@ Sovereign Sentinel

In recent years, I have thought a lot about how we can free ourselves from centralized systems and build a parallel world where we have greater control over our own lives. I became interested in crypto in 2019 due to ideas about decentralization and separating money from the state. Last year, I realized Bitcoin's superiority as both a store of value and a medium of exchange, leading me to sell all other assets and dedicate my focus entirely to it. This is not my first Nostr account, but I created this new identity with the purpose of sharing my thoughts and ideas in a more in-depth and long-form format. Bitcoin provides us with the opportunity to exit the old system and build a new economy. It’s not just about money but about creating and using alternative systems on multiple levels: economy, social networks, education, health, privacy, and self-sufficiency. By gradually shifting parts of our lives to more decentralized and reliable systems, we can reduce our exposure to centralized institutions and build a future where individuals have greater freedom and autonomy. ### Why This Matters The world we live in is characterized by increased surveillance, censorship, and centralized control over both information and the economy. By actively choosing alternative systems, we can build an ecosystem where individual freedom is at the center. This post serves as an introduction to some of the most important areas where I´m trying make changes in my own life. ### Economic Systems The traditional financial system is built on central banks, government regulations, and inflationary monetary policy. Bitcoin offers a way out by being a decentralized, borderless, and censorship-resistant currency. Transitioning to a Bitcoin-based economy involves: - Trading directly with Bitcoin instead of fiat currency. - Use Bitcoin-only exchanges when investing in Bitcoin, such as **[Strike](https://strike.me/)**, **[Relai](https://relai.app/)**, **[Bull Bitcoin](https://bullbitcoin.com/)** and **[River](https://river.com/)** (US only). I prefer **Relai** as it is non-custodial, includes a built-in Lightning wallet, and is a European company. I have had good experiences with **Strike** due to its simplicity, though I have not yet tried the other platforms but have heard positive feedback about them. For peer-to-peer trading, [**Bisq**](https://bisq.network/) and **[RoboSats](https://robosats.com/)** are excellent alternatives that allow users to trade Bitcoin in a decentralized and private manner.  - Using alternative marketplaces based on peer-to-peer trade (e.g., [Shopstr](https://shopstr.store/), [LightningNetwork+ Market](https://lightningnetwork.plus/market)). Supporting and creating circular economies where services and products are bought and sold directly for Bitcoin. I want to explore peer-to-peer trading more and would appreciate any tips or recommendations.  - Utilizing the **Lightning Network** for fast and low-cost Bitcoin transactions. I use **[Alby Hub](https://getalby.com/)** to host my own Lightning wallet, which I then connect to **[Zeus](https://zeusln.app/)** on my mobile for full Lightning control. - I use **[Umbrel](https://umbrel.com/)** to run my own **Bitcoin and Lightning node**, which allows me to achieve full sovereignty over my funds and transactions. Another alternative for self-hosting a node is **[Start9](https://start9.com/)**, which offers a similar approach to decentralization and privacy. Using a self-hosted node enables seamless Lightning payments, improved privacy, and full control over transactions. It also allows me to verify my own transactions and contribute to the decentralization of the network. - **Being your own bank** by securely storing your Bitcoin in **hardware wallets** such as **[Jade](https://blockstream.com/jade/)** (my choice), **[Coldcard](https://coldcard.com/)**, or **[BitBox](https://shiftcrypto.ch/bitbox02/)**.  These devices allow you to safely store your private keys offline, protecting your funds from hacks and centralized failures.  This concept fascinated me the most when I first became interested in crypto—the idea of not having to rely on a third party to safeguard my assets. Ironically, this also led me into the DeFi rabbit hole for a while. 😅 ### Social Systems and Digital Freedom Big Tech dominates digital communication and collects vast amounts of user data. A parallel social ecosystem can be built through: - Using decentralized networks like **[Nostr](https://nostr.com/)** (I prefer [Yakihonne](https://yakihonne.com/), [Primal](https://primal.net/), and [Freerse](https://freerse.com/) as clients). - Participating in physical communities and local initiatives to reduce dependence on online platforms. However, I have found challenges in this area, as many local organizations and community groups rely heavily on mainstream apps for communication. - Using and supporting open-source software to strengthen this ecosystem. Closed systems often lack transparency, increase the risk of surveillance and censorship. By choosing open-source, we gain more transparency, control, and security. I am a complete beginner in this area and am focusing on finding better alternatives, so I am always open to advice and recommendations.  