Create Your Own Style of Unplugging

Written by Chloe

When Heather first introduced me to Unplugged Sunday I fell in love. A family together. Those lovely photos. Their out-of-doors passion a seriously central part of their lives.

And I tried it.

But I am contending with a thirty-one-weeks pregnant belly and temperatures in the nineties. Some seasons of life just don't lend themselves to day-long hikes, do they?

The desire to have a pause in my week resonated with me. Instead of loading up a podcast for my morning walk, I left the cords at home. We live in the suburbs, but I've seen chipmunks scurry under bushes, I've heard squirrels duke it out twenty feet above my head and I've seen birds enjoy the first warm sun of the day.

At lunchtime I turn off the overhead lights and light a few candles. I take the time to sit down at the table. And use a real plate. Flowers have even made an appearance occasionally over the last few weeks.

At first, I felt as if I needed to justify my version of Unplugged Sunday. It was far from feeling like Walden Pond Sunday after all. I paid my almost forgotten copy of Thoreau a visit. Turns out he needed an Unplugged time from his cabin, too! Trips to the village of Concord every few days and hosting friends and travelers from time to time.

It was through this tacit approval from Mr. Thoreau himself that I realized that there is no perfect Sunday. The phrases that Heather placed into my vocabulary months ago resurfaced:

On this path no effort is wasted,

no gain is ever reversed;

even a little of this practice

will shelter you from great sorrow.

- Bhagavad Gita

It may not be practical for me, in this moment, to spend a day on the trail. But my unplugged practice provides guideposts I can build off of as my desire for time away grows.

How can ‘a little of this practice’ be incorporated into a busy day?

Turn off the computer, walk away. 

• Even if you work in a computer-driven environment, a fifteen minute break seems much longer and more refreshing if you use it to engage in something other than a mindless checking of email. Could you tuck a journal and colored pens or pencils into your desk drawer and doodle instead?

Leave the cell phone at home. 

• Or at least away from the dinner table. If you are with your significant other or immediate family, nearly every possible incoming call can wait. How much could your evening meal change if no one touched their phones for thirty minutes? One hour?

Make a little green space. 

• Even if your home doesn’t have a yard and your workplace doesn’t allow for a picnic lunch, could you have a fluorescent-light friendly African violet or succulent in a space you visit often? Would a small scented candle make it easier to spend ten minutes before bed unwinding with a book?

If you, too, are in a season of life where a dedicated unplugged day doesn’t seem to make sense, would you share with me the ways you are personalizing the practice? Even fifteen minutes at a time?

Almost a Rainy Sunday

Written by Adam

This summer has been hot and dry in New England. Not Texas hot and dry, but enough that I long for a nice rainy day.

Like a good snowstorm, a rainy Sunday grants license to completely unwind and poke around the house doing nothing of consequence.

The Weatherman predicted heavy showers Saturday night into Sunday, and was dutifully correct. We skipped the air conditioner to enjoy rainfall outside of an open window. The heavy drops provided nature's soothing white noise, so much so that we slept in well past our usual time. 

Waking up way behind "schedule," we got right to work on a cup of java and some long conversation while listening to the maple and magnolia leaves receive a refreshing rinse. 

I loosely planned a day of wandering leisure, enjoying the rainfall and catching up on indoor activities. I am reading too many books right now, so it was a good day to knock a couple off. My hobby area was in complete disarray, and gear needed sorting and evaluation as well.

Indeed, it was shaping up to be a productively relaxing day. For lunch, we ate blueberry pancakes and discussed the finer points of our summer produce from the garden.

Then the sun came out. It was a back and forth battle for a couple of hours, but eventually the sun won, shining hot and bright. The steam rising off the neighbor's roof foretold of the heavy humidity on tap for the remainder of the day.

Now I felt obligated to go outside and do something. The moist air instantly draped itself over me like a thick, wet cloak, forcing a retreat back inside.  Now what?

I replaced the work table in my hobby area and started arranging things. Put some laundry away and straightened my closet. Washed some dishes in the sink. Stared at the wall. Wept. Well maybe not that.

I decided that clinging to the rainy day ambiance was doomed to failure, so a change in attitude was necessary. I loaded the canoe.  

I know I wrote how being in the canoe on a hot day is just another hot activity. It is also a relatively effortless one, and the humidity dictated conservation of motion. A quick float would do just fine.

