Disconnect to Reconnect

I just returned home from a magnificent week at Rancho La Puerta, my favorite resort and spa where I had the privilege of speaking to guests about lifestyle choices and optimal health.

“Realize that silence comes from your heart and not from the absence of talk.”

                                     -Thich Nhat Hanh

Whenever I go to “the ranch” I choose to keep my phone turned off and ignore news, texts and emails; all of the distractions that a phone can offer. My friends find it odd that I opt to stay disconnected for the week, and yet I find a tremendous gift in this action: connecting with myself, my faith and my gratitude for life. Rather than ruminate about life’s problems, I find the space to truly be present in the here and now. The simplest pleasures can be elevated and appear in technicolor.

By avoiding news, social media and other distractions I allow my senses to be fully alive. I am more aware of the taste of live, real, vibrant foods. When I talk with someone I am able to be fully present in their company. I confess that at home, I often walk while listening to a podcast, wanting to “make the most of that time”. What I realized on this trip, however, is that every morning when I hiked in the mountains I was so exceptionally sensitive to and in awe of the nature around me. There was no voice in my ear fighting for my attention. This beautiful silence allowed me to hear the quiet whispers within, my dreams, my inner wisdom, the messages that often lie below the surface that are patiently waiting to be seen, heard and felt.

You don’t have to travel to a resort or be on a vacation to experience this same freedom and clarity!  If you are willing, take a break from your phone and the internet. Just as I encourage my coaching clients, start with where you are and embrace baby steps whenever trying out a new habit. What is a comfortable “phone-free challenge” for you? Maybe it’s two hours, maybe it’s a full day. No matter the duration, I hope you can become friends with the quiet, maybe even curious with the thoughts, feelings and ideas that surface. Engage all of your senses and truly experience the day. Reconnect and enjoy!