These are some of the alternatives I am currently exploring and using: - **Communication:** [Signal](https://signal.org/), [Matrix](https://matrix.org/). - **Browsers:** [Firefox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/), [Brave](https://brave.com/). - **Productivity:** [LibreOffice](https://www.libreoffice.org/), [Joplin](https://joplinapp.org/), [Nextcloud](https://nextcloud.com/) and [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/). - **Privacy-focused services:** [Proton](https://proton.me/) and [SimpleX Chat](https://simplex.chat/)  ### Health, Nutrition, and Embracing a Low Time Preference Freedom is not only about financial independence and digital sovereignty; it also includes physical and mental well-being. A strong body and mind enable long-term resilience. I try to follow these principles by prioritizing **nutrient-dense whole foods**, avoiding processed "fiat food," and embracing an **active lifestyle**, but I also stay mindful not to take it to extremes like carnivore or veganism. I do my best to choose regenerative farming and local food sources to support sustainable communities outside of centralized supply chains. Additionally, embracing a **low time preference mindset** enhances decision-making in finance, education, health, and personal development. This approach promotes patience, discipline, and a focus on sustainable, long-term success rather than immediate rewards. Since becoming a father, I have thought about this even more, wanting to build a strong foundation and leave a meaningful legacy for the future. By prioritizing long-term stability over short-term convenience, we gain greater autonomy and resilience in all areas of life. This principle is deeply embedded in Bitcoin culture and extends to all aspects of life. ### Education State-run school systems have long been the norm, but they suffer from standardization, political control, and a lack of individual adaptation. I make a conscious effort to focus on self-directed learning and critical thinking as a way to develop a deeper understanding and independence in both my personal and professional life. We have chosen to enroll our son in a private school that aligns with our values and that we actively help manage. Alternative educational paths can include: - **Self-directed learning** through platforms like [Khan Academy](https://www.khanacademy.org/), [Coursera](https://www.coursera.org/), and [Saylor Academy](https://www.saylor.org/). - **Strengthening critical thinking** by actively questioning information, exploring different perspectives, and applying source critique methods. - **Learning through experience and mentorship**, where practical skills and real-world application take precedence over purely theoretical knowledge and traditional grading systems. - **Homeschooling** as an alternative for families who want more control over their children's education. While I am not fully convinced if it is the right path for everyone, it does offer a way to tailor learning experiences to individual needs and values. ### Strategies for Transitioning to Parallel Systems Transitioning to greater freedom requires a step-by-step approach. The goal is to gradually detach from centralized systems and build self-sovereignty across finance, communication, health, and learning. Lately, this journey has really gotten me excited and made me more optimistic about the future. 1. **Economy:** Start accepting Bitcoin for small services, use the Lightning Network for micropayments. 2. **Social:** Use Nostr as your social media solution and experiment with Matrix and other decentralized apps to enhance your digital autonomy. 3. **Technology:** Prioritize the use of open-source software (OSS) whenever possible. 4. **Education:** Identify an area you want to learn more about and test an alternative learning method outside the state system. 5. **Privacy:** Begin using privacy-focused services for email, messaging, and browsing. 6. **Running a Node:** Set up your own Bitcoin and Lightning node using Umbrel or Start9 to gain full control over your transactions and privacy. 7. **Self-Custody:** Secure your Bitcoin with a hardware wallet to ensure full ownership and protection. 8. **Health:** Focus on whole foods, movement, and personal well-being as key aspects of independence. 9. **Embrace a low time preference:** To delay gratification and achieve greater long-term rewards. 10. **Spreading Knowledge:** Share your experiences and lessons with others to encourage more people to understand and engage in parallel systems. By educating and inspiring those around us, we can collectively build a stronger decentralized future. ### The Future of Parallel Systems Although many of the technological solutions are still in their infancy, many of the underlying principles – such as circular economies, physical communities, and local initiatives – are based on old and proven methods that have sometimes been forgotten. The more people choose to participate, the stronger they become. By choosing decentralized and self-governed alternatives, we can create a future where we have greater control over our own lives and reduce dependence on institutions that do not have our best interests at heart. One of my biggest challenges is spreading this perspective within my local community. I often find myself in conversations where people don't even see centralization as a problem, which makes it difficult to spark interest in alternatives. I sometimes struggle with finding alternatives that are both private and easy to use. While I see the value of OSS, I also understand why many stick to mainstream solutions. I plan to delve deeper into the various topics covered in this text in future posts, exploring their practical applications and challenges in greater detail. --- If you are reading this, you have already taken the first step by joining Nostr – which is a strong start! What does your journey look like? What tools do you use to become more independent? Share your experiences and tips! \#Bitcoin #SelfSovereignty #Decentralization #Freedom #Technology #OpenSource #Privacy #LightningNetwork #Nostr #LowTimePreference #Health #Nutrition #CircularEconomy