Mental Survival in your B.O.B

TheLastDaze said:
way to go.. man you nailed it, the Bible.. That's what is missing for sure!!!

You didn't just watch 'the book of Eli' did you...:D

Good thread.....
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I watched it last night....as soon as I saw the title of this thread, that's what I thought.

I'd have to go with the Bible, plus a harmonica.
 
Bible already mentioned but I did not see laminated photos of close family... nothing like motivation and a little escapism at times. Also regional edible plants and topo map.
2Door
 
I love reading, but I think I would want something that would keep my mind stimulated a little more. Once I have read a book a few dozen times, I lose interest. If I were to pack a book, it would either be Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, or Count of Monte Cristo. For a good mind stimulator, I would probably have to go with a Rubic's Cube or playing cards with Hot Naked Women on them. I know it sounds perverted, but for most men, the thought of a hot chic can keep them in the fight. I am one of those men. Moose
 
I can't see putting them in my bob because I try to go as light as possible but playing cards or traveling chess set is a neat idea for camping. To me the bible is just tinder. ;)
 
in my big BOB, i have a bible, book of five rings, deerhunting strategies,deck of cards. but in my PSK, no entertainment whatsoever.
 
Hmmm...reading material is a good idea. I'll throw in my extra copy of Joseph Campbell's "Myths to Live By". Some thoughtful entertainment for hard times.
 
I've read that every BOB should have a picture of your loved one. Wife, girlfriend, kids etc.

I need to put a picture of Danni Ashe in my BOB :D.
 
I thought about this from time to time. I carry a bible in all my packs as well as a little scrap paper and an issue of my favorite magazines. One of the best things to do while alone on the trail is sit down and read a good book. It kinda makes you feel still part of home yet you are away from home.
 
A dictionary, duh!
I'd like to know all the big words just in time for when I have to write a book about my odyssey.
 
A humoristic book, anyone, only obvious condition is that I find it funny.

I can't live without humor, and laughing is key to keep sanity and morale up.
 
I've got a DS too.

I don't keep it in a pack, but I would probably grab it before leaving home time and situation permiting.
I've found a couple rounds of Mario Kart or Worms do wonders for my sanity sometimes.
Theres not much that can distract a worried mind so completely as a video game.

Of course in a really major SHTF it would run out of juice and i might not be able to charge it but...It runs for a good many hours on a charge, and if i did end up anywhere with power i could top it off.
...might make a pretty good barter item too.
 
The OP asked what can we read or do to keep one's mind mentally stimulated during a major crisis/event/disaster. No one has mentioned that this environment is going to be or is potentially hostile!

What most have not considered is in a major crisis one must maintain a constant vigil and low presence both in terms of light and noise discipline because if the environment is not hostile it certain can be very easily. There won't be much time for such luxuries as reading and enjoying music. Even if you have a DS or iPod or whatever, you cannot afford to be distracted with such pleasantries. If you're not moving, your sleeping, when you're sleeping someone else in on overwatch, when not on overwatch then on recon looking for a better position/location or cache - or a permanent long term shelter. Most of us here have never had to live under such conditions and in such an environment. It is extremely mentally and physically exhausting work.

There will be many threats or potential threats who will want too or will in a heart beat rob and kill for a morsel of food or gear. So with this in mind, anything that compromises one's position such as a head lamp to read by, a camp fire, lantern, iPod, or a musical instrument is only giving the "zombies" a gift! The gift of you/me. They don't need a GPS or compass to find us...just follow the music, the light or camp fire and the rest is as they say "the easy or hard part" depending on one's perspective and outcome.

But what the heck do I know?
 
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Quirt said:
The OP asked what can we read or do to keep one's mind mentally stimulated during a major crisis/event/disaster. No one has mentioned that this environment is going to be or is potentially hostile!

What most have not considered is in a major crisis one must maintain a constant vigil and low presence both in terms of light and noise discipline because if the environment is not hostile it certain can be very easily. There won't be much time for such luxuries as reading and enjoying music. Even if you have a DS or iPod or whatever, you cannot afford to be distracted with such pleasantries. If you're not moving, your sleeping, when you're sleeping someone else in on overwatch, when not on overwatch then on recon looking for a better position/location or cache - or a permanent long term shelter. Most of us here have never had to live under such conditions and in such an environment. It is extremely mentally and physically exhausting work.

