Struggling With The Burden of Truth and Knowledge

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The burden of truth and knowledge has always been a struggle for me personally.  Some days, this struggle is so powerful that my head hurts from sorting through fact and innuendo; so much so that I just want to shout “enough” and give up the effort to stay enlightened.

I first wrote about the burden of truth and knowledge back in September 2012.  Sadly, not a whole lot has changed since then.  If anything, this struggle has become worse as we deal with increased threats of cyber terrorism and worse.

As with all things related to survival and preparedness, chances are if I am having feelings in this direction, many others are as well.  For that reason, today I am updating my original muse in an effort  to help others deal with this overwhelming and all-encompassing of burden of truth and knowledge.

The Exhausting Burden of of Truth

Without conscious effort, this burden can be both exhausting and debilitating.  One merely has to look around, read some news, or watch a little television to realize that there is major subterfuge going on.  Knowing that deceit and trickery are around every corner, we are forced to dig deeply to examine facts, evaluate actions, and derive truthful conclusions based on evidence and fact rather than spin, propaganda, and political innuendo.

Not only is that time-consuming to constantly seek the truth hidden in the web of lies, but that truth and knowledge can begin to eat at our very core, manifesting itself in the relentless and unstoppable pursuit of even more knowledge, more facts and sadly, more acceptance that our world as we have known it is doomed.

What Triggers the Search for the Truth?

Just what exactly is happening to cause this pursuit?  Let us start with just a few examples.

A worsening global economy fueled by excess government spending, undeserved entitlements, and a dearth of decent, well-paying jobs

The likelihood of massive food shortages within the next few years due to adverse weather patterns and droughts

The threat of  laboratory mutations causing a worldwide pandemic

Ongoing and insidious use of political and government power to reign in and control the masses

False and misleading statistics are taken out of context and being paraded as truths

Manipulation of our food supply via misguided bioengineering without due regard for our health

The expansion of the super rich, the elimination of the middle class, and the swelling of the working class

Enforced non-ratified taxes in the form of “Obamacare” (aka The Affordable Care Act) that will impoverish those who were just barely making ends meet, by requiring high payments, high penalties, and causing the inability to receive medical care without it

Propaganda and fear are used to influence where you live, what you purchase, and how you deal with healthcare

An increasingly militarized police force that often deals out the death penalty right on the streets without anything resembling a judge or jury

Personal freedoms and liberties are being sacrificed, in the United States, at least, by quiet little Executive Orders that carry a big punch

Need I go on?  I think not since the enlightened are already aware of the malfeasance that attempts to control and manipulate our lives.

Recently I posed this question on Facebook:

I have been musing with the Shelly, (aka the Survival Husband), on the burden of knowledge versus oblivion. Does anyone else feel it? The burden, that is.Wouldn’t life be easier if we simply ignored the truth?

The Ultimate Burden of Knowledge

I was overwhelmed with emails that related anecdotal stories of the personal strife created by this very same muse.  Family members accusing them of being crazy, friends and co-workers tagging them as nut jobs, and the despondency created when trying to awaken the blind to the truth about our world were a recurrent theme.

In a perfect world, I would like to think that we – as an educated and modern society – would face these burdens together.  But alas, our world is not perfect.  Not that it ever has been but now, with the proliferation of the electronic age, we are more aware of just how imperfect the world and society have become.  This same electronic age, and the internet specifically, has allowed the powers-that-be to create false flags and falsehoods with rapid deployment via recognized news channels. How can you really blame the uninformed for accepting such lies at face value?

Most people would prefer to accept the reality presented by “reality shows” like that one about the Kardashians than the reality that is smacking them in the face. Cognitive dissonance affects the overwhelming majority of the country, who would rather discuss which actress wore what shocking outfit to an award show, than the real problems that threaten us all.

Many of us find that our shoulders are not strong enough to carry this burden alone.  And yet we attempt to do so in the very best way we can.  We stock up on food, we learn survival and coping skills and we become accustomed to living with less not because we have to but because we may be forced to one month, one year, or even ten years from now.  It can be a lonely journey.

How lovely it would be get up each morning, put on a happy face and go about the day.  With a few extra dollars in our wallet, perhaps we would purchase some new shoes or go spend $100 on a night out on the town.  An emergency fund?  What is that?  Pay off credit card debt?  What for?  Just keep on smiling, keep on having a good time and assume that if something bad happens, the government or those crazy preppers will take care of us.

And so, if you are like me, you do your best to carry on in spite of it all.  Some days are better than others.

After work, if the sun is out and the chores are done, you might take a hike or hit the lake in your kayak.  On other days, things are not so pleasant.  Time is spent reading, writing, learning, sharing – doing whatever it takes to keep spirits alight and optimism – now cautious – alive.

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The Final Word

I share this short essay with you today as much as a catharsis for myself as a message to let you know that you are not alone as you internalize your knowledge and attempt to come to terms with its effect on your life, your loved ones, and your moral values.

We all need coping mechanisms and tools to deal with this very real human condition called survival.  As you pick your way among those tools, be secure in the knowledge that by learning and living to be self-sufficient and self-reliant, you are taking control of your life and living it in the very best way you can.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye

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 We have not heard much about Ebola or other pandemics lately but you can bet that the risk is still out there.  Here are some sick room supplies to have on hand as a preventative measure in the event things get serious.  Note that I am including a couple of amusements as well.  See the article: Seven Facts You Should Know About Ebola (or any other pandemic).

3M N95 Particulate & Respirator Mask: This is an inexpensive mask that can be used in a variety of emergency situations. They come in a box of 20 and are NIOSH-certified. The molded cone design is fluid and splash resistant and will greatly reduces your exposure to airborne particles.

Moldex 2730 N100 Respirator Mask:  Do not confuse P100 masks with the N100s.  N100 is what you want since the P100’s are used to filter particulate only and not gasses and vapors.  Note that if you are on the small side, you will need to order the smaller version which is the Moldex 2731.

Disposable Protective Coveralls: There are plenty to choose from.  I purchased these DuPont White Tyvek Disposable Coveralls With Hood in a medium and it fit me okay with a bit of excess room left over.  Shelly needs a large, definitely.

3M TEKK Protection Chemical Splash/Impact Goggle:  I read a ton of reviews before settling on these.  I was so impressed with both the fit and comfort that I ordered another pair to use as a spare.  These are great and the price is right.

Spark Naturals Essential Oils:  It is no secret that I prefer essential oils from Spark Naturals.  They are well priced and of the highest therapeutic quality.  You enjoy an additional 10% off all items, including sale items, when using code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout.  In addition, SN announces a discounted “Item of the Week” every Monday, and yes, the extra 10% discount will apply.

Shield Protective Blend:  Here is a direct link to one my most diffused essential oils.  If you can only afford a few oils, I would suggest Shield, Lavender and Melaleuca (Tea Tree).

Bicycle Canasta Games Playing Cards:  This timeless classic will keep the entire family occupied when the power it out.  Playing cards or board games should be in everyone’s preparedness kit.

Ticket To Ride: This my favorite board game, bar none.  Family friendly, you will spend hours in front of the fireplace playing Ticket to Ride with your favorite people.  This is worth the splurge.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter:  The LifeStraw is considered the most advanced, compact, ultra light personal water filter available. It contains no chemicals or iodinated resin, no batteries and no moving parts to break or wear out. It weighs only 2oz.  making it perfect for the prepper. For more information, see my LifeStraw review.

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