Strange how quickly people forget that mobile phones have only been around for about 20 years. Today, most people, from teenagers to their grandparents, are inseparable from their cell phones or smartphones. I know of people who loved spending time with their families and friends in nature, no longer going on camping weekends.
Why? Because they might not have access to their emails and social media if signals and reception are unreliable.
How to unplug and escape to nature
Tell your family, friends, colleagues and anyone else who expects you to be available 24/7 that you will be off the grid. That will remove the obligation to answer emails, texts and any other technology-related services. You could use the auto responder vacation facility on your email account. However, make sure a loved one has your access information to use in the event of an emergency. Lastly, commit to not responding to any calls or messages during your camping trip.
Nature can do for you what no physician can
Swapping mobile phones for nature for a few days can be invaluable. Unplugging from all technology that typically rules your life will allow you to slow down and clear your mind. Without cell phone interruptions, you can breathe fresh air and appreciate your surroundings. Being unplugged might seem daunting, but you’ll survive a weekend — right? If you absolutely cannot separate yourself from your smartphone, use it for nothing but to take photos of the splendor around you. Consider the benefits:
Bonding time with your camping companions
The way we race through life allows little time for bonding with family and friends. Hanging out with friends who also have full-time jobs allows catching up with each other’s lives. Spending time with your family on a camping trip will not replace lost family time; however, it will underscore the importance of making time for bonding.
Campfire stories, jokes and other conversations will remind you of the pleasures and importance of casual conversation. However, in nature, the subtle sounds of silence are therapeutic. Nowhere in your usual surroundings would you find the harmony and peace present in the woods.
“On earth, there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it” — Jules Renard
The perfect setting for relaxation and rest
No one can challenge the link between increased relaxation and the great outdoors. The soothing sounds of nature can wash away the stress that has become a part of most people’s lives. There is no pressure to check and reply to emails, meet deadlines, and stay up to date with various social media platforms.
Hal Borland said, “Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.”
Expand your knowledge about the wonders around you
Let nature be your teacher. These are the only times when using your smartphone is okay. Take photos, and right there is another reason for bonding with your family. Gather the kids once you’ve returned to the rat race and use whatever technology you want to identify birds, tracks, sounds, small animals and more. Print the photos of your time in nature and make a family scrapbook of each camping trip. You have no idea how you will treasure those times when you page through the scrapbooks when the kids have flown the coop!
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. “– Albert Einstein
Go, what are you waiting for?
Helen Keller described experiencing nature perfectly when she said,
“To me, a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.”
