In order to let the mud settle, I needed to start being instead of constantly doing. But, old habits are hard to break. Even though I didn’t feel like writing, I decided to check my voicemail and email. There were no phones or Internet access in my cabin. So, I tried to check my voicemail messages with my cell phone but found that I couldn’t get a connection to last long enough for me to do that. And, when I went to the Cafe where there was wireless Internet access, I was unable to connect even though everybody else seemed to be able to. So my normal habits of remaining in constant touch with the world by reading my email and talking on my cell phone had been completely thwarted. It seemed I was meant to have an experience of being completely out of touch.

I became starkly aware of just how much time I routinely spent checking email and talking on my cell phone. Spending those few days without constantly checking my email and talking on my cell phone, I realized how little time I had been allowing myself for quiet thought and reflection. And, I began to understand how much these activities prevented me from being mindful and aware.

I realized how wonderful it was not to be reading email and talking on the phone how wonderful it was just to be. I was able to appreciate the beauty around me and allow my mind and body to relax. I was able to enjoy myself and the rest and mental freedom I had given myself. In addition to just laying down on the grass, I took a kayak out on the lake. I watched the bow cut through the water, making ripples. I watched drops of water as they fell from the oars. I felt peaceful and present. It was a wonderful feeling. I realized that I was in a much-needed fallow state of rest and rejuvenation. Just as farmers need to let their fields lay fallow every few years to allow the soil to regenerate, I needed this way overdue time out.

Read about Being Mindful of Physical Sensations in Part 5 of the Change, Transition, and Transformation Series.