Episode 166 - Into the Wilderness
The Power of Unplugging
Originally published on Seasons of Joy - Episode 166
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant buzz of notifications, emails, and digital noise? Do you find yourself scrolling through your phone instead of connecting with what truly matters? If you're a woman of faith struggling to navigate your current season of life, you're not alone. Today, I want to share how intentionally unplugging from technology can transform your life and help you create more joy and meaning.
The Digital Dependency Challenge
Let's face it. We live in a world where technology surrounds us everywhere. Studies reveal some startling statistics about our relationship with digital devices:
80% of people claim they couldn't go a single day without their cell phone
75% of people admit to feeling addicted to their phones
I want to be clear: this isn't about demonizing technology. I actually love what technology brings to our lives such as the ability to text loved ones, see photos of family adventures, learn and grow, listen to podcasts and music, and stay connected. Technology itself isn't the enemy.
The key is learning to intentionally unplug from time to time.
My Wilderness Adventure
Last week, I was reminded of the power of unplugging during a three-day backpacking adventure in the beautiful Soldier Lakes area near Stanley, Idaho. Accompanied by my husband, three grown sons, and grandson, I completely disconnected from the digital world and reconnected with what truly matters to me.
What True Unplugging Looks Like
Real unplugging isn't just about turning off your phone even though that's certainly part of it. It means:
Powering down every electronic device
Stepping fully into the present moment
Being present with where you are and who you're with
Creating a stress-free zone away from overwhelming environments
The Backpacking Experience: Lessons in Simple Living
Backpacking in high alpine country offers a unique perspective on life. When you carry everything you need on your back like food, shelter, clothing, water purification you discover the deep satisfaction of complete self-reliance.
Our days were filled with:
Setting up camp together
Cooking meals over portable stoves
Filtering water from mountain lakes and streams
Navigating trails together
Waking up to breathtaking views
Sharing stories around the campfire
Falling asleep to absolute silence
The Power of Three Generations
What made this trip especially meaningful to me was having three generations together. Watching my grandson experience wilderness for the first time, seeing my grown sons as the amazing men they've become, and sharing this adventure with my husband reminded me of something powerful: there's something beautiful in stripping life down to essentials and experiencing it with people you love.
Why Focused Presence Matters
When navigating rocky terrain with a heavy pack, you must focus on where you place each step. One moment of distraction could mean:
Losing your balance
Stepping on loose rocks and slipping
Missing trail markers
Exhaustion by not pacing yourself
The same principle applies to life. When we're present and focusing on what matters, it changes everything.
3 Benefits of Unplugging
1. Refocus on What Truly Matters
Unplugging creates space to reflect on your priorities. During my wilderness experience, I could:
Focus completely on family connections
Appreciate my sons for who they've become
Enjoy uninterrupted time with my husband
Think about my direction and growth without modern distractions
Key question to ask yourself: Am I living the life I want to live? Am I living on purpose, deliberately, and intentionally?
2. Rejuvenate Your Soul
While carrying a backpack for miles might sound exhausting, it's surprisingly rejuvenating. The combination of physical challenge and natural beauty restores the soul.
Without regular unplugging, we become:
Stressed and depleted
Unable to give our best to others
Spiritually and emotionally drained
Remember: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Unplugging fills your cup through meaningful experiences, natural beauty, and authentic connections.
3. Reconnect with Purpose
Unplugging allows reconnection on multiple levels:
With yourself
With others
With something greater
Standing on mountain peaks, you realize the world is expansive and we're each a small part of it. Yet every experience and growth opportunity matters because it was designed for you, and you are loved.
Making Unplugging a Regular Practice
What if unplugging became woven into your daily and weekly routine? Consider what you might discover about:
Yourself and your desires
Your relationships
What actually brings joy
Practical Ways to Start Unplugging
The idea of unplugging doesn't have to feel overwhelming. You don't need to disappear into wilderness for three days (though I highly recommend it if possible!). Start small:
Simple Unplugging Ideas:
Three-minute breaks without devices
Morning walks without your phone
Evening device-free time with gadgets in another room
Weekend digital sabbaths
Nature adventures with loved ones
Unplugging isn't limited to summer adventures. Every season offers opportunities to disconnect and reconnect.
Your Wilderness is Waiting
The mountains will be there when you're ready—whatever those "mountains" represent for you. But life has a way of filling every moment with noise if we let it.
Your present moment is calling you.
The choice is yours: How will you refocus, rejuvenate, and reconnect? Your wilderness is waiting for you whether it's actual mountains, a quiet park, or simply a device-free evening.
Take the Next Step
Ready to explore what unplugging could look like in your life? As a certified faith-based life coach, I'd love to help you discover how to create more joy and meaning in your current season.
Schedule a complimentary clarity conversation to discuss your unique path to a more intentional, joyful life. Because more than the wilderness waiting for you.
Your authentic life is waiting.
Are you ready to step into your wilderness and discover the joy that comes from intentional living? Share this post with a friend who needs this reminder, and let's start a conversation about creating more meaningful moments in our busy lives.
Remember, beautiful friend: You're not too late. You're right on time.
Are you experiencing your own midlife awakening? Share your story in the comments below or reach out—I'd love to connect with you on this journey.
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About the Author: Jill Pack is a certified faith-based life + relationship coach and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She helps women of faith navigate their seasons of life with greater purpose and joy including transforming conflict into an adventure. For more resources or to work with Jill, visit www.seasons-coaching.com.
Keywords: unplugging from technology, digital detox, mindful living, faith-based life coaching, wilderness therapy, work-life balance, intentional living, reducing screen time, family connection, spiritual renewal
Meta Description: Transform your life by unplugging from technology. Learn 3 powerful ways to refocus, rejuvenate & reconnect. Faith-based guidance for intentional living & lasting joy.
