Why You Need To Unplug From Technology For A Day: The Science of How A Digital Detox Improves Your Life.
The WISDOM podcast Season 2 Episode 6
with Dorothy Ratusny
TIMESTAMPS:
Podcast Intro: 0-2:10 | An Introduction to this Episode: 2:11 | How To Unplug: 6:05 | What is One Thing That You Discovered During Your Digital Detox? 20:19 | Podcast Outro: 20:46
You may have thought about it; or even attempted it; but have you ever completely unplugged from technology for o n e d a y? This means not reaching for your phone or tablet as one of your first habits of the morning; choosing instead to contemplate what you are most aware of; what thoughts you want to hold – and how you want to feel? – even as your senses may be highly acute – and yearning for a deliberate dose of something. But what? – comfort? meaningful connection? curiosity? validation? escape?
What is the experience of a day in your life – best enjoyed – without the comfort and luxury of the internet, phone calls, emails, texts, and anything else that keeps you tightly enmeshed in the matrix? How will you live off the grid for an entire 24 hours? Why would you want to?
TRUTH SERUM: One of the greatest contributors to our global levels of worry, stress, and sadness is the result of not having time alone with your self; whether in a solitude activity or for several moments of regular inner contemplation and reflection. You may experience a degree of discomfort that you find released – soothed from choosing to use your unplugged time to be with you – and to establish a nourishing and positive relationship with your inner self.
A-HA MOMENTS: The advent of personal cellular devices and our increasing reliance on being ‘plugged in’ has many benefits. However, your ‘technology free’ day may be an important step in seeking to know yourself better – and to question some of the perpetual habits that may keep you in a cycle of choices that do not serve you.
PRACTICAL WISDOM: Notice what you discover about yourself; your desires, and what reminds you of the importance of unplugging regularly. 20 minutes a day might be perfect – to be with yourself – to identify and nourish your needs and perhaps to know what greater meaning is revealed here – in the present – away from any need to ‘do’ or ‘accomplish’ – instead holding attention, patience, and love – directed inward.
Why do this?
Your answer will come in the moments in which you search for something different; something new to experience, to be witness to, and to draw enjoyment and presence in. At first, this space that you have opened in which to exist without the use of technology may find you buzzing with thought activity – or feeling out of sorts – not quite sure of what to do with yourself – or with all of this free time.
You may choose to busy yourself – cleaning out that work space, or closet, or shed, or another menial task that has been waiting for a raining day that never came. However the point of unplugging is also to be with yourself; and that a day without technology is not meant to be used solely for keeping yourself busy.
You may choose to do some of what I did – and allow your eyes to close for blissful moments in quiet – simply ‘being’ and in meditation. You may choose to read a book, enjoy time outdoors (be in nature), exercise, rest (take a well needed nap), enjoy an ‘off-line’ hobby or interest – or take a drive to nowhere – simply being present to all that you witness.
Most of all – the reason for why you have chosen to unplug for a day is to contemplate the ideas that excite you about your life; and for re-establishing a connection within. When you practice present moment awareness – you become the observer. The idea behind unplugging from external distractions (and the constant flurry of your thoughts), is to be aware of the present moment; and to observe and experience the presence – being with yourself.
The advent of personal cellular devices and our increasing reliance on being ‘plugged in’ has many benefits. However, your ‘technology free’ day may be an important step in seeking to know yourself better – and to question some of the perpetual habits that may keep you in a cycle of choices that do not serve you.
For example, when was the last time that you gave yourself time to be with your thoughts and feelings; to process how you were feeling and why? When we explore our moods and we understand what the root cause of our feelings are, we can better serve our needs, we can become more autonomous rather than relying on others or things external to our ‘self’ for helping us to feel uplifted or loved.
Present moment awareness helps you to reflect upon yourself; to witness your thoughts without being in judgment of them, and perhaps as your mind begins to slow and quiet, you will hear the faint but always present inner voice – deep within you – that is always with you – always giving you guidance, wisdom, and often gentle nudging of what needs your attention – even if you are distracted by what you are attending to – the distractions of technology – or the louder, more random noise of your inner self talk.
