I sat crouched, bow in hand, in a small thicket of white pines, processing all of the different noises of the forest: rustling leaves rushed down the valley by the wind; the chittering of the squirrels high up in the tops of the hickories and oaks, deshelling nuts as they prepared for winter; and the clear water of the stream singing its own music as it flowed over the smooth sandy bottom.

These were the noises to which I had become accustomed after spending the last day tucked away deep in the hills of north Georgia on a beautiful weekend in September. I had intentionally stayed away from trails, roads or any areas where I was likely to encounter anyone. I was putting myself to the ultimate test of survival–—being alone.

Some of you might not think this is worthy of the title “the ultimate test,” but think, when was the last time you were alone? I don’t mean when you were at your house watching TV, but alone without any of the unnatural noises of the city, alone with nothing but your own thoughts. It’s hard to think of a time.

This isolation is something many do not consider when in a survival situation. It is usually underappreciated by many who call themselves survivalists, but in my opinion an understanding of the impact of solitude is key in the wilderness. When you are alone for an indefinite amount of time, you can begin to go crazy if you don’t pull yourself together mentally.

Whenever I go into the woods alone, whether it is just a pleasant stroll through the woods for an hour or a multiday trek across country, I take a minute or two to make sure my mind is in the right place. When you are truly trying to survive, on your own, it is natural to be frightened and overwhelmed in the beginning, so it is essential to take a minute to acknowledge that emotion and conquer it. Once this is done, you are in for a much more pleasant experience in the wilderness.

Becoming comfortable with being alone is not something that comes naturally. Most people can’t stay in solitude for very long (some can’t even deal with it for an hour). It has taken numerous hours and days spent alone with my own thoughts to arrive at this place of comfort and peace.

This inner peace isn’t just reassuring; it can become useful. Typically when you go on a solo, you go into the woods with some specific things you want to think about and ponder. I have found you can’t force these thoughts, but instead, you must let them come of their own accord. It is usually a very productive experience. I would recommend this meditative isolation to everyone, especially for those who have some big decisions to make.

Some word of warning and safety. Do this gradually; start off with six hours. Then slowly work your way up to longer periods of time. It is good to have someone come check on you to make sure you are alright, but they must be very stealthy so that you can remain alone. It is sometimes good to know there is someone out there watching over you.

Now, ask yourself, are you ready for the ultimate test of survival?