long and simple

Once more, tomorrow begins two weeks of no phone and no computer. I might start early and turn my phone off momentarily. For now, I’m iterating on some last few PRs with AI while waiting to pick up pizzas with my partner. This two week ritual is one I’m proud of myself for making happen again and I hope to do as long as it serves me. When it stops, I hope to come up with something else tailored just to me. I first did this last year at the start of my second sabbatical from work. It was the perfect reset and way to begin prolonged rest. The nerves of last year are replaced with excitement this time around. How will this time be different when, on the other side, isn’t a following 2.5 month stretch of no work? How will this time be different when I’ve been here before, in the exact same place and time, almost exactly a year prior?

I crave the rest, the return of my brain space, the fullness that comes with constraints, the heightened awareness of noises and music when I can play none myself, the deep sleep, the mono-tasking, the narrowed focus to just what’s around me rather than what’s happening around the entire world, the different connection to my body while working on when I’m not regularly looking at a device, and the different ways of connecting with my loved ones. I plan to write out texts I want to send, write real letters as I love to do, meditate, work out a ton, walk by the beach, catch the sunset, journal, make wonderful meals with my partner, read to each other, read lots in general, take luxurious naps, and see what interactions I end up having with strangers. Inevitably, I imagine I will begin singing songs to myself with partial lyrics I can remember when the longing for music hits. The days will be long and simple. What will come of that? What emotions will finally be able to have space?

There is safety for me in action, speed, multi-tasking–I hope this ritual continues to help create a new pathway in my brain of the safety that comes with slowness, spaciousness, and presence.

I’ll see you all on the other side.