Unplugged
This evening we lost power for three hours.
And I had no idea what to do with myself. It was the strangest thing. Since being laid off a couple months ago, I have spent many waking hours online designing and creating logos, editing photos, designing websites and communicating with friends and colleagues.
And suddenly, that world went dark.
All the things I had planned to do — finish email, work on a logo, clean up some photos, watch a little TV — were now out of the question.
Interestingly, an unexpected paradigm shift occurred as I left my office to find a flashlight. I switched over to “camping” mode — a more relaxed and contemplative version of myself. With flashlight in hand, I headed to the garage in search of a battery-operated camping lantern, then rummaged through drawers to find fresh batteries.
With lantern and batteries in hand, I stood outside the garage and pondered the dark and the quiet. It was undeniably serene and peaceful.
My next step was to figure out what to do with my evening. I could take the car and go somewhere or I could stay home and relax. I ultimately decided to head back inside and curl up under the covers with a book. I read for three glorious hours before the electricity came back on.
It’s fascinating how much we depend on power and technology in our lives today. I remember as a child when we lost power it was an exciting adventure. During one blizzard we had no electricity for an entire week, but I was excited that the whole family got to sleep in sleeping bags on the floor near the wood stove. We played games, did crafts, read, played in the snow, and took sponge baths with water heated one pot at a time.
Today, our world is dominated by computers, televisions, and microwave ovens, and we speed through life on overdrive. Until something forces us to stop.
Tonight, for me, that something was a three-hour power failure. It afforded me the opportunity to sit back, reflect, and relax; and I heard the message clearly.
Sometimes it’s important to unplug. Unplug from the noise and the clutter and the complexity: Read a book. Take a walk. Take a bubble bath. Do a craft project. Or indulge in whatever simple pleasure you enjoy.
It will help bring balance to your life. And you’ll feel refreshed and renewed by the time you do decide to plug back in.
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