Episode 16 - Unplugging
Episode 16 - Unplugging
Over the last week I have had the opportunity to totally unplug from technology. Now, unplugging isn’t just about unplugging your phone but rather it is about powering down every electronic device.
I would also add that unplugging is also about being present and enjoying where you are and the world around you. It is about stepping away from any stressful environment and creating a stress-free zone!
I was recently reading an article that was written in 2018 and it said that “80% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device.”
Another article I read said there was a study done where 75% of respondents said they were addicted to their cell phone.
No matter the study, I think many of us would agree that we all experience some level of addiction or dependency on our electronic devices.
That is just the time we live in.
Technology surrounds.
I am not here to say that technology is wrong or bad.
I actually love technology. I think it is absolutely amazing!
I love being able to text and call the people in my life.
I love seeing what other people are up to, either through email or social media.
I love seeing adorable pictures and videos of my grandchildren.
I love learning about the world and ways to become more of who I want to be.
I love listening to music, audiobooks and watching movies.
I love collaborating with others over zoom.
I love reading and sharing uplifting stories and messages on the internet.
And I am sure you can add to that list more ways in which technology is amazing.
So this episode isn’t about how bad technology is but rather this episode is about the importance of unplugging from technology from time to time.
Unplugging to refocus, reconnect, and rejuvenate.
This week I was able to unplug for 5 days.
It was amazing.
Some of my family members and I were able to go on a guided river trip on the main Salmon River.
If you have never done a river rafting trip, you may want to consider adding it to your bucket list.
We have done some self guided river trips in the past but this one was a guided trip which means there are people/guides that take you down the river in rafts. They also have inflatable kayaks called duckies and or paddle boats where people can actually paddle on their own. The company provides and transports all the gear to where the boats put on the river. In this case, we actually were able to jet boat up the river to the put in. I have never done that before. It was so cool to see a boat power up a big river through the rapids and all. The guides cook all the food and even set up your tent! It was amazing!
Our group of about 24 had 6 guides that worked hard so that we could unplug and play hard. Each day we would float down a section of the river that runs in the bottom of the most incredible canyon. We floated and ran rapids. We ate amazing food. We would stop during the day to have lunch on sandy beaches, hike trails and explore our surroundings. Each night we would camp along the river’s edge and soak in the breathtaking beauty alongside our new friends.
Unplugging.
Living.
Connecting.
When it came time to paddle through a rapid you had to focus and hang on. If you were actually paddling you had to pay attention, focusing on the river and where you were going. If you weren't focusing on the present moment you could get hit by a wave that would knock you out of your boat. Or you may hit a rock or a log that could cause you harm. Or even more subtle, you may hit an eddy line or water boil where the water is flowing opposite of the main current and this can catch you and also flip your boat. Being present and focusing are very important to the journey.
Another thing about these trips is there is no cell coverage the whole time. The only time I pulled out my phone was to take a picture so I can remember the experience. But pictures never do justice to the real thing. Just being in the beauty of nature with people I love experiencing it together was so fun. I wasn’t worried about anything and I actually slept so well. I lost track of the day and time. I just took it all in.
This got me thinking about how important it is to unplug.
This month as we have been discussing the importance of fun I want to add to it with the concept of unplugging. Unplugging actually creates space for more opportunities to experience fun. Slowing down to embrace life and all it has to offer.
Unplugging not only creates more space for fun and play in our lives, it does even more.
I want to share 3 more ways that unplugging will help you create a more joyful life.
Refocus. When we pause to regroup and refocus we can improve our quality of life - when we unplug we allow ourselves the opportunity to self reflect and refocus on what truly matters to us including how we spend our time. Asking ourselves if we are creating a deliberate purposeful life. Regrouping to see if we are living intentionally. Doing this will nourish a better quality of life. This week I was able to focus on my family members I was with - people that I love and who are important to me. I was able to enjoy and share this experience with them. It gave me time in nature to slow down and reflect on where I am going and who I am becoming.
Rejuvenate. - if we don’t unplug occasionally we can begin to feel stressed, weighed down, and depleted with nothing left to give. You’ve heard the saying that you can’t fill from an empty pitcher. If we are always pouring and never refilling, pretty soon we are empty. By allowing ourselves time to pause to rest and unplug, we can begin to fill our cup. Recharging ourselves so we bring more good and light to the world. Recharge, Rest and Rejuvenate. The last 5 days were rejuvenating. I was able to fill my cup through rest and play and I am energized and ready for my life.
Reconnect. - Unplugging can allow us time to reconnect to ourselves, others and God. Focusing on our well-being mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Being present with ourselves and remembering who we are and who we want to become. Feeling our emotions and remembering our worth. Being present with the people we are with and remembering who they are and their worth. Communing with our creator. Seeking His light, His grace and His strength. When you are in the wilderness you really do see your insignificance and importance. The world is so big and expansive. We each are a little dot on the planet. However, there is purpose to this journey and the world was created for each one of us. It provides us with individual experiences and opportunities to learn and grow - because we are loved.
Sometimes the idea of unplugging can feel impossible. I am not saying that you need to unplug for 5 days but perhaps you could for 5 minutes. What unplugging for me isn’t what unplugging is for you. It really isn’t about what you do or don’t do. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do it. I am inviting you to pause to consider what unplugging looks like for you. It could be as simple as a 1 minute meditation or as drastic as a 5 day river trip. The point is to consider how you can incorporate unplugging into your life. How can you refocus, rejuvenate, and reconnect?
The choice is yours!
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Have a joyful week!
