Disconnect

It was one of those mornings.  I needed to get to my e-mails and was having an internet connectivity problem.   After sitting through the robotic instructions of my internet provider’s automated service, I was told to turn my computer off, reset the modem and disconnect the wireless router.  Then I was told to wait for at least 20 seconds before re-connecting and turning everything back on.  The pleasant, yet robotic voice then graciously said goodbye and asked me to call back if I still had problems with my internet connection.
 
Since I had done all the things she had suggested before I called in, but not all of it together and I had not waited for at least 20 seconds, I decided to wait longer than that with everything shut down and disconnected.

I then decided to disconnect myself.  I went outside and sat on my patio steps and took a few deep breaths.  It felt really good, not having anything to do.  I even stopped thinking and was able to shut off the rambling voices and disjointed thoughts and images in my head.  I started focusing on my breathing, listening to the birds and felt the breeze against my skin.  It felt wonderful.  I was beginning to feel rejuvenated.

I realized how busy I had been for the past two months.  Summer gets that way.   The days are broken up: I have a tight coaching schedule, and a book that is being edited and needs to be published, there never seems to be enough time to just sit and breathe.  I know for me and probably everyone else out there, conscious breathing while doing nothing is not what we allow ourselves to do on a regular basis.

I am not talking about meditating, or sleeping.  We all walk away from our computers and when we sleep at night, the computer is shut down and sleeps too.  Yet, it still needs to be disconnected.  We too need to be disconnected from time to time.  I knew the benefits of disconnecting for me, but I didn’t realize how just like the computer, if I don’t disconnect regularly, I might stop functioning.  I stayed with that thought and gave myself full permission to sit outside just a bit longer. 

Questions to Ponder:
1)    What does it mean to you to be disconnected and do you do it voluntarily?
2)    What are the benefits of disconnecting to you?

If you would like to work on disconnecting and learning how to be more effective when connected, you may want to work with a spiritual life coach.  Spiritual life coaching can teach you tools and skills that you can consistently use as needed.  If you would like to work with me, but are not sure, contact me for a complimentary 30 minute consultation.