Whether you're planning to do a thru hike, a long biking trip, or any sort of long adventure. Chances are you’ve spent countless hours preparing your gear. While gear is important, it is also important to prepare both physically and mentally for the journey ahead. Like on any path there are sure to be bumps along the way and it’s crucial that you are able to handle these challenges as they arise. Reading the book “To Shake the Sleeping Self” by Jedidiah Jenkins, can be a valuable tool for preparing the mind.
In this post we will explore why you should read this book before starting any big adventure.
1. Inspiration
In “To Shake the Sleeping Self” the author walks the reader through his life changing, 14,000 mile bicycle ride from Oregon to Patagonia. Jenkins writes of his relationship with the trip as a whole, the beauty of nature, and the hardships he faced along the way. The poetic nature of his words will inspire you to seek out your own adventure.
2. Themes: Identity, Purpose, and Meaning
Aside from the practical advice and inspiration the author writes about his struggle with his identity and how his journey helped him find acceptance and peace within himself. Learning who you are is a process that requires adversity and consistent learning. Adventures are a great way to put your preconceived notions about yourself to the test.
He also describes the power in discovering purpose and meaning in life and how his journey helped him uncover his own values. These themes are very relevant for anyone embarking on an adventure as they can help you reflect on your goals for not only the trip, but also for life.
3. Connection
There are many challenges that come with adventure. Despite the challenges you may come across, there is one thing that makes it all worth it, the connections you make with the people you meet. In “To Shake the Sleeping Self” Jenkins talks about the people he met along the way and how important it is to build and maintain meaningful relationships. This book will give you a good sense of how overwhelmingly positive meeting new people can be.
To sum it all up, “To Shake the Sleeping Self” by Jedidiah Jenkins can be a valuable tool in preparing for your next adventure. This book offers inspiration, thought provoking questions, and a new perspective on the benefits of cultivating connections. These are just a few of the reasons why you should read this book before embarking on your next journey.
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