So, last week I was on vacation and planned to be unplugged, unencumbered, in the moment.

It sort of worked.

I didn’t work (hardly any, anyway), didn’t blog (which doesn’t feel like work), didn’t Facebook (I looked up the week’s birthdays in advance and sent private wishes before I left town), didn’t email (unless absolutely necessary), left my computer and iPad and Kindle behind (had to have a phone to keep my mother and my son posted), and had a great time.

My biggest takeaway has to do with silencing my phone.  Since I keep my phone in my purse instead of on my person, I don’t know when I have a call, email, or text unless the volume is up.

For a week, I didn’t keep the sound up on my phone, which was incredibly empowering.  I know this seems selfish – information flow on my terms – but sometimes we all need a break.

My life will be more peaceful if I can continue this practice – in pockets at least – more often.  Of course, the view from Hurricane Ridge also helped boost the peaceful, appreciative, contemplative factor.  One of many such images, and I did need my phone to capture those!