The Day the Phone Turned Off

Can you imagine being without your phone? In todays daily lifestyle the phone is so attached to us that it is like having an extra limb, or a security blanket perhaps?

On my recent trip overseas to spend much needed time with family, I turned my phone off, and it stayed that way for 4 full weeks. The first few days were tough! As a business owner, outside of the treatment room (when I'm with clients the phone is set to 'Do Not Disturb') my phone is regularly attached to my hand. But being in an overseas country where I didn't know anyone outside of my family, there was no use for it. We spent the majority of our time in and around my son's home. When we ventured out we were together, so again, no use for it. I could have purchased a phone card but who was I going to call?

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I considered my situation and decided to roll with it. What choice was there? To sit and fret about losing potential business calls, or totally embrace my unplugged state and really take a holiday break.

What I discovered was that without my phone I was very present in each moment of my day. My energy was with me in the moment. All of it! The time I often spent on the phone was replaced with more meditation, reading while sitting outside, extra yoga practice and most importantly, really focusing on quality time with each family member. Without the distraction of the phone I drew and coloured with my Grandson and built lego, played with the puppies and cats my son has, got to know my daughter-in-law much better and enjoyed endless discussions over morning coffee with my son. It was magical to be so present and aware of enjoying each moment.

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The disconnect from my phone was so great that when I returned home, and received a phone call, at first, I couldn't figure out what that "noise" was. When I finally clued in and went in search of the phone I just about missed a chat with my sister-in-law. That was the moment it hit me that I no longer had the same attachment to this device. I think that's a good thing.

While I really do have to have a phone, and answer it, I now recognize how important it is for me to take breaks and connect with my present moment regularly. With 4 weeks of unplugged status I notice a deeper sense of relaxation and peace in my mind and body.  I want to continue that. The phone is going to be shut off more often. There isn't really anything that urgent that it can't wait a few hours, or a few days.

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