If you are wondering still about some of the benefits of unplugging, I can share with you some of my experience. Consider choosing a day when it will feel easiest to unplug and focus on other things that may be otherwise neglected. Consider self study and the practice of meditation and mindfulness to add greater meaning to your experience in each moment. Carving out this freedom on a day in which you have few or no responsibilities, allows you the space to ponder your life; to dream uninhibited, to enjoy being with yourself – and the ability to make certain decisions that will move you in a direction of your choosing – with greater clarity. If you choose to enjoy the company of others during this day, notice how the quality of your interactions are heightened without the constant distractions of attending to life ‘online’. You may also encourage others to unplug whilst you are interacting with them. Either way, consider what extra time you have now freed up to play – opening your creative mind to pursuit new ideas without time constraints, appointments, or other responsibilities.
Most of us underestimate the time that technology takes from our life – even though we enjoy the many forms of being connected and having the convenience of infinite information and content at our fingertips. However, being immersed in the habit of “plugging in” to our devices in almost every available moment, we forget to look up from our phone or tablet; from online shopping; streaming music or videos – and watch the birds above, or notice the ever moving clouds reveal the sun. To unplug from the world inside the web – means that we might listen with curiosity to the sounds of nature outside our window, the leaves of trees gently rustling, or a plane flying overhead, or to notice our breathe with full presence. These and many other of life’s precious moments are what we miss without ever realizing we did so.
You may find it extremely lonely if you are by yourself, unplugged from your favourite news feed, the luxury of making phone calls or surfing the internet. Yet, in this newly acquired space and time – can you be with yourself in the present moment? Do you remember the last time that you enjoyed your own company? What might you discover about yourself from taking pen and paper and writing – perhaps about your future, goals that you would still like to accomplish, how you are currently feeling, and any thoughts that you may wish to identify and explore.
One of the greatest contributors to our global levels of worry, stress, and sadness is the result of not having time alone with your self; whether in a solitude activity or for several moments of regular inner contemplation and reflection. You may experience a degree of discomfort that you find released – soothed from choosing to use your unplugged time to be with you – and to establish a nourishing and positive relationship with your inner self.
You may discover that the next day (post unplugging) your mind is clear; unencumbered by nervous and racing thought energy. You may be more eager to listen within; to let your inner voice – and your heart guide your actions; to live intuitively rather than from a set schedule that you have created, and of which may be largely dictated by others – and of course, you may consciously unplug for a few minutes at a time because you recognize the importance of simply being in the present – undisturbed.
If an entire 24 hours feels like it would be impossible, perhaps you begin with unplugging from technology for two hours. Allow yourself this time to enjoy being in quiet and peace; aware and mindful of what you notice. This is an excellent strategy for practising greater self awareness and for being an observer – of yourself and your thoughts and actions.
For example, if you close your eyes and imagine your future, what do you see? What is the first image or impression that comes to mind – unsolicited? Most of all, consider listening to the inner voice that you may hear as you are present and attentive in this moment; focusing solely in now; and aware of the vast world inside your mind (and heart).
This world now an inner world of exploration and play as you listen to or sense your instinct, your intuition – even the gentle urging of your heart, and allow yourself to go deeper – inside yourself.
Let this be two hours of your awakened life. Notice what you discover about yourself; your desires, and what reminds you of the importance of unplugging regularly. 20 minutes a day might be perfect – to be with yourself – to identify and nourish your needs and perhaps to know what greater meaning is revealed here – in the present – away from any need to ‘do’ or ‘accomplish’ – instead holding attention, patience, and love – directed inward.
Then, on occasions when the universe ‘steps in’ – when your technology is not working properly – forcing you to unplug for a time, you will be ready – and far more accepting of this. Sometimes you need to experience the quiet and peace that comes from having far less distractions; and the reminder that the world will still be there…waiting for you when you ‘plug in’ again.
How has the coronavirus changed our media habits (among generations) in this digital world? Read it here:
If you choose this challenge of unplugging, let me know one thing that you discovered about yourself (or your life) that is now something that holds value and inspiration for your future moments – once you return to the matrix. Namaste! xo
*If you have a question or if you would like my guidance or help, please reach out to me. You can find me at: dorothyratusny.com.
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Podcast Theme Music: ‘Aura’ from the Album, Illuvia by Eternell www.eternell.net/album/illuvia
Accompanying Music: Illuvia – Past Lives & Inner Worlds – Drupad
A generous ‘thank you’ to Audio Engineer, Pavel Kirpikau for your incredible help! Check out this: platosound
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