While I'm morally against the idea of becoming an absolute hermit, there is an appeal to to me about giving up more materialistic lifestyles. There seems to be some truth to the idea that the less you own or are attached to, the less you're worried about losing and that brings about an emotional security. At the same time, the less you own, the more mobile you're able to be. Someone who rents and could put all their possessions in a backpack or two would have a much easier time moving halfway across the country on a whim than someone who owns a house filled to the brim with stuff. For the latter, being able to unload everything both literally and emotionally might be a bit of a challenge.I could understand the urge to just drop everything and flee to the country.
I agree with you. I think flirting with isolation is something people love to do. People love to stay at home on weekends with hot chocolate and movies, they like taking boats out to fish, or going on weekend hikes. Being alone and away is a good way to recuperate. On the other hand, I did get to experience the bad end of that. Several years ago I picked up all my stuff and moved far away from home, and all my friends and family. I got sick enough at one point that I landed myself in ER, but with no friends or family, it was a very isolated and stressful experience. I wonder how the people living their lives in those mountains deal with that kind of isolation.
The struggles of being isolated definitely illustrate the importance of being a part of a community. Even if you're in good health, emotionally, mentally, and physically, there's probably challenge after challenge out their. Chances are the few people that do choose to pursue asceticism/hermit lifestyles allow themselves an out if they decide it's ever time to change. Something along the lines of "I'm leaving guys. If I decide to come back though, mind if I give you a call? I might need help."