I am just finishing up 3 days of being unplugged at a state park in Indian. It has been wonderful! I have slept a lot, meditated a lot, wrote a lot, journaled, reflected, walked and ran. The key is to decompress, to really let everything go. How do you do that you ask. I am looking back now over the last 5 years at times I really was able to let everything go. There are only a handful of times: The first was 5 days at the monastery in the NM desert in August 2019; 12 days of backpacking at Philmont in June 2021, stepping into silence retreat at the center for artful living for five days in Dec of 2021; six days backpacking with my extended family in the Montana wilderness in July 2023, the seven-day Thrive Alps experience in September 2023 and 3 days here in Turkey Run, IN in April 2024. What do these things have in common?
- They are multi day, at least 3.
- I disconnect my phone or give it away completely.
- There is lots of time in nature.
- Very simple and limited activities available, sleeping, walking, journaling, meditating, sitting, reading, cooking with very limited ingredients, watching nature.
- Some solo Time
I have had many other great outdoor and adventure experiences alone and with others. Why wasn’t I able to completely decompress? First is the phone connection. If my phone is connected to the outside world, I cannot let go completely. Full stop. That is key. At first, I thought it was only times when I was silent or alone for extended periods, but that is not the case. Three of the above were with others. However, there is solo time in each of these, where I would go walking by myself in the woods, or meditate, or watch a sunset or sunrise. I can unplug and let go even in a group.
What does unplugging, or decompressing look like? For me it is permission to just be and let go of all to-do lists. I simply can’t do that if my phone is connected. The first thing I notice is permission to rest. In my normal life, most of the time, even if I am tired, I have a hard time turning off and sleeping. I use apps on my phone to help me most nights or naps and when I wake up early in the morning as well. None of those are needed when I am unplugged. I truly let go of everything and give myself permission to rest as much as I want. My first night here, I was asleep by 7:40 PM and slept over 10.5 hours and then napped twice more during the day. Wow! I was exhausted. That is the main reason I took this retreat. I felt tire and am glad I am tuning into my body more. I used to push through until I got sick and was forced to rest.
It is writing, journaling and maybe writing on a book as I did this time. Usually I do that writing outdoors, even if it is cool or raining, like this time. I would dress warm and find a picnic shelter to protect from the rain and write on paper, so I am not tempted by the computer.
It is long walks in nature where all I am doing is paying attention with all my senses and in awe and wonder with it.
It is reading something calming and connecting, wisdom literature. This time it was Chip Conly’s new book Learning to Love Midlife. This book gave good opportunities to reflect and write too.
It is just sitting, with my mind quiet without trying. I did that for 45 minutes yesterday.
Here’s what’s interesting. I tell myself I don’t have time to take such breaks. There is too much to do. What if my family needs me? What will my colleagues think? What if there is an issue with the podcast? Of course, there is basic prep to do a few things ahead and let everyone know I am off the grid. But here is what’s most interesting, the two biggest issues I have been wrestling with, one personal and one professional, came into full clarity in this unplugged time. While I did “nothing” it was the most progress I have made on those in months. So not only is it reflective and refreshing, but it is also the most productive time on the important issues.
I am planning to unplug every 6 months and turn off my phone for part of my sabbath each week as well.
When do you unplug and let go completely? What makes it work for you? If you are feeling tired and don’t know why, check when was the last time you completely disconnected for several days to recharge? How can you work it into your life.
See if you can find some unplugged time this weekend to nurture you. Your future self will thank you and it might even be the most productive time you spend this week.
Have a great weekend,
Art