This week, we are in search of privacy.
A long-time friend invited me to a remote private residence high in the hills for his birthday/leaving party over the weekend. We hiked up Friday afternoon and solved all the world’s problems over a bonfire late into the night. There was no phone signal and, try as I might, I couldn’t connect to the wi-fi on Saturday morning. I took it as a sign and switched off.
We returned to civilization after a lovely lunch with new friends on Saturday and when I got home in the evening, I had lost the urge to check my phone so I decided to leave it off. The feeling remained when I woke on Sunday so I took the big decision, unplugged my wi-fi and left the world of social media behind me.
Over the course of the day, I became aware of how many times I have the urge to check something on my phone. If I hadn’t switched everything off, I might have given in, but discipline won out. By Monday morning, I was really beginning to believe I had missed something, but then I couldn’t imagine what that might be, other than a stupid pet trick or a host of posts about how we are fucking up the planet or a life hack to save time so I have more time to waste or a personal attack on a popular figure or two in the name of humor. I didn’t turn anything back on until after I finished my morning tea. I trusted my friends would still be my friends and probably wouldn’t even notice I had gone missing in cyberspace.
While I was disconnected, I began noticing things around my space that could use a little attention. I relaxed. I read. I cooked. I sorted. I cleared. I watched a movie. I did some writing with pen and paper.
I felt a sense of freedom lined with the guilt of being out of touch.
I make it my business to connect and until this weekend, I did not recognize the importance of a proper disconnect. I have started putting my phone in another room when I am relaxing and noticing the frequency of impulses to check it. I imagine it is like the impulse to light a cigarette or open a bottle of wine or switch on the tv or buy something frivolous just to feel better. I am seeing more digital detox retreats offered locally and by wellness sanctuaries across Asia and they all sound a bit like the rehab we could all use.
I have chosen to create a space where we can connect easily with each other for good. Taking time away from that space offers perspective. I started my week with a new feature to update you with fresh listings on the website directory. Today, I am running late with the newsletter because everyone’s back from holiday and calendar listings are backing up because the new design takes more time, but I will learn to live the cost of rest.
My constant near and far connecting with others has come at the cost of a connection here and now with me.
In our world with diminishing privacy, it is essential we give ourselves a bit of private time.
How will you switch off for you?
Naturally,
Founder & Publisher
www.heartbeat.com.hk
natural life in the fast lane
Everything is connected.
Listen to your own heartbeat.
“Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.” Marcus Aurelius
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Events in Hong Kong this week
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12 (6-9pm) Express Yourself | details
12 (7pm) Big Mind | details
12 (7:30pm) Capitalism – Zenith or Swan Song? | details
13 (12:30-1:30pm) Homeopathy for Mums-to-be and Newborn Babies | details
13 (7-9pm) Self-Healing Techniques Workshop | details
13 (7:30-9pm) Kirtan Evening with Dipa | details
14 (6:30-8:30pm) Earth Day Soiree | details
14 (7-9pm) Wasteland – Doc and Discussion | details
14 (8pm) Helping the Homeless – Sham Shui Po | details
15 (7pm) Wine Tasting | details
16 (9am-4:30pm) Secrets of Natural Walking | details
16 (12:30pm) Lunch at Maya Cafe Mediterranean | details
16 (3-6pm) Meditation Workshop with Kirti | details
17 (10am-5pm) Kundalini Yoga for Love | details
17 & 24 (2-8pm) Animal Communication Workshop | details
17 (2-3:30pm) Free Community Drum Jam at the Harbour | details
18-30 Global Leaders Program | details
19 (10:30am-12pm) Benefits of Spices | details
19 (12:30-2:15pm) Building an Inclusive Society Together | details
More: visit the March calendar
Coming up …
May 7-8 & 14-15 (9am-5pm) BodyTalk Fundamentals Seminar | details
May 18 (7:15pm) Ride of Silence Hong Kong 2016 | details
June 4-7 Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Training | details
More: visit the 2016 calendar
Schedules often change without notice — contact organizers to confirm details.
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