There will be many threats or potential threats who will want too or will in a heart beat rob and kill for a morsel of food or gear. So with this in mind, anything that compromises one's position such as a head lamp to read by, a camp fire, lantern, iPod, or a musical instrument is only giving the "zombies" a gift! The gift of you/me. They don't need a GPS or compass to find us...just follow the music, the light or camp fire and the rest is as they say "the easy or hard part" depending on one's perspective and outcome.

But what the heck do I know?
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While I appreciate the concept of maintained vigilance, the reality is a high state of arousal is not a sustainable over long periods of time. (For some of you, stay focused on the topic. ;)) Your mind and body will start to break down. It will eventually impair your ability to perform. You need to take mental/spiritual breaks lest you yourself become a beserker zombie, losing your humanity. I'm not saying lay down and give up.

just my .02
 
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glee said:
While I appreciate the concept of maintained vigilance, the reality is a high state of arousal is not a sustainable over long periods of time. (For some of you, stay focused on the topic. ;)) Your mind and body will start to break down. It will eventually impair your ability to perform. You need to take mental/spiritual breaks lest you yourself become a beserker zombie, losing your humanity. I'm not saying lay down and give up.

just my .02
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Since I cannot write an entire book here of what goes on I had to abbreviate...I concur with your insight. Yes it is true one would go nuts without some stimulation and one cannot maintain constant vigilance for-ever. Especially by oneself. In order to survive in a hostile environment one is going to need to be with others and do this as a team!

For the first few days/weeks of the disaster (which is what a BOB is designed for) there are so many other life essential tasks that need to be done during an emergency like in this situation. And a BOB is only the initial escape and evade bag to take you to a permanent secure and secluded shelter which is where one should keep an ample supply of reading materials etc.

But when "Bugging out" which is what a BOB is for...if one is not sleeping, eating, forging, cleaning clothes, repairing gear, recon, etc then one is posting security so the others in the group or party can sleep/repair/eat. In events like this there really isn't much down time or time to read. Besides the weight of a book or gadget is better used for other more critical gear in the short term. Ounces = pounds and pounds = pain. You need to be light, nimble and fast one your feet.

If one is alone then you'd better squirrel up in a burrow somewhere and be perfectly quiet. One will not have the luxuary of giving off any sound or light. Hence reading is going to be a challenge. And having ear buds stuck in one's ear blocking one's hearing is not wise under the circumstances.

Most of us can take a backpack and go live off the land for a few days or weeks and think we can do the same thing in a hostile environment. Well...it isn't the same thing. It isn't a backpacking trip during an emergency.

At one's permanent shelter or location then that is a different story. Then one might have a few minutes for other stimuli. But there is plenty of more mission critical tasks that need to be done so reading/enjoyment will be precious if at all. But like I said, what do I know.
 
i cant remember the movie but the crazy guy kept shouting "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
there come a time when you cant be vigilant
you gotta sleep and you gotta rest and you gotta poop.
these cant be worse than reading although i can see the arguement against earphones.
if you are in a group with other adults the entertainment and relaxation will be verbal and someone can help with security
however
you cant be on high alert 24/7
you can be careful and low alert all the time
set your camp
i carry light weight jingle bells
these and thread make a good alarm system
so does a dog
even a lap dog is gonna know if your being stalked long before you do(i got one of those too)

for me it gonna be tuff as ill have little kids with me
so lots of rest. hopefully with a back stop like a large tree then kids then me

i guess im rambling but one last thought to those with kids
how much energy does your child have? lots right?
so how do you avoid the inevitable whinning and "im tired"?
keep them entertained. if there having fun they will out perform you on stamina. if you get them bored they will drag you down.
 
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Quirt,
Sounds like extended S.E.R.E- depending on the situation that caused bugging out to be initiated, I agree completely. I still think laminated photos of family are worth the grams in exchange for the focus.

Ironic thing about bug out- either the event that initiates it is hostile OR the others being displaced become the hostile factor.
A mental focus point I was once taught was to repeat in my mind "I WILL go home after this". Just a simple fact to hang on to.
2Door
 
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