Autonomy at sea, a guide to living free while sailing the world.
The cover is rudimentary, but i like to post pictures with my words.
Writing my book is turning out to be quite an experience, I’ve deleted every word that I’ve written over the previous 6 years as well as the old title “SALT” and most of the concept. The book is writing me, I am not writing it anymore. It is leading me on a journey and I’m gaining more insight to who i am and what it is that i do.
I am by all definitions an introvert. People don’t often think of me this way because I am very confident in social situations, but i am.
“Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.
Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to “recharge.”
When introverts want to be alone, it is not, by itself, a sign of depression. It means that they either need to regain their energy from being around people or that they simply want the time to be with their own thoughts. Being with people, even people they like and are comfortable with, can prevent them from their desire to be quietly introspective.
Being introspective, though, does not mean that an introvert never has conversations. However, those conversations are generally about ideas and concepts, not about what they consider the trivial matters of social small talk”.
That’s me in a nutshell!
I’ve recently learned there is a title for many of my theories and it is Sociobiology , and more importantly eusocial behavior in humans. The scientific work of Edward O. Wilson has answered many of my questions about why we are the way we are. Being as profoundly introverted as I am, I find society fascinating , however threatening to my well being. I think this is, and has been, the case for many men who pursue a life at sea. My personal heroes (Jacques Cousteau, Joshua Slocum, and Bernard Moitessier) have all been profound introverts. When I was crossing the pacific many people jokingly said that i was “loosing” it, when truthfully I had never been closer to understanding, and finding “it”. When I was alone in the middle of the Pacific I never felt more alive and I want it back! I also want to show other men the path to autonomy on the sea.
Introverts are believed to make up 25-40% of the population, and in my case it is literally impossible for me to survive in a typical “social” environment. My book is turning out to be more of a pathway for men that want, or more importantly “need” to pursue a life on the sea.
My lifestyle is not reserved for the wealthy, or “financially” comfortable. It is for all men who wish it. It is however a difficult path to understand and follow as loved ones and friends often don’t understand it, and are not willing to support it, as it is not “socially” acceptable. It is also demanding of certain skill sets which I hope to make more understandable. Tasks as simple as making bread, wine, or spear fishing, are all important aspects of autonomy at sea, as well as minimalism, self responsibility, and determination.
Not having a camera (real camera) to make my next film, or having money for supplies has turned out to be an invaluable asset, not to mention inspiring. I’m thinking I’m going to take off to the San Blas in a week. I want to be in a less distracting environment to work on my ebook, my Mac book calls to me :) Thank you so very much Paul, really!
I’m off to Colon 2morrow to try and upload a video and do some food & rum shopping. I’m going to buy about 40 gallons of diesel next week, provision, and sail to the San Blas. My friend Eric, the author of The Panama Cruising Guide has tipped me off to a few secluded places where I can disappear and work. I’m going to look for a place where I can get a cellular signal so I can blog every few days.
Sail far and live slowly.
Peace, Love, and introspection
Alex