WSW is an adventure journal shared by travelers and thinkers. Half of each story is where we've gone, the other is who we've become along the way. We believe travel and nature are lenses which help bring life into focus. Time in the wilderness and among different cultures is essential to developing one's personality and worldview. Hopefully our tales inspire you to live consistently and ardently. Gear reviews and travel tips are offered to help you get outdoors and outside of your usual self. The writers of WSW want to join you somewhere along the way, to share our experiences for a better journey.
About the Editor: I am a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast who spends his time walking the earth with broad eyes. My wanderings have brought me to more than 30 United States; on 1500-mile bicycle tours and sundry solo treks; to far-flung countries, and hopefully more to come. What can I say, but that I am a blessed man.
My favorite places have possessed big vistas and large-minded people. Along the way I've learned a lot about how and how not to travel and, more importantly, to live. The conclusion is to, "Go light, and with love."
This site is an offering, a way of sharing my small portion of experiences and knowledge. Hopefully, you'll have an easier time getting out there, too. Gear reviews, packing lists, and travel tips are posted here, but be mindful: different needs might mean that what works for me won't be so great for you. If you have questions or recommendations, please share! Add me on FaceBook, maybe we can get together for a hike sometime soon.
~ WSW Editor, M. Benjamin Spotts:.
Speaking & Work: Michael has spoken publicly at schools, colleges, businesses, and churches regarding a variety of subjects. He loves to challenge others to be forward-thinking, efficient, determined, and to make the most of their communities. He is especially interested in motivating people of all ages to engage the environment and culture which surrounds us through travel, study, and discussion. If you are interested in having him speak at your event, or would like to arrange photography or editorial work, please contact him at "michael.theopenlife[at]gmail[dot]com" or leave a comment with pertinent information (it will remain private). Thanks!
Some Thoughts on Action in the 21st Century
By M. Benjamin Spotts:.
Perhaps you have noticed Western culture is increasingly virtual. Technology offers a wealth of vicarious experiences to be had instantly, painlessly, and cheaply. We chew hungrily on films about the trampings of world explorers while tethering ourselves firmly to the redundant comforts of suburbia. We fall in love through fictitious characters, virtually race cars and play video-game golf. Some even farm on software plantations! In the end, we devote enough time to have actually done many of these things.
Man's knowledge remains incomplete without real experience. Until then his thoughts are mere information, conjecture lacking vitality. To the degree something is worth knowing, I think we should endeavor after an encounter with it, an authentic experience that touches our senses. No wonder, then, that I love to travel. Journeys thrust us into the paths of strangers. Surprising relationships are forged -- for a moment we see life as they do. Traveling allows one to interact with a thousand lives while discovering the essence of his own.
No greater concepts enter minds of men than to fathom their origins, existence, and ultimate end. Education, whether private or institutional, fails whenever it ceases to equip people to live ardently in the pursuit of satisfying answers on these matters. Men who live momentarily, without regard to beginning, meaning, and destiny, are reduced to the level of beasts. But ones who discipline themselves to really savor life, to roll the richness of humanity upon the palette of thoughtful consideration, will discern in the present moment something of past and future significance. That is the sort of person who begins to touch his world with a living hand.
The journals posted here represent a small portion of my attempt to do that. I hope you see in them a man reaching to experience those thing which, above all, are worth knowing - my God, my meaning, and the essence of this life. I invite you to join me not only vicariously, but actually, in the call to fulfill man's chief end, "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
Trivia: Books and people that inspire me.
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| Top of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park |
My favorite places have possessed big vistas and large-minded people. Along the way I've learned a lot about how and how not to travel and, more importantly, to live. The conclusion is to, "Go light, and with love."
This site is an offering, a way of sharing my small portion of experiences and knowledge. Hopefully, you'll have an easier time getting out there, too. Gear reviews, packing lists, and travel tips are posted here, but be mindful: different needs might mean that what works for me won't be so great for you. If you have questions or recommendations, please share! Add me on FaceBook, maybe we can get together for a hike sometime soon.
~ WSW Editor, M. Benjamin Spotts:.
Speaking & Work: Michael has spoken publicly at schools, colleges, businesses, and churches regarding a variety of subjects. He loves to challenge others to be forward-thinking, efficient, determined, and to make the most of their communities. He is especially interested in motivating people of all ages to engage the environment and culture which surrounds us through travel, study, and discussion. If you are interested in having him speak at your event, or would like to arrange photography or editorial work, please contact him at "michael.theopenlife[at]gmail[dot]com" or leave a comment with pertinent information (it will remain private). Thanks!
Some Thoughts on Action in the 21st Century
By M. Benjamin Spotts:.
Perhaps you have noticed Western culture is increasingly virtual. Technology offers a wealth of vicarious experiences to be had instantly, painlessly, and cheaply. We chew hungrily on films about the trampings of world explorers while tethering ourselves firmly to the redundant comforts of suburbia. We fall in love through fictitious characters, virtually race cars and play video-game golf. Some even farm on software plantations! In the end, we devote enough time to have actually done many of these things.
Man's knowledge remains incomplete without real experience. Until then his thoughts are mere information, conjecture lacking vitality. To the degree something is worth knowing, I think we should endeavor after an encounter with it, an authentic experience that touches our senses. No wonder, then, that I love to travel. Journeys thrust us into the paths of strangers. Surprising relationships are forged -- for a moment we see life as they do. Traveling allows one to interact with a thousand lives while discovering the essence of his own.
No greater concepts enter minds of men than to fathom their origins, existence, and ultimate end. Education, whether private or institutional, fails whenever it ceases to equip people to live ardently in the pursuit of satisfying answers on these matters. Men who live momentarily, without regard to beginning, meaning, and destiny, are reduced to the level of beasts. But ones who discipline themselves to really savor life, to roll the richness of humanity upon the palette of thoughtful consideration, will discern in the present moment something of past and future significance. That is the sort of person who begins to touch his world with a living hand.
The journals posted here represent a small portion of my attempt to do that. I hope you see in them a man reaching to experience those thing which, above all, are worth knowing - my God, my meaning, and the essence of this life. I invite you to join me not only vicariously, but actually, in the call to fulfill man's chief end, "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
Trivia: Books and people that inspire me.
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| Glendalough, Ireland |
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