Survivalism & Survival Stories with Laurence Gonzales

Author Laurence Gonzales (deepsurvival.com(1)) shared stories about how certain people survive life threatening situations and demonstrate miraculous endurance and ingenuity. Almost all of the survivors he interviewed underwent a type of spiritual transformation during the process, Gonzales noted.
One key to their success in surviving was their ability to think clearly, rather than just panicking. Trusting gut instincts was also important, he said, adding that new research is indicating that intelligence may reside throughout the body and not just in the brain.
"The body can do amazing things," if the spirit is willing, Gonzales said of the case of Aron Ralston who amputated part of his arm after he became trapped under an 800 lb. rock while on a cliff. In the case of Vito S., who broke his leg while skiing in a remote location, Gonzales described specific survival techniques he used such as breaking his movements into manageable goals, dedicating actions to loved ones, and repeating empowering mantras.

Biography:

Laurence Gonzales won two National Magazine Awards from the American Society of Magazine Editors for his work on National Geographic Adventure Magazine, in 2001 and 2002. Since 1970, his essays have appeared in several national publications and his work has won numerous awards. Laurence is the author of Deep Survival as well as a dozen other books. He also participated as a writer, in the Emmy Award winning series, "From the Earth to the Moon". He has been Managing Editor of the journal Tri-Quarterly, Contributing Editor for Paris Review, Articles Editor for Playboy, Artist in Residence at the University of Missouri, Contributing Editor for Men's Journal, and is now Contributing Editor for National Geographic Adventure Magazine.

Wikipedia
Survivalism is a movement of individuals or groups (called survivalists or preppers) who are actively preparing for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales from local to international. Survivalists often acquire emergency medical and self-defense training, stockpile food and water, prepare to become self-sufficient, and build structures (e.g., a survival retreat or an underground shelter) that may help them survive a catastrophe.

Anticipated disruptions may include: Clusters of natural disasters, patterns of apocalyptic planetary crises, or "Earth Changes" (tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, solar storms, severe thunderstorms, floods, tsunamis). Anthropogenic disasters (chemical spills, release of radioactive materials, nuclear or conventional war, oppressive governments). The general collapse of society caused by the shortage or unavailability of resources such as electricity, fuel, food, or water. Financial disruption or economic collapse (caused by monetary manipulation, hyperinflation, deflation, or depression). A global pandemic. Widespread chaos or some other unexplained apocalyptic event.