Reflections of my week off the grid…..
One week ago, today I slowly started integrating back into “the real world”. I took, not only a week off work, but a week “off grid”. No social media, no texts, emails, or work phone calls. 7 days of hiking, yoga, meditation, and clean, plant-based eating. No caffeine or alcohol. There were also daily massages and pool time. On 5 of the days, the hikes were from 4 to 5.5 hours with much of the terrain uphill.
It was a challenging week physically and mentally, but it was also fun, enriching and enlightening.
Reflecting on the week, two quotes come to mind, each holding their own truth:
• “In movement there is stillness.” – Lao Tzu
• “In stillness there is movement.” – Shunryu Suzuki
Here are a few other take-aways from my week off the grid:
• Keep moving. Your body will thank you and you will be surprised at how you can engage muscles you forgot you had, and you will discover untapped strength and resilience.
• It is time to start exploring the many amazing hikes in my own backyard.
• Nourishment is key – by eating nutrient-rich foods, I experienced how fulfilling and satisfying smaller portions can be.
• Ice cold coconut water after a long hot hike is pure bliss.
• When the going gets tough, keep at it, one sherpa step at a time.
• Forget the frantic hustle and bustle pace…slowing down allows our minds to expand and reach new heights of capacity.
• Systems = freedom.
• Connect with your tribe. There is nothing better than being with kind, strong, smart, and supportive friends who radiate beauty from within.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kat and the entire @ashram team for their generous hospitality and care. To my fellow companions – Randi, Missy, Sam, Shweta, Molly, Jocelin, Tara, Liz, Stapley, Julie & Janet – your presence made this journey all the more meaningful.
A special thank you also goes to the phenomenal team I work with – Janina, Cherilyn, Ursula, Marg, Kelly and Amy – for ensuring everything ran smoothly in my absence, allowing me to disconnect fully.
If you find yourself yearning for time off-grid but don’t know if you can make it happen – let’s connect. I’m happy to share how I made it happen with the hope of helping you embark on your own transformative adventure.
With sincerest gratitude and renewed vitality,
Robin
P.S. The photo is from yesterday’s early morning hike on the Dragoon Gulch Trail.