Positive Quiddity: The Rules of Adventure

The Rules of Adventure

from Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales

Perceive, believe, then act.
Avoid impulsive behavior; don't hurry
Know your stuff
Get the information
Commune with the dead
Be humble
When in doubt, bail out

When Trouble Comes

1. Perceive, believe (look, see [reality], believe [that you are really in danger and must be alert]

2. Stay calm (use humor, use fear to focus)

3. Think/Analyze/Plan (get organized – set up small, manageable tasks)

4. Take correct, decisive action (be bold and cautious while carrying out tasks)

5. Celebrate your successes (take joy in completing tasks)

6. Count Your Blessings (be grateful – you're alive)

7. Play (sing, play mind games, recite poetry, count anything, do mathematical problems in your head)

8. See the beauty (remember, it's a vision quest)

9. Believe you will succeed (develop a deep conviction that you'll live)

10. Surrender (let go of your fear of dying; "put away the pain")

11. Do whatever is necesssay (be determined; have the will and the skill)

  12.   Never give up (let nothing break your spirit)