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.
“As a residential employee, Menla is a beautiful place to live. Work doesn’t feel like work when surrounded by the natural beauty of upstate New York. The co-workers are all caring and dedicated, and form a community, rather than a workplace. I am grateful to make my home in such an environment of compassion and peace, and to make a living here as well.”
Wyatt Foxe
“Loved Menla and all the experiences they offer… I attended morning yoga with different instructors who were excellent and fully over indulged with the veggie buffet with gluten-free and vegan options. Many fresh greens from the organic on-site garden. Delicious!”
Robert B.
“The program was extremely well-oiled, and I’m already thinking about attending next year’s event. Moreover, the lush campgrounds, spa services, friendly staff, and delicious vegetarian meals helped complete a well-rounded, inspirational experience. A thousand thank yous.”
Rochelle Livingston
MENLA
