Former outfitting business owner and nature lover, Wes Atkinson, discusses his deep connection with nature and the significance of sacred spots in his happiness and identity. He reflects on his childhood fascination with outdoor games and the emotional aspects of his upbringing. The podcast also covers upcoming retreats and subscription details.
Wes Atkinson's journey highlights the importance of maintaining a genuine passion for hunting, as commercialization can diminish the true essence of the activity.
The emotional complexity of taking a life while hunting is significant, emphasizing the need to understand the weight and responsibility that comes with wielding a weapon.
Deep dives
Hunting as a Path of Self-Discovery
Hunting served as a tool for self-discovery for Wes Atkinson, who grew up in a remote area of Northwest Colorado. From a young age, he found solace and comfort in nature, becoming fascinated with animals and learning to hunt. However, as he grew older and commercialized his passion, he realized that he had lost the true essence and love for hunting. This led him to question the direction of his life and the challenge of changing course. Wes also reflects on the dangers of monetizing one's passion and the potential loss of the love for what one truly enjoys.
The Significance of the First Animal Kill
Wes Atkinson recounts his first experience of hunting and killing an animal at a young age. He vividly remembers the excitement and sense of accomplishment he felt. However, what stood out for him was the lack of emotional response from his father, creating a feeling of disconnection. Wes reflects on the complexity of the emotional experience of taking a life and the impact it had on him personally. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the power and responsibility that comes with holding a weapon, especially at a young age.
Recognition of Imbalance in the Hunting Paradigm
After building a successful outfitting company focused on hunting, Wes Atkinson began to question the imbalance and lack of alignment he felt between hunting, commerce, and his own personal values. He realized that the commercialization of hunting had turned it into a separate, detached activity, losing its connection to the land and the feminine energy represented by the mother. This prompted Wes to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the spiritual aspects of hunting and restoring his relationship with nature and the feminine energy.
Psychedelics and the Restoration of the Hunter's Way
Wes Atkinson shares how his encounters with psychedelic substances, specifically what he refers to as 'grandmother,' have significantly influenced his understanding of hunting and restored his connection to nature and consciousness. These experiences enabled Wes to explore a deeper sense of self and recognize the unification between hunting and the land. Psychedelics opened up portals for Wes to access a higher level of awareness and understanding, challenging his preconceptions and leading him to a more balanced and healing approach to hunting.
Wes Atkinson grew up kinda wild and largely unsupervised in a very remote part of Colorado. Nature was his sanctuary. As an adult, Wes ran a thriving outfitting business where he guided hunters all over the world. But then a quiet voice suggested it might be time to rethink his life, and he realized that indeed, something important — something sacred — …
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode