Into the Wind: My Six-Month Journey Wandering the World for Life's Purpose

by Jake Ducey

Without a map, nineteen-year-old Jake Ducey leaves behind a drug-filled life and college basketball scholarship to wander the world and prove we can find our dreams by following our heart. On the outskirts of civilization, often uncertain, without money and near death, he finds that everything he was seeking in the world was within him the whole time. Journeying from Guatemala to Australia, Indonesia to Thailand, and ending with fourteen days of silent meditation, he shows that our destiny is in reach if we only look within ourselves first.
Foreword by Laird Hamilton, World Surfing Champion

"Jake's book will move you to pursue your wildest dreams." Laird Hamilton, World Surf Champion

"Decades ago there were visionaries at Apple Inc. who changed the world; Steve Jobs and me. Now Jake is here to transform the world in his own right." Steve Wozniak, (co-founder of Apple Inc.)

"Jake's journey and book are proof that when we follow the Law-of-Attraction miracles become regularities and we live our wildest dreams while love surrounds us!" Richard Cohn (Publisher of the Secret/Founder of Beyond Words Publishing)

"Jake's book shows that if you Make-A-Wish and act on it, you're rewarded. Inspiring!" Frank Shankwitz (Founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation)

"Jake is proof that when we trust in Spirit we achieve whatever we put our minds to, including changing the world." Leah Amico (three time Olympic Gold Medalist, motivational speaker)

"Jake's book shows that no matter your age, you can Think and Grow Rich, but that wealth begins within." Greg S. Reid (NYT Bestselling author-Napoleon Hill Foundation

"Jake's big vision and unlimited passion will push you to do more to become a leader for a new way of life with endless possibilities." Forbes Riley
Lisa McCourt, author of the Hay House book, Juicy Joy - 7 Simple Steps to Your Glorious, Gutsy Self, as well as many books for young people that have sold over 5.5 million copies, said: "With a raw, authentic passion for his mission, Jake Ducey is bringing New Thought principles of truth and love to a whole new generation of seekers. I'm so excited to watch the unfolding of this blossoming visionary."

"Jake's book and ability to speak will take you from your transition phase to one of success and purpose." Johnny Campbell, The Transition Man (Speaker Hall of Fame 2007)

"Jake's adventures of illuminating past mistakes into divine greatness is an inspiration for anyone wanting to go beyond their negative mental conditioning." Dr. David Corbin (Author, inventor, life coach)
"Jake is a fearless and daring young man with a message and journey that'll make you leap off the edge of comfort to your destiny" Nik Halik (Thrillionaire, author and motivational speaker)

"Want inspiration to live the impossible dream? Read Jake's book. Listen to him speak." David E. Stanley (Bestselling author, Renowned Public Speaker)

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2013

About the author

At the young age of nineteen, California surfer, Jake Ducey dropped out of college, left behind a drug filled life and went in search of deeper meaning. His quest led him on a life changing journey that has resulted in his debut book: Into the Wind; My Six-Month Journey Wandering the World for Life's Purpose (Waterside Publishing) being released in April 2013. Upon return from his spiritual adventure he raised the funds to build a school and home in San Marcos, near Lake Atitlan in Guatemala to support orphans who are taken care of by a Quiché Maya Shaman. Jake's profound transformation from a college drop-out and drug addict to a inspirational author and motivational speaker had led him into social and environmental activism, including a three-day unlawful detainment for protesting the Keystone XL Oil Pipeline. He has since formed the non-profit organization The Self Reliance Institute (a 501 C3) organization devoted to providing essential resources and opportunities for young people to become more self-reliant. He is author a contributing author to The Rise by NY Times bestselling author Greg S. Reid. A certified yoga-instructor, poet and lyricist, Jake is determined to share his empowering messages to ignite and inspire a new generation of truth seekers.

Without a map, or a plan nineteen-year-old Jake Ducey left behind a drug-fueled life and college basketball scholarship to wander the world in search of meaning. His spiritual adventure resulted in his debut book Into the Wind: My Six-Month Journey Wandering the World for Life’s Purpose (Waterside Press/ April 11, 2013). Through his fearless journey, without money and near death Jake shows that we can find our dreams by following our heart and letting our spirit be guided by the “wind.”

Journeying from Guatemala, where he encounters a chance meeting with a Mayan Shaman and volunteers with Orphans, to finding himself backpacking and living in a tent in Australia, to nearly loosing his life in Indonesia and finally ending up at a fourteen day silent meditation retreat in Thailand; Jake shows that our destiny is in reach if we only look within ourselves first. He finds that everything he was seeking in the world was within him the whole time. Miracles and synchronicities abound and his life becomes a true chronicle of what is possible when we surrender to life with an open heart and humility.

Reviews

[Amber Leon · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are lots of lies in the circumstances for this story. Jake was definitely a pill popper and a drinker, but he started to trip on heavy psychedelics. In high school he was a complete asshole, and everyone who knows him is aware of past personality. When he "traveled to find himself" he actually stole money from his dad and bought a one way international plane ticket to escape the actions he made. He was so stupid he lost his wallet after landing in the first location. And when he visited the families in the slums and made them food, on video the kids say "it tastes bad" when he asks them if they like the soup. Refer to the news report for that source. This book has such a massive delusion of grandeur it's hilarious. It goes to show that good marketing will make anything popular. Save your money, don't buy this book OR the next one he's ramping up. 90% of these reviews are from family and friends who enjoy looking at his half-retarded grin, or his silly youtube videos. I wish he still had the old youtube videos up from before this book launch. They were absolutely nuts, and showed heavy signs of schizophrenia and bi-polar tenancies. Videos of him laughing in the mirror as therapy, or sitting in the car alone whispering to the camera all the epiphany's he experienced recently.

