Changing one’s relationship to digital devices can help bring clarity, increase happiness, and reduce feelings of stress in one’s daily life. In this series we highlight individuals and digital resources from Menla’s extended community that can help anyone mindfully navigate the internet. This week we look at the value of unplugging and sitting with the unknown with Marni Pogachefsky.
Why Unplug?
So often we go through the motions of doing our daily tasks, caught in front of our screens, working, responding to emails, scrolling through social media, time slips by, and before we know it, there’s “no time” left for self care and reflection on what really matters.
Sitting with the Unknown
One of the most amazing opportunities I’ve been given is to really sit in the unknown. Like many folks, the unknown has never been a particularly comfortable place for me. Prior to my meditation retreats, sitting still for 10-15 minutes was so difficult because everything in my mind and body would scream “why aren’t you doing something with your life… you’re wasting time!” While I still hear myself thinking this from time to time, I’m really exploring sitting in the discomfort of not knowing, and allowing myself to stay open to when the “right opportunities” present themselves.
The Lesson of Doing Nothing
Another beautiful lesson I’ve encountered is that I don’t have to “do” anything or “be” anywhere specific to be happy. The most amazing thing I can do is be fully present. Happiness for me now isn’t the removal of pain and suffering; it’s the perspective I take on it. It’s been wildly powerful to shift from saying “my circumstances need to change for me to be happy” to “when my perspective around my circumstances shifts, and I can be present with what’s showing up, I can appreciate how amazing this life and moment are.”
I still get upset and annoyed and feel all the feelings, and I’m certainly not an expert yet at shifting my perspective to being fully present, but the awareness and practice of this concept have been life-changing for me.
To learn more about the work of Marni Pogachefsky, please visit: www.marnimae.com.
“To stay in the same place as His Holiness is a blessing and privilege. It is as if I could feel his love and tranquility vibrating all throughout.”
Vivian H.
“Menla is indeed magical, a place out of time that is rich in presence. The vibrational quality of this sanctuary is palpable as well as the magnificent natural beauty. Healing, peaceful and luminous with Light, a pilgrimage to Menla evokes the proverbial Medicine Mountain, and yet it is so close to NYC. Our Ayurvedic massage and experience at Dewa Spa was transporting, regenerative and deeply nourishing. Looking forward to our next retreat here and sharing this treasure with friends.”
Sarah Drew
“It’s nature healing, every staff member super kind and making you feel right at home, the food was heavenly good! I’m deeply impressed and recommend anyone to pay a visit when in search of a peace of mind, to recharge and for those who wants to deeply (re)connect with their inner nature. The good spirits of the Catskill mountains are definitely highly active and working their magic on everyone who comes and goes. Went home deeply inspired, recharged and full of love.”
Joren Bruin
MENLA
