America, based loosely on the mountaineering list with a couple of extra categories. Virtually none of the list items has a cost, either financial or environmental. And yet if you possess them all, you can call yourself rich.
1. A connection to the earth
2. A spiritual practice
3. Work that you enjoy
4. A creative outlet
5. Wholesome food
6. Clean water
7. Sociable companionship
8. Comfortable shelter
9. Unstructured time
10. Love
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