Camping and my digital disconnect

South Fork, Stanislaus River
Watercolor, Plein air
8”x8”

Listening to the quiet

In August I took a single camping trip for the summer.

Camping has grown increasingly hard for me, despite how much I love it. Medical issues keep me home.

Maybe you’ve felt that tug too: the part of you that craves adventure, while another part whispers “It’s just too hard.”

But my tribe of camping girl friends convinced me that a short trip with them would work out. I was feeling pretty well, so I pitched my tent alongside theirs for a couple nights.

We were deep in the mountains, away from cell towers and wifi hubs, so my phone was useless except as a flashlight and camera.

It’s been a long time since I’ve disconnected. At first I felt isolated, lonely for the constant dopamine hit of frantic news and messages. But it didn’t take long for my mind to unwind. I slept deeply, and woke early to paint the morning light as it spilled across the meadow.

It reminded me what it feels like to breathe again. Remember that feeling?

That feeling of being part of a deep cycle of time that flows around you and through you. How listening to yourself can call you back to yourself. How simple beautiful things help heal your heart.

Have a wonderful September. I hope we can all take some time on the solstice (or anytime this month) to unplug and just listen.

Like the First Morning
Watercolor, Plein Air
8” x 8”