Unplugged
Dear One,
Over the past several years, I have become uncomfortable with the idea of required accessibility due to technological advances. I am not (and never will be) anti-tech; advancements in this world help us evolve as humans. Besides, I am a bit of a computer nerd. I am, however, anti self-sabotage, anti ingenuine relationships, anti egotistical behaviors, and anti discontentment due to f.o.m.o., jealousy and ungratefulness. I am anti anything that does not make oneself feel safe and secure as self.
Lately, I have been making it a priority to keep discovering and accepting myself for who I am in that moment. In order to successfully do this, I have to intentionally become unplugged. Unplugged from logic, unplugged from reason, unplugged from biases, generational and cultural mindsets, societal expectations and norms, and most importantly, my ego. This has been one of my greatest achievements to date - unplugging from the manufactured self to reconnect with my authentic self.
I find it is easy to become disconnected when your focus shifts and you become distracted by time and energy consuming senseless things. If you absorb meaningless junk at any given free moment, at what point does it become excessive overload? When should one clear the mental debris filling in the body of conscious waters and let it flow again?
My experience at Getaway Atlanta/Chattahoochee reminded me of this necessity. We are all aware that certain technology is unfortunately controlling humankind more and more these days, but I think I was able to pinpoint the culprit while visiting Getaway — accessibility. Society has normalized expectations of accessibility. We have become entitled to who and what we believe should be available at any given moment. That, my dear friend, is ego at its finest.
With that entitlement comes less appreciation, biases, judgements, ungratefulness, lack of boundaries, and the list goes on. But who made this ego-based entitlement acceptable? …Self. No one, but good ole self. We grant our loved ones, friends, neighbors, bosses and colleagues the prestigious award for ultimately sabotaging our self-care. How many recipients come to mind? If I had to guess, too many.
If there is anything my Getaway experience has taught me is that accessibility does not always mean simpler, easier or fulfilling. Making things out of nothing, creating space for opportunity and using what you have can fulfill your needs now and in the future. I have known this for quite some time, but knowing and practicing have different effects — knowing is the awareness of information, but practicing is actively applying and engaging with that knowledge for beneficial uses. I will try to continually practice unplugging and getting away when necessary in order to gain accessibility to my authentic self. Should you find some time to do the same, may you find stillness, gratitude and peace in that space.
Take Care,
Kris
