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.