In his essay about silence, noted explorer, author and publisher Erling Kagge notes three things-1) The basic state in our brain is one of chaos, 2) An abundance of activities leaves us with a feeling of experiential poverty and 3) We are living in the age of noise.
Why does he say this? Think about it. What do we do every day? We wake up and what is the first thing we do? We look at our phones. We check e-mails, texts and phone messages. We get to work and do the same. After work we repeat the process and it never seems like we get off of the electronic devices crazy train.
One of the things I learned while I was in the hospital a couple of months ago was that nothing happened to me when I couldn’t use my cell phone or ipad (to face time). The world didn’t end, I didn’t cease to exist or go crazy. I just did what I did when I was a kid, I read books. Honestly, I didn’t care that i couldn’t access my phone.
Imagine this-six days of quiet. Not total silence (I was in a hospital), but I did not have the usual distractions that we are all forced to endure every day. I will admit that it was nice. My mind became uncluttered and I didn’t find myself checking the phone or ipad for messages, notification and e-mails.
My idea is a simple one. Take one day a week and disconnect. It’s not that difficult. As a matter fact, it’s really quite nice. I did it and survived.
Does anyone out there do anything to disconnect on a daily basis? I would love to read some of your thoughts.
The Zen Hiker 
My husband and I love to go on cruises. So many different things to do, great food, great entertainment, hopefully no hurricanes, total relaxation. Why are we totally relaxed? We don’t turn on our phones. I go into airplane mode so I can take photos, and we can see the news on tv if we choose to do so. But you’re 100% right. When we dock and turn on our phones I’m surprised I don’t get a crick in my neck from bending over my phone for the next few hours.
Although a down-side was that we asked each other every 5 minutes…Do you know what time it is? I bought a watch.
It hasn’t occurred to me to try for like one day a week. Without the forced nature of a cruise or a hospital (yuck), I don’t know if I could disconnect. But saying that sounds insane. Should I read this post as a dare?
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Sure, I dare you!!! Once you do it a few times it really becomes easy. I have gotten to the point where if I don’t get a chance to clear my head, I can’t think! This means no news. Especially no news. I have also found that disconnecting for one day a week won’t hurt you! Besides an extreme emergency, can you think of anything that can’t wait until the next day to take care of? I can’t. And even if someone needs to get in touch with me that badly, they can text my wife, I need that time!
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You’re on!
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One of the many reasons I enjoy backpacking and getting off the grid for long periods – and while I wish you luck on the Camino, I prefer trips more away from civilization. It’s not exactly silence, but it’s a needed disconnect!
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I agree with you 100%! Recent events, however, have me a little leery of totally getting off the grid. The Camino offers me the chance to get some long distance walking done without excessively worrying about getting injured etc. and being stranded. It’s my brain that keeps talking to me!!! Thanks for the comments!
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I disconnected from TV, radio, mainstream media in 2010 and created a whole new world for myself. I was amazed at how much free time I had.
I do not live with my cell phone. It is used only as a phone.
Using the computer is done with purpose and intent; no mindless surfing, no social media life/drama, no computer games. The computer is off, more than it is on in a day.
And I do encourage everyone to do as you have suggested and disconnect once in a while. Get outside and injoy nature!!!
Wonderful post. Thank you.
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Thanks very much for the comments! The way that the internet (and tv) are these days, I am finding it easier to disconnect for longer periods of time. The negativity surrounding everything in this country almost begs you to stay away!!! It’s probably just as well!
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You are welcome and very well said!!!
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