10/09/2026
The little cabin in the Adirondacks where I am lucky enough to retreat a few times a year lacks electricity and running water, but even at some distance from the road, boasts excellent cell service. The choice to fully withdraw from the world must be intentional.
When I was there last week, I made that choice for a day. After alerting folks who might worry if they couldn’t reach me, I turned my phone off. This meant that I did not have a clock, also intentional. I went to bed that night when my eyes started drooping, and when I woke up in the night, acknowledged it was still dark, and stayed in bed until first light showed through the window.
The morning was easy - I have a steady routine, so I knew what to do. Make a fire, complete morning ablutions, do my practice, cook breakfast, make tea, wash the dishes, get the books out, start writing. All without consulting any outside authority or source of information, aside from the sun.
After a while, I walked the small trail through the woods, first one way, then in reverse. I worked a little more, then made lunch. After lunch I sat outside in the sun and meditated. It was a spectacular day, and even though I’d decided to stay put, eventually I gave into the urge to go hike in the mountains. I figured it was midafternoon, so I’d still have plenty of time before sunset. The car clock showed 2:10, confirming it was a safe idea.
I walked through the lit up woods and made my way to a wide open viewpoint, where I sat and took in the colorful expanse. Just looked, noticed the breeze, my breath, the shimmering aspens and glowing maples, the other folks up there taking it in with me, phones out, taking photos. I took my boots off, ate an apple, then after a while, hiked back down, taking in the leaves, the mushrooms, the small stream. Simple. Astounding.
In the end, I went about 40 hours without checking my email, and another day beyond that before I allowed social media to infiltrate my consciousness. Taking a break from daily obligations is restorative, but if you really want to find some inner quiet, try turning off your phone.