We went to the local reservoir and paddled around easily and quietly as the sun set behind the trees. It was just what the doctored ordered. My restlessness from a rainy turned sunny and humid Sunday, was cured. 

By the end of our jaunt, I was glad we almost had a rainy day.

Happy to Share With You

Written by Heather

Photo by Nicole

Today I am busy meeting a couple of deadlines, so the post I wanted to share with you will have to wait until next Friday. But I still want to leave you with some inspiring material and news from a few of our writers to head into your weekend with. 

Enjoy your visits with them, and be sure to say hello if you have the time!

Nicole - Based on the wild interest of her post, Be Prepared for the Trail: Make Your Own Bug Repellent, Nicole is sharing the follow-up recipe for a spray version (as you requested!) on her blog. Now you can Make Your Own Bug Repellent Spray!

Photo by Renee

Damien and Renee - What can I say about this husband and wife team? If ever you are lacking inspiration or motivation on creating the life of your dreams, spend a little time reading about the Tougas family adventures and you will see more clearly what truly matters in life. Currently, they are on a two week trip out west (sans children, a second honeymoon and business trip) as "Working Media" at Outdoor Retailer. 

Photo by Renee

Also on their trip they are fitting in some hiking, adventuring, and have enjoyed the hospitality of friends along the way. Their entire trip is being hosted by various friends they've met through blogging! And people say these online friendships aren't real...

Photo by Renee

To read more about this wonderful adventure they are on, through his and her perspective:

Visit Renee  - OR & Hospitality  ~ Out West

Visit Damien - Traveling West - Days 1 to 5 and OR Summer 2011 - Open Air Demo

Photo by Renee

Wishing you a wonderful time this weekend, wherever the adventure may take you. 

Breathing with Intention

Written by Jessie

"Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. " 

          ~Thich Nhat Hanh

I could smell summer raindrops hitting warm pavement and I could feel a breeze on my skin. I could hear the laughter of my children as they speedily rode their bikes through fresh mud puddles. I took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled, holding on to the moment…

It was there, amidst the syncopation of sounds and feelings that I began to understand what Unplugging truly meant for me.

The Breath of Life

Inspiration n. in·spi·ra·tion

     1. Something inspired, as an idea.
     2. A result of inspired activity.
     3. The drawing of air into the lungs; inhalation.

Breathing is a vital activity, affecting every aspect of our functioning bodies and minds. 

In my massage therapy practice, I ask my clients how aware they are of their breathing pattern. I inform them of the numerous health benefits of deep breathing, (increased relaxation, reduced stress, lower blood pressure, increased endorphins, stress management and understanding of the body, etc.) and I also educate them on the emotional benefits as well (peaceful parenting, savoring the moment, increased awareness and the ability to better navigate through life). 

During massage treatments, I coach my clients through deep breathing exercises to help them relax and focus in on their body as I move through the treatment.

Breathing with Intention: Practicing Simple Cleansing Breaths 

Deep breathing is easy with these simple steps:

1. First, sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Allow your body to relax. Draw your attention to your breath. Is it shallow? Low? Rushed? 
2. Next, inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs to the brim. 
3. Exhale fully, releasing as much air as you can.* 
4. Deeply inhale again, and this time, focus on extending your belly and ribcage in all directions. Are your inspiration muscles tight? Can you feel them stretching with each breath? Don’t worry, the more you practice, the faster they stretch, allowing room for fuller breaths. 
5. Exhale—forcing out as much air as you comfortably can.
6. Continue breathing deeply. Have you begun to notice a change in how you feel? 

*Tip: Follow the natural cues of your lungs. If you are feeling lightheaded, allow for a greater pause in between breaths. 

The longer you sit and breathe with intention, the greater and longer lasting the health and emotional benefits become.

“Focusing on the act of breathing clears the mind of all daily distractions and clears our energy enabling us to better connect with the Spirit within.” –unknown 

Inhaling for the Senses: Building a Practice

If you have 5 minutes in your car or at your desk:

• Close your eyes.
• Take one deep breath, fill your lungs to the brim, and exhale. 
• Be aware of the calming sensation going through your body.
• Repeat twice.
• Enjoy the extra oxygen!

