Today is the start of the Labor Day holiday, and I challenge
you to take a day this weekend that is "unplugged." What do I mean by
that? A day with no computer, no cell
phones, anything that connects you to other people, the internet, and your
dissertation. Yes, I want you to take a day off!
You may find that, at least initially, you feel a little
stressed from not being connected, but this will pass. Enjoy the silence.
Listen to the sounds outside your window. Go out and enjoy the day. Maybe read
a novel or go to a movie. Talk to your family and friends about anything except
your dissertation. If anyone asks about it, tell them I told you that you are
not allowed to think about it today! J
To get the most out of your unplugged day, make yourself
aware that you are not connected, feel the freedom. Know that the world can
manage without you there for one day. Enjoy this little bit of peace.
Try meditating and concentrate on your breathing, becoming
aware of the world inside you. Your breath is a miracle that accompanies every
moment of your life. It has been happening since you took your first breath at
birth and will continue until you take that last final breath. It is one of the
few automatic body processes that we can control; you can't control your heart
beat or the processing taking place in your stomach or liver. But the breath we
can hold or speed up. Play with that for a while.
If you like journaling, this would be a great day for some
self-reflections. How are you feeling about your life? Are you happy with where
and how things are progressing? What would you like to change, what would it
take to do that? Perhaps write a poem about your life at this moment in time.
Enjoy your day off, your dissertation and I will be here
when you get back!
*My thanks to Judi and Amy for suggesting this topic. Next time, we
will take a look at some fall reflections. Do you have an issue or a question
that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Send me an email with your
ideas. leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu
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