March 1-2, 2013: UnPlug!

            Unplug                                   to                                    Plug IN

The National Day of Unplugging is coming up this weekend on March 1-2, 2013.  For those who want to participate and/or learn more about it - check out Sabbathmanifesto.org.

I've always been a big fan of unplugging - both for myself and for my coaching clients.  As a fan - I am mindful of taking regular techno-sabbaths throughout the week.  I don't take my iPhone to the gym, or on walks (except on rare occasions when I bring it to take photos).  I set times in the day for reading/responding to email, checking out social media platforms, surfing the internet - and honor those times - except when I don't.  I (gasp) turn off my phone in those times when I don't want to be bothered.   With all that electronic input and info storming into our lives on a daily, minute by minute, basis - the benefit of disconnecting from all that "noise" is immeasurable.

I know it's not always easy or practical - and I and my clients can come up with great excuses as to why we can't make it work - but in the end - that's all they are - excuses.  Where there is a will (and some upfront planning) there is always a way.  Always.

Stop and smell the apricot blossoms - heaven!

So this year - to revel in the "collective energy"of fellow unpluggers this coming Saturday (sundown March 1st through sundown March 2) - I'm  looking ahead to see how I'm going to make unplugging work for me this year.  The first thing I have to do is define (or redefine) what unplugging means - as I use so many more electronic devices today - the kindle and iPad to read; the DSLR camera to photograph; the computer to photo edit and blog, the iPhone for practically everything - than I did just a few short years ago.  

It's easy to define unplugging to include turning the phone off; not connecting to any social media; no TV.  Not so easy are saying no to my kindle to read; my camera; or even using my nano's pedometer.  

Maybe it's easier to "just-say-no" to all electronics - after all it's just a day - than it is to parse out what's in and what's out.  That may be the direction I go - despite the tinge of concern that comes up when I think of a whole day without .  Does a gas stove count?  I think not!

Appreciate Nature

But as I said before - the benefits of unplugging are immeasurable:

• greater access to inner guidance and wisdom
• quality time and connection with loved ones (human and animal)
• greater presence and awareness  (like noticing this little bird's throat puffing in and out with every chirp)
• greater peace and calm (inner and outer)
• time slowing down, expanding
• greater focus and presence to what's in front of you - in this moment
• greater fun and joy
• and so much more

So why not try it for yourself this coming weekend?  Plan ahead.  If needed - let others know what they can / cannot expect of you.  Involve your honey, your family, your friends (and even your clients too!).  Be in nature.  Take a walk / run / hike.  Leave the smart phone at home.  Read a "real" book.  Sit on a park bench.  Hold hands with your honey. Play a game with your kids.  

If a whole day feels daunting, go for a half day.  And if that feels too hard, do it for an hour (and then an hour more!)

I promise you will love every YUMMY minute of it!

   Happy Unplugging!