3.4 Prepare a 9-hour Solo

John P. Milton has organized Solo since the 1950s. Solo, to be alone in nature, have been shown to have beneficial effects. Not only does it reduce the stress level and increases creativity, but also leads to a more centered and harmonious presence. John P. Milton Solo extends over 7 days. With three weeks of preparatory training, the next step is 28 days. I myself have done a 48-hour in the Stockholm archipelago and a 4-day in the mountains up north, organized by Naturakademin. I can tell you, it was an unforgettable experience.

Try to find time in your calendar and a nice place to visit for your solo. Make an appointment with yourself. Most likely, you have already hade some experience of being in nature by yourself. This time the instruction is to not take anything with you other than the clothes you have on you, water and something easy to eat as nuts. Stay in one place within a radio of 100 meters. And stick to the same place in 9 hours. Do not talk in your mobile phone. Write nothing. Do not listen to the radio. Do not cook food. Anything that distracts you. Let thoughts come and go, but try not to let them take over. Use Tai-Chi exercises you practised last week in "2. Focus attention". 

The movie "Into the Wild" is a similar exercise with far more dramatic consequences. A strong film based on a true story, I heartily recommend.