Self Sufficiency: November 2007 Archives

I wanted to split some wood for my stove a couple of weeks ago. It's something I'd never done, but with great enthusiasm I went outside to the log pile to prove to myself that "I'm strong and can do anything"!  With my son's camp axe I began to hack away with all my might, sound effects and all, splitting the logs, feeling quite empowered and absolutely exhausted and in pain after five or six splits!

A neighbor who had been hearing and watching my sincere efforts walked over and gently inquired if she could show me how she had learned to split wood. I welcomed the training session and with gratitude and new information carried on and managed to get a few more logs split (not many), with a little less effort (not that much less). My back was still screaming for mercy.

Later that day I went to a friend's house where my son would be learning some wilderness skills. The next thing I knew, I was in the midst of a fabulous lesson on splitting wood and making fires!  I learned three very important things. I needed to use a splitting maul, instead of the camp axe; I needed to use my entire body; and I needed to have a clear focus of mind. What a huge difference this made. There were other details, but these were the standouts for me.

I now know how to split wood in a way that engages full focus, uses minimal energy, and without the physical stress. Just like any art, I am practicing this skill. Most importantly I have added one more thing to my "I can do this" list.

The true gift is that in one day, with my desire to learn how to split wood, opportunities presented themselves one right after the other. Growing in self-sufficiency every day.

Click below for specific tips on splitting wood: