What is Survivalism?

Survival after death

Survivalism is not simply a term; it is a many faceted aspect or belief. It has different meanings for everyone. At the most basic level, survivalism can be explained as the goal of staying alive during severe or adverse circumstances. These circumstances can range from many things such as a massive flood to a nuclear attack. Those engaging in the belief or acts of survivalism will make a mental note of risky situations in which they feel their lives are being threatened. The situations in question could be very clear life threatening circumstances or they could hold only a slight threat. In either case, survivalists know that there is a risk.

The main difference between those engaging in survivalism and those who are not is that survivalists consider threatening situations and conditions and take steps to prepare themselves in the event that these situations occur. Others simply ignore the situations or do not believe that they are a threat to them.

Survivalists live by the motto “prepare for the worst and pray for the best”. Each one must decide for themselves how to prepare for the situations that they expect will become a threat to them. They must determine what lengths they will go to in order to protect themselves and ensure survival. For many people, particularly with the economy in the shape that it is in, stockpiling canned goods, alternative heat sources, hygiene products and other things that may be in short supply is their way of surviving. They use these items to ensure themselves that in the event that a disastrous situation occurs they will have the means to stay alive.

Again, each survivalist may view both the impending threat and the preparations needed differently. One person may stockpile food and other items in preparation for a terrible snowstorm while another may use the few days before the storm arrives to visit friends or family in another area that will not be hit by the upcoming blizzard. There is no right and wrong answer. All survivalists must determine the best way to ensure their survival. While stocking up on food and other items may help one person to feel prepared for disaster, another may simply want to escape the disaster altogether as their means of survival.

Survivalism contains many facets, including mindset, preparation and acquisition. You must be prepared and have the state of mind to carry through your preparation in order to survive. You must also know how and when to set your survival plan into motion. No one can tell you that you are completely prepared for a disastrous situation. You must make this call yourself. If you are in doubt of your skills, then note which aspects that you need more work on and hone those skills. Survivalism is a mindset that will eventually become part of your life. Although it will not take over your life, it will always be there, ready when you need it. Once you are faced with an impending disaster or situation that requires survival skills, your survivalist instincts will kick in and you will find yourself prepared for the worst and praying for the best.