If you have 10 minutes (or more!):

• Silence your phone/TV/computer.
• Find a comfortable place to sit.
• Slowly, take three deep, cleansing breaths. (If you have a favorite essential oil, you can dab a few drops on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose.)
• Listen to the sounds around you. Try not to think about what is going on—simply listen.
• Repeat as time allows.

Taking It Further:

Couple your deep breath with these activities and awaken your senses:

• Open a window and listen to the outside world.
• Eat your favorite fruit with your eyes closed.
• On your next walk, pause for a cleansing breath and savor the moment.
• Stand in the shower and feel the water as it runs over your body. 
• Use an aroma diffuser and fill your home with the aroma of your favorite essential oil.
• Take a cleansing breath as you tuck into bed for the night. Take another as you wake in the morning.
• Add a simple hum with your voice on your exhale. Om…

Cleansing Breaths and Unplugging 

A simple, deep breath can create a calming energy within. I frequently use cleansing breaths throughout the day to clear mental space, calm my nerves and bring me back to center.

Cleansing breaths are also a great way to “inhale the moment” and pick up on the special bits of life that can so easily pass us by. By approaching life with an open awareness of our breath, we can enrich our quietest moments and give a simplified perspective to our busiest moments. Intentional breathing truly is a way to reconnect with ourselves, our environment, and our spirit. 

The next time you feel flustered or simply want to extend a precious moment in time—Inhale. Exhale. Enjoy.

How do you incorporate “breathing with intention” into your life?

Trekking Poles Are Not For Me

Written by Adam

Some years ago, I was updating and upgrading my outdoor equipment. Almost everything I purchased was with a mind towards adventure racing, which I thought I might like to do someday.

Adventure racing was in its adolescence, and so was the gear. Everything had to be lightweight, functional and durable. This need created a gear revolution, and it was nirvana for a gear-head like me.

I ended up with equipment that was quite good and for the most part was a good buying decision. For example, my Salomon pack (an early incarnation of AR packs at the time) has held up well, has most of the features I need, and despite a few modifications I would make, serves me well for our day hikes.

I also had a pair of Salomon XA Pro shoes that were ugly as sin, but I got such a good deal on them I couldn't pass them up. Despite the laugh factor, they were amazing - grippy, light and durable. I literally ran them into the ground. 

There were also purchases on gear I thought I needed because that is what adventure racers carried. My trekking poles fall into this category. Using trekking poles for hiking and adventure racing is very popular. 

Put simply, trekking poles:

• Help distribute the load to your arms and shoulders and take strain off of your knees and legs.
• Provide balance and safety, especially when crossing rivers or on uncertain terrain.
• Improve ascent and descent times.
• Are useful for tarp shelters, emergencies, etc.

Seemed like a no brainer to pick some up, so I bought a pair of Leki Makalu trekking poles. They are lightweight, super strong, and well reviewed (at the time). 

And I have used them maybe four times in 6 years.

It turns out I cannot stand to be carrying things in my hands when hiking. I like having my hands free for climbing, scrambling, nefarious on trail attacks, that sort of thing. That explains why I attach so much to the outside of my pack. I like having gear handy, but not in hand.

Furthermore, I tend to be quite something when in motion. It comes with the beanpole build passed down through the generations. My gangliness certainly does not need extensions of gangliness. It is all I can do to keep my limbs in check without adding another four to five feet of length.

I found them to be helpful for making good time up a mountain, and added security in a stream. But I was constantly adjusting them, putting them away, pulling them out, dragging them behind me, wondering where I had put them, and so on. 

I spent more time fussing with them than really using them to their full potential. In the end, the poles became cool accessories strapped to the Salomon, adding a bit of legitimacy to the shoes (they were real ugly). After awhile, I considered just leaving them home, but that "Be Prepared" voice kept ringing in my head.

Then one day we were hiking a mountain in New Hampshire. The slope had quite a pitch, so Heather asked to try them. She loved them, leading to her purchase of a set of poles specifically designed for women (she plans to write about them at some point).

Not as spartan as my poles, but infinitely more useful for her. Long foam handles with slim grips designed for smaller hands, built in shock absorbers, and a compass in the top. She uses her trekking poles all the time, while mine gather dust.

That is my one tale of a gear bust. The trekking poles have many great qualities and are useful, just not for me. 

Ever buy gear that you thought you needed but ended up being happier without?