Why did I spend the time to write this review? Because I enjoy sharing some truth about a person who doesn't deserve anything but a high-five and a thank you. The fact that he haggles facebookers and reviews for MORE likes MORE reviews and MORE referrals after they thank him is gross. So yeah, that's my 10 minutes of writing for the day Jake. You imbecile.

[Miki Lemoine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice true story by young author. Positive message of love and finding your soul's true life path.

[Flyingbroom · Rating 1 out of 5]

Anyone who watched this guy's videos on YouTube certainly wouldn't expect him to write a masterpiece. But, folks... This is BAAAAAD!!! Basically, it's a bunch of new age cliches you've heard a million times before, but told in a uber-pretentious and vacuous way that makes it even less credible. At a certain point, completely out of the blue, he even describes himself sharting (which is kind of ironic since the book is a pile of sh*t from beginning to end). The whole thing is so ridiculous that it's actually entertaining, in a way... That is, if you can get past the second-hand embarrassment you get out of it!

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read half this and I am stopping now. It wasn't what I expected. I was hoping to hear more about his travels. It seemed way to heavy handed about the lessons he learned.

[Jenny Andaya ulstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, REALLY enjoyed this book! This became close to my heart very quickly. I related so much to everything that was written and I saw it as a great reminder of the gifts of being alive, seeing the possibilites of what life has to offer if you tune into your heart, listen to your intuition and showing you the importancy of doing just that. I also admire Jakes courage to follow his dream and leave despite of what society expects of him. As a person with constant wanderlust and currently being on my path to discover my own truth, like experiencing life with new eyes, I found this hugely inspirational. Truly a gift! The rest, you need to read yourself :)

[Cindy Dabbous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Ducey is an inspiring, walk-the-talk, author that really knows what it takes to abandon your limiting beliefs and make your deepest desires come true. I had the pleasure of going to one of his "Awaken Your Greatness" workshops as well (that's where I got his book). I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in person with him and learning his techniques to building the life of his dreams. His message is transformative, his book is really enjoyable to read, and I would recommend it for anyone who is searching for their true purpose.

[Ramona Gherghe · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dream awake, don't live asleep"
Most of us are busy gambling on the most dangerous risk of all -living our whole life not doing what we want "on the bet that we can buy the freedom to do it later."
"I was realising that when we are born with certain privileges, even ones as running water, we often become dull to the gifts they are."

[Gina Diederich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes the courage of overcoming one's fears of assimilating into an unknown culture seem worth every ounce of effort.

[Dawn Brintnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly an inspiring book...

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I highl recommend it!

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Into the wind has taught me to see life through a different perspective. Standing in the same position (trying to find myself) as Jake Ducey in the beginning of his journey I was able to relate and fully enjoy the book. I am a pretty slow reader plus I was trying to grasp as much as I can out of this book so it did take me a while than reading a random novel. I would recommend this book to anybody who is currently in a position where they don't know exactly who they are, what they want, and where to go. It has shown me that life is much simpler than what we make it to be!

[Sophie Barendsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book more than I thought I would. Came to me at the right time in my life.

[Rafal Szymanski · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book goes through a story of Jake, an American who is trying to a find his purpose to life and find answers to life's larger questions. He travels to Guatemala, Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand, and the book depicts his meetings with locals and how he integrated with the local culture unlike many other tourists.

At times I felt the book to be too much in the spirit of "The Alchemist" or something along the "The Secret", with talk of synchronicity in the universe, and how just thinking about something will make it come about. Nevertheless, the book is written well (albeit with a couple of spelling mistakes on the Kindle version (shift -> shit)) and I enjoyed reading the stories and parables all of which are uplifting. I particularly enjoyed the author's account of his 14-day Vipassana meditation retreat – the difficulties and the great rewards that come with it. I plan to go on such a retreat when I think I'm strong enough. The book is short enough to read in one afternoon.

[Lettie · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the book he claimed to be homeless and broke, while at the same time said he started out with thousands of dollars- five or eight thousand? I can't remember correctly. Anyway, he also had left an apartment to go jetting about. Had friends/family wire him money when he lost his wallet. this man is no inspiration, his writing style is crap and his story is filled with delusions of self importance. Chalk it up to another one of my generation drowning in entitlement and being enabled by people who know how to market crap in order to make a dollar off a puppet.

[Christopher Caplan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read and I'm excited see how Jake develops in the next decade.

The three star rating is partly because I know he has so much more potential than this and partly because I am jealous.

I highly recommend this book to millennials (and other such humanoids) who have been stricken by acute nihilism. (For more advanced forms of nihilism consult your doctor.)

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has now officially become my all time favorite.

It has truly opened up my eyes and has allowed me to view the world in a much different light. It has inspired me to finally pursue those dreams and make them a reality. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring.

[Jonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good lessons in this book, more a reflection on what we all should know.
A good read overall, quite light.

[Jose Amezcua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake did well! He shared his knowledge about how he discovered his purpose in life. I think if you are confused about what to do in life you need to read this book. I'd like to read his next book.

[Alison]

kindle 180 (travel / inspirational)

[M A R Y A M ⚘ م ر ي م · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Jake as I knew him from YouTube. This book is more like a travel memoir with spiritual eyes.. very poetic.. really enjoyed it.

[Adil A Rahman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Mikie Allan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really did not enjoy. Felt preachy. It is the epitome of your friend who goes to Europe for two weeks and comes back “cultured”

[Megan Tegman · Rating 1 out of 5]

self-important, pretentious, fake-woke Better Than Thou enlightenment drivel.

[Jilles · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely and inspiring book although on the whole perhaps a bit to saccharin for my taste.