Hope you’re creating a wonderful week for yourself.
I’m just back from some R&R at one of my favorite spots, Kripalu. I’ve been going there for about 14 years or so to recharge my batteries.
Things at Kripalu have definitely changed over the years. It’s not just the addition of coffee in the dining room (YEP!). Now there’s WiFi and it’s a little harder to completely disconnect which is one of the reasons I enjoy my time there.
Lately I’ve felt the need to unplug more often. I’d unsuccessfully tried to have a digital day of for probably a year now, and it’s been a challenge.
Finally, I realized that it was a must to live and feel the way I want. So for the past month or so, I’ve attempted to unplug on Sundays until the evening. By Sunday evening I’m usually doing my planning for the week, and often need to get online for confirming meetings, looking up information, etc. So far it’s being going ok, but it is such a habit, I find myself reaching for my phone and sliding my finger toward that Facebook icon or email inbox without even thinking.
I decided that my brief escape to Kripalu this year I would definitely unplug. I left my ipad and the shiny cool Apple watch at home. I needed my phone for navigating, safety, and let’s face it, no phone seems kind of unthinkable in today’s day and age. Plus I love Audible while on long drives.
Other than checking texts about twice a day, I managed to stay unplugged.
It was hard. Any new behavior or habit takes time. I should say it was hard at first. And then not so much. It was liberating, freeing and fun.
Being continually connected can be wonderful, but it can also be draining.
Once I got in to the swing of it, it got easier. I did lots of yoga, created art, took workshops, danced, drank a lot of tea, read, journaled, meditated and truly was able to refill the well.
Even if three days away isn’t in the realm of possibility for you right now, how can you unplug for a shorter time? A digital day off on Sundays? Devices off after 7 pm?
It’s so interesting to become aware of what happens when you don’t fill all of the space and listen.