A few of us were chatting the other day at our forest retreat and got to reflecting whether it’s possible to have too much information in our lives.
Of course, this information age offers us so much. Never before in history has it been so easy to learn so many different things and find out pretty much anything we care to at the click of a button.
In many ways a great equalizer, the internet (censorship aside) offers knowledge freely to people across geographies, cultures, social classes and backgrounds. Whereas historically information has been a luxury of those able to afford it or born into it.
And yet … could it be that the level of information we’re exposed to is actually detracting from our quality of life? On any given topic we can find a multitude of differing opinions, that we need to sift through and extract what resonates the most.. but how many people are left exhausted and confused by the sheer level of content on things like nutrition, health and parenting (just to give a few examples)?
With so many conflicts and challenges in the world, how much of our headspace is taken up worrying about the state of the world? How many people are feeling overwhelmed by all of the national and global events we constantly hear about, many of which we have little ability to do anything about?
With an endless stream of information on fantastic places to go and things to do, are we left chasing experience after experience, fearful of missing out, instead of deeply savouring fewer, more loved places?
No wonder people are increasingly craving a digital detox. In our home, we intentionally manage the level of information we’re exposed to by limiting screens and (trying to) consume content consciously.
I’m coming to believe there’s a sweet spot, where we have enough informationbut not too much, that we’ve surpassed as a society but can re-find in our own lives. While taking advantage of everything the information age has to offer, we can also create space for deeper experiences. We can accept not knowing. We can appreciate each moment and the experiences we have without busying our minds researching and comparing them more.
Our guests increasingly tell us that when they visit for a forest retreat, the digital detox – time off phones and screens – is one of the things they love about coming to Eco Retreats (alongside the hidden and remote location, the stunning views and of course the outdoor wood-fired baths!)
Our forest retreat offers a space to unwind mind and body, de-clutter and process all the input we’re constantly exposed to, and just rest in our simple, beautiful yurts in the most stunning forest setting.