Robert Perkins: 3 Steps from Wall Street to Wilderness Canoe

Back in the summer of 1987, Robert Perkins quit his job as a Wall street insurance executive and flew to the remote Canadian town of Yellowknife. He dropped a 17-foot canoe into the Back River, in the deep Northwest Territories. This man carried with him everything he would need to survive and document the 72 days and 600 miles he predicted would be required to become the first solitary canoeist ever to reach the river's mouth at the Arctic Ocean. Why the rush?

After years as a printmaker and struggling to be a full-time painter, he fell in love with a woman whose family wanted him to prove he could get a good job, make money, and earn respect. Eager for approval, he responded to the challenge by landing a corporate Manhatten job, and the couple moved in 1984. Two months later, the woman left him because he was no longer the man she knew. Perkins felt very alone with his new job and financial security. After two years, physically and emotionally exhausted, all he could think about was quitting and finding a canoe in the wilderness. What can we learn from his quest for solitude?

1) True wisdom is found far from people. The only way you can listen to yourself is to learn to step back from what you know and learn to perceive differently. Rethink your understanding of space and time, as well as priorities. What are your external influences? What can you discard? Perkins realized that the life he had created for himself wasn't what he really wanted. As he looked more deeply into nature, he realized this was a way to experience his feelings as they were.

2)Establish your sense of worth. Perkins felt defeated and guilty in the world he had created for himself. His family couldn't grasp why he headed off in a canoe to the Arctic. He came to the point where had to do something and redefine his view of an acceptable way of living. If he was to go up there to die, that was his choice. He accepted the unforeseen consequences. He chose the journey and took the risk as a challenge to prove himself to himself and to nobody else.

3)Create your own sense of "validation." Step back from society or other reasons you think you need external approval. Perkins became fascinated with his own shadow. Seeing himself for what he was was the only thing that validated him. This proved he existed. In such a situation, with life focused on survival, a person just doesn't care what other people think. Get to the point where you can "make up your own mind," In essence, you are your only company and muct take strengths and weaknesses at face value.

Comments

[Olga Morrill]

I was moved by Robbie's experience, all the more so because I knew him in grade school. How crushing to change your life for the love of someone, only to have them no longer love you when they do! I applaud his recovery from what must have been devastating experience. I applaud the means by which he recovered. Going "back to Nature" may sound trite, but in reality it is balm to the soul, an all-encompassing diversion and an affirmation of life all at once.
And let this be a lesson to all of us to be true to ourselves whatever we do and whoever we are, regardless of social pressure to be more "normal."

[Liara Covert]

Olga, it can certainly be eye-opening to reflect on the evolution of our own lives. To have known someone who has made significant life changes can positively influence our own self-reflection and action. I believe each of us creates our own sense of "normal." This vision will evolve with us, if we choose and if we're able to separate ourselves from other people's assumptions. It takes courage to be yourself. We all have the potential to do it.

[Robb]

Liara,
I saw this film back in the early 90's, not in too a dissimilar situation as to Roberts. It made a huge impact upon me, helped turn my soul to Nature and to heal and change my life. A bit after my life brought me to New Zealand where I found the mountains and my soul found home. I need to watch tis again. Thank you for bringing back such important memories.
Rangimarie,
Robb

[Liara Covert]

Robb, it is uplifting to learn you have taken steps to transform your life. As human beings evolve to change their self-perception, they realize a process of raising self-awareness is behind every decision. No physical- geographical change occurs without the accompanying mental and psychological journey. I have known people to experience 'eureka moments' which have triggered changes in job, relationship, lifestyle and other self-created priorities. It can be illuminating to retrace some of the threads of your life.

You may enjoy the Jon Krakaur's book, "Into the Wild." It is about an American honour student who donated his savings to charity and gave up the life he knew to return to Nature in Alaska. This true story made into a movie in 2007.