Great piece—thanks for digging into this! I’ve found that unplugging isn’t just a weekend retreat but a mini ritual: I personally “go dark” three times a year—no email, no social feeds, nada—for 48 hours each time. It’s amazing how quickly your brain shifts focus from the ping-pong of notifications to noticing the world around you: the taste of morning coffee, a friend’s laugh, even that book on your nightstand finally gets some attention.
I’m curious: have you experimented with shorter digital fasts (like 12 or 24 hours) to ease into it? Or do you think the big, bold break is what really shifts the dial? Looking forward to your thoughts!
Thank you Gary. I'm going to borrow some of your ideas. My first "7th rest edition" inspired someone to share that she does a digital fast every Sunday. It is well known in her circles, and no one bothers her unless it is an emergency - and then they know how to find her.
Oh, the digital detox! My detox episodes happen infrequently, and they typically occur because I've taken a proper holiday. Even so, I find that Jeff and I enjoy our digital time (me on laptop, him on mobile) with a different mindset when we're away from our norm. It feels more...rebellious, more luxurious. Totally shut down? Very difficult, but the waves in Mendocino can work their magic and pull us away from the digital shore.
Phew. I think I have to rethink my detox strategy, Jackie. Because reEntry has been a blast of whatsapp, texts and emails!!
But while it was happening? Heaven. Just staring at the waves lapping the shore, searching for the elusive fish, watching the kids on the dock, sipping coffee -- intentionally!
Great piece—thanks for digging into this! I’ve found that unplugging isn’t just a weekend retreat but a mini ritual: I personally “go dark” three times a year—no email, no social feeds, nada—for 48 hours each time. It’s amazing how quickly your brain shifts focus from the ping-pong of notifications to noticing the world around you: the taste of morning coffee, a friend’s laugh, even that book on your nightstand finally gets some attention.
I’m curious: have you experimented with shorter digital fasts (like 12 or 24 hours) to ease into it? Or do you think the big, bold break is what really shifts the dial? Looking forward to your thoughts!
Thank you Gary. I'm going to borrow some of your ideas. My first "7th rest edition" inspired someone to share that she does a digital fast every Sunday. It is well known in her circles, and no one bothers her unless it is an emergency - and then they know how to find her.
Oh, the digital detox! My detox episodes happen infrequently, and they typically occur because I've taken a proper holiday. Even so, I find that Jeff and I enjoy our digital time (me on laptop, him on mobile) with a different mindset when we're away from our norm. It feels more...rebellious, more luxurious. Totally shut down? Very difficult, but the waves in Mendocino can work their magic and pull us away from the digital shore.
Phew. I think I have to rethink my detox strategy, Jackie. Because reEntry has been a blast of whatsapp, texts and emails!!
But while it was happening? Heaven. Just staring at the waves lapping the shore, searching for the elusive fish, watching the kids on the dock, sipping coffee -- intentionally!