Can you successfully unplug from technology 100%?
Imagine unplugging 100%. What would that be like for you?
As business owners and decision makers, what does it take to step away from all your digital devices? This means no screen time whatsoever. You might say you do this while you’re on vacation, but do you really not check your emails then?
What if you were to take it a step further and stay completely unplugged? No phone, no email, no work, no social media, no games, no TV, no radio, no news or weather reports. Would it be painful?
Some people simply tuck their phone away for several hours and take a break. Others go hiking in a place that is more remote, or away from satellite reception. They may do this for the afternoon, a full day or possibly longer to reconnect with nature and unplug. Except for selfies, of course.
What if you were to just take what you see and leave it at that? Let your brain remember it until it can’t any longer. When you return, share what you saw with people you choose to share with; without the visuals, only words. Would that be weird?
This summer will be my third time participating in a 10-day silent retreat. I will unplug completely for the entire time. I will not have access to my smartphone or digital device. I will be with others who will also be silent. We will be on this journey together yet it will be an individual experience for us all. This is how I unplug completely.
I have to admit it would be difficult otherwise. This is partly because I work from a home office and partly because I have gotten into the habit of texting and checking Facebook and email on a regular basis.
Being on a silent retreat for me is so much about letting go of all the noise that takes me away from true self both externally and internally. Even though the noise doesn’t disappear completely, I settle into the silence willingly and unwillingly.
Going to a silent retreat is only one of the thousands of ways that you can unplug. Yes, it is not for everyone. I encourage you to explore how you can find a way this summer to take a chunk of time to unplug as close to 100% as you can get. I believe it opens the door to boredom, discomfort, restlessness, even anger. It also makes way for introspection, insight and creativity.
What strategy works best for you when you want to unplug completely?
We just went on a 7 day Alaska cruise and left our phones and IPad’s at home. We read paper books and watched the scenery go by. Very relaxing and I recommend to to every business owner. Cheers