Unplug to Connect

Dear Friends,

I recently heard about something that sounds really interesting - a Dark Retreat, where you spend three days and nights in complete darkness (actually three days is the minimum, some people spend a week or even longer).

This type of retreat is offered in special centers where you have your own room, they bring you your meals, etc.

When you think about doing a retreat like that, what comes up for you?

For me, I don’t feel especially drawn to spending days in complete darkness and isolation, but what does sound really appealing is unplugging completely from technology.

Rationally, I know that is something I could do anytime - I’m fortunate to be in a season of my life where I don’t have to be connected to technology for work any longer.

But every day I feel the pull of the devices - to check email, social media, the news, entertainment, etc.

And I know the pull is only going to get more intense, with AI learning to individually tailor the algorithms to what will be most appealing to each of us to try to gain more and more of our attention.

I’m not going to go on a dark retreat (at least not yet:), but I am going to spend some time contemplating my relationship with technology.

I’m so grateful for all the gifts we receive from technology - that’s what is making it possible for me to communicate with you right now!

But I’m also feeling the need to put more boundaries on my relationship with technology so I can connect more deeply with the natural world, which I know can only come through our senses, not through technology.

So I’ll be looking for ways to both disconnect from technology and reconnect more deeply with nature, with my inner self, and with other humans, and I invite you to do the same if that’s something you feel drawn to.

What are your favorite strategies for unplugging from technology? Send an email to liz@happybrainlife.com and let me know!

Sending much love,

Liz