“A Break from technology can help us to feel human again. And I am pretty sure there’s still no App for that.”~ Micheal J. Chase.
Morning Dew
Technology is a gift. One I appreciate. However, with the stream of technology coming at us humans so quickly, it is no wonder we are all feeling overwhelmed. Seriously, what human can possibly keep up to waves of emails, texts, phone calls, not to mention Facebook, Instagram, twitter etc. Even my very efficient super human-almost Bionic friends are having a hard time keeping up. The fact that my daughter snap chats herself every 10 sec, reminds me that moments are fleeting and many of them are eaten up with a relationship to our phone/computer/iPad screen.
Don’t get me wrong, I feel social media is amazing, I can reach people I have never met. Create this blog, document my thoughts, share things, keep in contact with family while on vacation, share photo’s etc. These things I love. Yet I yearn…
I yearn for a good face to face-eye contact-heartfelt conversation. I miss seeing my friends and hate the fact that birthday are celebrated via a typed message. I love to share what I am up to and being visual person, I can easily spend hours on Pinterest-building my virtual life. However, nothing beats a good old catch up coffee session with a dear friend at a local coffee shop.
I feel the pressure technology brings. I also feel inadequate. I can’t possibly keep up. No one is as fast as a computer. Certainly Canada Post can not possibly keep up. I still welcome and appreciate a good hand written note or a postcard from a friend on an adventure. Something colourful and bright, that makes me excited enough to smile.
Taking time for yourself
Retreat, like a coffee session, must be scheduled into our lives, so we take the time to feel. Feeling takes time and space. When we move too quickly we can’t feel the tiny bits of tension gripping in our bodies, reminding us that we are working too hard. The gentle tension eventually becomes a pull or a tear. Not paying attention, a fall will result in a broken bone. Not an ideal rest. I prefer to Laugh, Cry or Wail-These are welcome natural releases.
A day of painting in the country
Or better yet, Schedule in a Retreat. Retreats help release the build up that we are unconsciously collecting through our busy daily activities.
Alberta Skies
A retreat could be a spa in a tropical place, an art retreat or a yoga class. If you live in the city, a drive on a country road can be enough of a break to feel spaciousness, especially in Alberta with the wide open skies. It can be as simple as the warmth of a bubble bath enjoying a good old fashion paperback.
However you choose to retreat. Be kind to yourself and make it a priority. You deserve it.
I am currently on a train in Ireland going to an art retreat. Taking my own advice. Feeling the spaciousness, filling myself up.
Co Mayo, Ireland
To live a super human life, one must take time to retreat.
In creative spirit,
Michelle
