Needing some Sit Spot help

I tend to need help with these sorts of things, either because of perfectionist tendencies, or just because I need to think things out out loud before I find my own answers.

I'm not so sure about the sit spot I've chosen. I live in an urban area, which offers certain challenges and certain opportunities.

I've chosen a spot in a little green space behind the Church down the street, but I don't feel safe to practice fox walk or any other moving around when I'm there, because someone could come by at any moment and see me.

I guess the best bet would be to have two sit spots, one here in the city, and one outside of the city a ways. I don't know. I tried that before and just found it hard to find the motivation to spend such a huge chunk of time on the weekend doing this activity. I only have two days in the week when I don't have to work, and during those days I have to get a lot of things done: grocery shopping, laundry, etc. So much of my time is scheduled and controlled, I didn't like having my weekends scheduled as well - I use that time to wander and relax, letting myself do whatever I feel.

Yeah, so I'm not too sure what to do. I'll just keep doing whatever I'm doing, trying to figure this out as I practice it at the same time, but any thoughts would be much appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by PEZ on November 18, 2009 at 11:27am: I think it's important to find a spot with more privacy so you can sit and observe without being observed. I would suggest that you look around a bit more. See if you can't find a bigger patch of nature...

When I first started, I chose a little water retention pond in my neighborhood. It was just a 2 minute walk from my front door so it was very convenient. But I always felt so self conscious going in and out of there because people would see me. I hated doing it for that reason. I kept it up for maybe 4-5 weeks but could never relax and was always on the lookout for people. When I started Kamana 2 and the sit spot became a bigger part, I went further. Against all the advice, I picked a spot that is a 5-6 minute drive away. It is a 700 acre watershed and then I walk in a little over 1/2 mile in. The 1/2 mile walk wasn't really necessary but this is such a great location that I really love going to it. I could have picked a spot 200 yards in and been happy there too, I am sure. It's now been almost a year and I have been going - not quite everyday but 4 or 5 times per week, I would say. I have gotten so much out of this. Seek and you will find the right place for you...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Misha, Cougar, Michelle Wruck on November 18, 2009 at 5:28pm: Thanks for the encouragement Pez, and for the advice. There is a huge city park within a couple minutes drive from where I live and I'm sure I could find a secretive spot in there. I'll have to do some wandering.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kate Guenther on November 19, 2009 at 4:30am: Another idea, if you find a spot in the larger part- or even at the church-- is to practice some of the "self-consciousness" things like fox walking at dusk or dawn in low light, or when others just aren't around. It sounds like the short drive to the big park is potentially going to pay off for you, though, despite the drive.

Another idea is to wear a uniform to your spot- a camo one. Maybe not real camo which might make you feel like you stick out in the city, but a city version of that. Then you can practice being invisible from people even in a challenging, busy environment. Over my time in Kamana, I've taken to wearing a camo "uniform" most days and my wardrobe has switched to browns and greens just so I can blend in wherever I am at. Thrift stores are great for this.

Here's my story: I was out picking berries and I heard a truck coming up the road. I got one of those instant urges to hide, for some reason, and I crouched down. But I was wearing a bright tie-dye psychedelic shirt. The guy stopped the truck, pointed at me and said to his wife-- "Look there's a person up there!" I was mortified and waved feebly. Since then, since I never know when I may get another urge to hide, I try to dress in ways that give me an advantage.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by PEZ on November 20, 2009 at 7:22am: Kate,

Where does this urge to hide come from? I do it too. I will be foxwalking and hear joggers coming and I step 5 paces off the trail into the brush and let them pass by. I wear dark green wool pants (with goretex lining - Pacific NorthWet) and a cammo jacket (also goretex) and hat. I disappear very easily in the brush. I thought it was just me...

Michelle, let us know what you find at the park... - pez; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Misha, Cougar, Michelle Wruck on November 20, 2009 at 12:17pm: I tend to hide as well. I just think it's cool that I can be right there and they don't know I'm there. It makes me feel like a fox - being in the middle of the city, making my way through unseen. It makes me feel more connected to the other animals around, and it makes me feel like I'm doing a good Kamana job. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kate Guenther on November 21, 2009 at 8:09am: Somewhere in the Kamana materials, I think on the Seeing Thru Native Eyes CD's, Jon Young talks about this urge to hide and how common it is once you start to be in the woods differently-- so I think we all have caught it! If I recall correctly, he says it is an instinctual response to seek the advantage of seeing the unknown before it sees you-- and thus is a safety/survival instinct. I know I get the feeling very strong frequently. It's fine unless you get caught and then you look like a dweeb.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by WildernessWillie on November 26, 2009 at 6:18am: I have several sit spots. Some of my favorites are at local state parks. If you have any state parks that are close by perhaps a spot just little bit off the trail would work. I tend to use them as well as some of the areas that I hunt. Weekends are normally busy at the state parks, but only in the summer. This time of year there are few visitors and during the summer/busy season I go during the week. This allows privacy (which is important) as well as I can observe without being seen. Hope this helps and best wishes in finding that perfect sit spot; ▶ Reply to This