It’s not always easy or convenient to go offline, with no direct access to the internet or the power grid. Satellites surround us and wi-fi access is ubiquitous. And it can be hard to pull away from the to-do’s and obligations of daily life, not to mention the attractive distractions on our phones and screens. But when we can and do make the time and the effort to step away, the benefits are immense, especially if we're stepping into nature, off grid.

Simplicity

The first thing that I notice being out amidst the sage (the birthplace of this post) is a sense of simplicity. The sound of the rushing water from the river. Budding flowers. The crackling of the fire. And enough time and focus to attend, in every moment, to what is needed: food, water, comfort, and rest.

Rest

I find it so much easier to rest offline and off the grid because there are fewer people or things vying for my time and attention. No email. No social media. No shows to watch or work to do. When I’m tired, and my basic needs are met, I can rest. Naturally, hopping off the grid for a few days doesn’t erase the obligations in our everyday lives. But, when we can carve out a bit of time to go offline, rest is much more accessible to us - especially for those of us inclined towards productivity.

Creativity

When I’m out in nature, off my phone and away from my screens, my mind floods with possibilities and my body yearns to put them into action. From a work and stress perspective, this might actually be my favorite benefit (hello productivity!): getting to access a profound sense of creativity that I simply don’t have in front of my screens. Ideas just show up in my mind, along with an excitement and ease in developing them. Getting work done by carving time away from work is the type-A dream.

moon reflecting over juniper tree and fire with stars and hills in background — *Sitting around a warm fire under the giant juniper and the wide expanse of the night sky.*

Space

Often when I head off grid, I'm with friends and/or family. But last weekend, it was just my husband and I. And we ended up spending a lot of time in our own space. Not apart, exactly. More like together in a shared silence that left lots of room to breathe. At our primitive BLM campground in early March, with few neighbors and vast stretches of canyon sage in every direction, there was space to wander, to think, to explore. And that outer space seemed to mirror something internal: room to drift about in my own awareness, to reflect on aspects of my life that daily life doesn't allow for in the same way. The high desert is perfect for this. Without trees to occlude the sky, the expanse above feels infinite. And for a little while, so do I.

Connection

But it’s not all space all the time - just enough of it to allow a sense of connection with self, with nature, and with others. When I sit and listen to the rapids, staring at the canyon walls under the boughs of the giant juniper, it’s easier to notice what I need, to connect to who I am and who I want to be (and don’t). And to remember that I am made of the same cells and the same life energy as the sage, the grass, the willow and even the basalt that surrounds me. As disparate as I might feel, surrounded by the hubbub of daily chaos, being out in nature, offline and off grid, taps me into a sense of deep connection with all life.

*Enjoying the canyon walls towering above the Deschutes River, under the giant juniper at our campsite.*

Perspective

And this deep sense of connection widens my perspective, and reminds me that my life, my problems, and even societal challenges, are not everything. It can be hard to remember this - or gain enough perspective to realize - that in the grand scheme of things, we are small. Individually, we are one person, on one planet, in one galaxy among billions. And if we are small, then our problems are small too (along with many of our worries). I know they don’t feel small, and I don’t mean to trivialize real urgency - especially when it comes to issues of safety, security, belonging and future well-being (personal and collective). But zooming out (as they do SO beautifully in my favorite video, The Scale of Time), highlights the fact that we are alive for the briefest of moments in the grand scheme of all life. Taking this perspective helps me appreciate what is, what I have, and who I am - even with all of my imperfections. And when I can do that, things somehow feel a lot lighter, more enjoyable and easier to manage.

Fulfillment

The sense of fulfillment that I get from being off grid and out in nature feels a bit harder to put words to…but it’s as if every cell in my body gets exactly what it needs. Clearly, each of us needs a little something different. For me, easy access comes through camping in the high desert, surrounded by sage, willow, and towering basalt canyons. Making fire, journaling, hiking through the sage. Playing games, banjo and connecting with friends and family. But not everyone is a high desert junkie. Maybe you prefer the vibrant forest, fishing pole in hand. Or a long stroll on the beach, waves lapping at your feet. Or maybe getting out of dodge is too much for you now, and it’s better to leave your phone at home for the day - or just a few hours, to start. The specifics matter much less than their positive impact on your nervous system, creating ease and enjoyment, with a foundation of safety and security.

Peace

No dings. No pings. No likes. No regular stream of dopamine hits that leave us searching and unfulfilled. And, at least for as many moments as you can carve out for yourself, no new emails, requests or tasks to check off. With the simplicity, the rest, the creativity, the space, the connection, the perspective and the fulfillment, comes a peace that gives us permission to just BE. To exist exactly as we are, for the moment, with no need to be anything or anyone else.

And with all of that space and freedom, we can tap into the energy that we need to take on life's challenges - however large or small they may feel. With our cups filled, we can get back online and return to our lives to create the meaningful change the world needs us to create.

A note on the journey: The benefits I've highlighted here are those most significant to me after hundreds of days off grid, out in nature. But that comfort didn't happen overnight - I've learned where to go, what to pack, how to stay warm, and how to ease into the stillness. Our nervous systems are nuanced, and for those with less experience offline and off grid, some of these benefits may not all resonate right away - or at all, at first. You might encounter boredom, restlessness, or discomfort before you find peace. That's normal, and it's part of the process. With practice, the right circumstances, and a willingness to start small, I'm confident that these benefits - and many more - will become more and more accessible over time.

All photos by Geoff and Tamara Staton

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