Robin Albright here, reporting from Zoe Mountain in northern Arkansas, having just arrived and a bit out of sink. With no television, no internet and aside from a few crickets and the hum of my laptop, I find the quiet a little un-nerving. I can almost hear a whisper of concurrence from my Apple. Rarely does it find itself unplugged from the lightening speed of the virtual world. It seems cruel to detach like this, as if I’ve allowed someone to unplug it’s very life.

Unplugged it may be, but – still connected to it’s power of source. It’s able to perform – without the help of the super highway of information. While it’s usually performing with whistles & bells – notifying me when emails arrive, constantly receiving and sending information, now it’s quiet – only to shuffle the information found right here and right now-the information that I provide.

Again, to compare… my life is retreating a bit from the same busy-ness… the fast track that keeps me hopping and doing. I’m still connected to my power source, but here I can be still and listen. I can hear myself think and it’s easier to sort through the thoughts, since they aren’t competing for space amongst a bazillion other thoughts coming in at lightening speed. It’s easier to be present in the moment. Once finished here, the highway will be waiting and I will be equipped to handle it better. I’m fueling up and checking in with my core values, the exits that I’m wanting to take… routing out my next move and envisioning the stops along the way. This is some sort of a pit stop, I suppose and much needed. Pistons weren’t firing as they should. Ignition has been a little slow.  My paths weren’t always intentional and my mapping has been a bit sloppy.  My trip-meter indicated that I’ve been spinning my wheels in a few areas – causing my mileage to be over extended and resulting in my exhaustion. Yep, this Arkansas trip is all about refocusing, retuning and refueling… assuring that once this motor needs to rev up and move forward… there will be no hesitation. I welcome the unfamiliar quiet and rest.
I’m taking this time to escape the highway and unplug from the fast pace. I am here, along with my computer… both connected to our source of power and in awe of the incredible brilliance that is possible.

Wow, what’s kept me from doing this a thousand times before? What keeps us all from unplugging on a regular basis? Aside from the time that your head hits the pillow, when do you unplug? When do you allow yourself to enjoy the quiet so that your own thoughts are clear?