Through the Looking Glass: Unplugged

After a week of non-stop, mind numbing GOING, I'd had it. Call it whatever you want... information overload, mind meltdown, cranium crackup. By Friday night I literally could not process another thing, not one tiny piece of information, significant or otherwise. I couldn't stand any more distractions: another incoming text, email, facebook or Instagram notification. I couldn't wring one more ounce of creativity from my head to write a blog, or come up with any more kitchy-cool marketing ideas for my day job. Or put on socks, for that matter. I needed silence; I needed peace. I needed to get back to basics, wipe the slate clean, start from scratch.

And so, yesterday I unplugged. I shut off my phone. I turned off my computer. I told my family that in case of emergency they'd have to come knockin' at my front door because I wasn't available any other way. I made it a tech-free day.

The results were surprising.

It took awhile to get into a groove. My mind raced, and my hands automatically reached for my phone to check my emails every 15 minutes. It's embarrassing to admit I'm more addicted to my technology than I thought. I've got a need to feel connected and a compulsion to respond to every incoming message I receive. My phone was off, but I kept thinking I was hearing text notifications that pulled me away from aspirations of total serenity.

After about an hour, things started to shift. I started cleaning my closet, and got into a groove. The methodical process of lining up shoes, emptying old purses and picking up stray clothes that had fallen from their hangers had put me into a zone. It was the first time in awhile that I'd gotten so far out of my head. Meditation through chores. I liked it.

In my quiet day of puttering, cleaning and self-reflection, I discovered 14 ballpoint pens, three flash drives,12 hair ties, a misplaced pair of earrings, and nearly seven bucks in change. But most importantly, I uncovered a glaring awareness that in spending time

tethered to my technology I was actually stealing from my own coffers. I was taking away my ability to fully experience and appreciate life as it was happening in the here and now.

I love technology, I really do. I also love staying busy and connecting and knowing what you're up to. What my day of unplugging showed me, though, was that there's a balance. And I owe it to myself to keep that balance. In the end, my relationships with others and myself will reap the benefits.