HONESTLY, DO YOU THINK WHAT I AM ABOUT TO DO IS CRAZY?
Have you ever felt like you actually need to disconnect in order to really connect?
My rehab!
For the last couple of years, I have been spending a hell of a lot of time by myself! Traveling the world alone has been a great opportunity to connect with my inner self!
However, I have to admit that often I find myself in front of a beautiful beach or stunning waterfall and my mind goes: “OMG OMG I must photograph this and maybe I can Skype my sisters now so they can see it, then I must share a picture of it on my Facebook page! Oh I should do a video too!” Etc etc etc!
I then end up missing that beautiful sunset because I am too busy chatting with someone on Facebook! And how many times I’ve missed an opportunity to meet locals or simply enjoy the scenery because I am too busy checking my emails and messages?
There’s too much “pollution” in order to truly disconnect and be by myself!
Also, perhaps because I am the first child, I have always been super talkative! Many call me talking machine and being a “social butterfly” has always been a huge part of who I am. And if you know me you know what I mean…!
However I must say that for the last year, I just got tired of talking to everything and everyone! It is a dejavu! Everyone asks the same questions and eventually you leave without even knowing the name of the person you just spent 2h talking to!!!
Thing is, we live in a generation that is spurred on by the endless march of technological innovation and we are so obsessed with communicating and knowing what’s happening that we now spend more time on our phones/computers/tablets than actually asleep! (Guiltyyyyy)
Let’s be real, isn’t the feeling of not having wifi neither 3G one of the worst ever??? Well isn’t as bad as running out of battery on your phone!!! I know I know, it is one of our biggest fears and I am the first one admitting I do suffer from NOMOPHOBIA (no mobile phone phobia)!!!
So I have decided to take on a challenge, probably one of the biggest challenges I can think of!!
It’s actually a 2 in 1 deal I am doing with myself!
I will be doing a silence retreat / technology & internet rehab!!!
In a few hours I will be picked up and sent to a ashram in the middle of nowhere where I’ll be living for a few days in silence (strictly prohibited to talk) and where there’s no electricity (no phones, computers, tablets etc are allowed – and even if you sneak them in – good luck as no reception, wifi or even a way to charge them)!
I see this a mental detox, a brain and soul cleanse! And I am absolutely terrified!
Let’s be real, I have reasons to be when apparently I even talk when I am sleeping! I can’t think of a day I managed to go over a couple of hours without talking! I really can’t! And don’t even let me mention the fact of not having my phone/internet with me! I feel naked already just by the thought of it while I type this words completely unrestrainedly, my iPhone still on my hands but somehow I feel like I am mourning the fact I am not gonna be able to touch it for a long time!
And I am excited! Because how couldn’t I be?
I am gonna connect with myself in a way I never had the opportunity to do. And I will try to connect more with the world we live in! Appreciate the nature and the simple things in a wholly way!
My days will be spent in silence doing meditation and yoga, which will help me control what thoughts I listen to!
I cannot wait to go on this journey and I promise that no matter what, I will still come back and let you know how it was!!
Wish me good luck!!!
Much love from Bali,
Emma
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Ashram – the entrance
So these were the words I wrote just before embarking on this adventurous still very challenging mission of not talking neither use any sort of technology for a week.
In this videoblog I explain what really happened and the importance of the retreat.
If you would like to know more about this incredible retreat, I invite you to look at their website. Can’t recommend enough <3
https://www.balisilentretreat.com
Oh and let’s not forget about the best – the food!!!!
Most yummy food ever
Have a great day,
Much love,
Emma
xoxo
Hello Emma.
Your cousin Emilia is my adopted “daughter” inEnland .
She is very excited for you so thought I’d read for myself.
Wowee, you are truly blessed to be given this chance.
I wonder how many of us would be so brave.
I’m sure you’ll leave with your mind, body & soul cleansed & hopefully many will follow in your footsteps.
All the best my dear, stay focused xx
Hello Vanessa,
Thank you for your super kind words.
Emilia has spoken a lot about you =)
Thank you for the support and hope my adventures inspire you <3
Much love
Emma
Great post! 🙂 Did you stay in a bungalow, room or dorm? I’m looking to go there, I’m flying to Bali in 2 weeks time and will be travelling around for 5 weeks, so do pass on any more recommendations if you have them 🙂 Thanks! Laura
Hello Laura,
apologies but just realize about this comments and apologies I didn’t answer any sooner.
Wondering if you did the retreat and what was your experience?
Kind regards,
Emma xx
Nice experience and video Emma. Very inspired for a travel blogger like me. Tks for making this article.
Hello there Go Indochine =)
Thank you, that’s very kind of you.
Wish you all the best on your blog adventures <3
Emma
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