The art of unplugging

Beside recent years, I never actually lived in a metropole, even less a big one like Tokyo, and since young age I always liked country side.

I very often lived in a city close to one, given the opportunity to easily access what a metropole can offer while being able to stay out of it to something more quiet.

Although, at times it has not been enough and I may have felt overwhelmed by the life style of a city. The noise pollution, the constant activity, the modernism - that I really enjoy - they all make me feel disconnected from my true self.

That’s why once in a while I simply disconnect. That’s something I used to do a lot when I was living in France. Something I did too in Japan, but at a lower frequency. I guess the life style Tokyo and Japan gave me fit me better.

What I do to disconnect is usually simple. Go country side, away from metropole, city, activities. Avoid technology, media, and any sort of conflicts. And breath.

I try to be alone, or with people who are truly peaceful, so I can be with my own self. Relax, think, evaluate, and get motivated. Or what we call nowadays “mindfulness”.

Does it change my life, makes me take radical actions? Very rarely, but it happens.

Does it help coming back to my current life and move forward? Definitely. And that’s the key.

The key to avoid burnout from our own expectation.

But this is my way to unplug. What’s yours?