33 days offline

What happens when you take a break from it all?

Hi dear friend.

We left our home in Bali and headed to a very small island in Indonesia. As soon as we checked into our bungalow for the month, we started to rest and slow down. We needed it, feeling all worked out with very little energy left. The first few days were dedicated to just that, resting. We made a conscious decision to be completely offline, no work, no connection with the outside world. The only time we used our phones was to take photos and videos.

We had set up a separate phone and WhatsApp number for our daughter back home, in case of any emergency. Our closest family, about five people, had the means to reach us, just in case.

We had put in a lot of effort the last two Months before to organize, schedule and prepare for this escape from the daily grind. So everything ran smoothly at home while we were offline. So, we began our journey of rest and grounding, being close to the sea was the main goal for the month. The calming and healing nature of the sea, together with snorkelling in these amazing waters, became our refuge. This has always been where I heal and relax the most.

Its funny how, before the break, I had planned and organized activities. It’s in my DNA I think, to dream, plan and organise. I aimed to meditate daily, practice pranayama (breathing) and exercise a lot, hopefully loose some kilos. None of these plans happened during our island sojourn. Yet, the 6 am empty beach walks and daily snorkelling was like a form of meditation and exercise in their own right. I learned to let go of the rigid expectations I had set for myself. So easy to plan and equally easy to be hard on myself when those plans does not happen. I will most likely plan again, but be more fluid about it and if it does not happen for some reason, so be it. No biggy.

Returning to basics on an island with no cars, no scooters, and a population of just 650 people, living off the land and sea, was a beautiful experience. They traded fish for vegetables, and there were no shopping or screens in the few restaurants available. It was an environment that not only helped us relax but also inspired us. Witnessing the seemingly simple yet happy lives of the islanders made us reflect on what truly matters.