Going off the grid...my tech vacation

During my Army days, I spent a lot of time in the woods, disconnected from society, and focused on a mission. I’d ruck for hours, letting my thoughts wander and mulling over life’s happenings. I never thought I’d long for those days- marching up mountains and sleeping on the hard ground. And yet, I recently found myself overwhelmed, looking to escape my chaotic corporate life. I went back to my roots, and took a long walk in Big Bend National Park without any technology- just me, my backpack, and wide open spaces. So what did I learn while off the grid?

1. We’re not that important

 There’s something about climbing on 500 million year old rocks that makes me feel a bit insignificant. I struggle to comprehend geologic time, and realize that my lifespan pales in comparison. Bouldering over mountains makes me feel small, vulnerable, and in awe of nature. After all of this, I expected to come back to my world of self-importance, answering hundreds of missed calls and emails. In actuality, the number was only about twenty, mostly from my mom.

2. Things change, and so must we

Mother Nature cannot be controlled; she changes fast, and without warning. When I packed for Big Bend, the weather was supposed to be mild with lows in the mid-fifties. Soon after I arrived, an unexpected snow storm came (yes, it snows in the desert) and I had to quickly adjust my camping plans. No longer Army strong, I opted to stay in the lodge. My disappointment soon dissipated when I heard reports of ten inches of snow on the mountain top. The next day, I returned sun burned from scorching temperatures in the eighties. Our lives change like the weather-with highs and lows; all we can do is focus on those things within our control.

3. Everyone has a story

While in the lodge, an uncanny thing happened. Without cell phone service or wifi, people actually talked to one another. I met folks from Arizona, Alabama, Belgium, and California. I learned about astronomy, travel nursing, micro-biology, and the ghost stories of West Texas. I truly felt connected to the people around me, and the hours seemed to pass by-no one checked Facebook, hid behind a laptop screen, or texted across the room. Learning about the people around me was a really enjoyable experience.

4. Rest assured

I chose Big Bend for its dark clear skies. Sleeping under the stars is said to reset our internal circadian rhythm. A chronic insomniac, I half hoped nature would work some magic. I’m not sure if it was hiking in the elements, the time away from work, or not having a cell phone to play with, but my nightly shut eye increased from about two hours a night to almost five. For me, this made the trip worth it. I returned refreshed, rested, and ready for my next tech vacation.

I highly recommend scheduling time off the grid. It helps you reconnect with yourself and those around you. And even if you can’t make it to a remote park on the Texas-Mexico border, I’m sure you can schedule a weekend hike or just lock up your cell phone.