Disconnect to Reconnect

I booked my tour to the Sahara desert through a local travel company in Marrakech. As I sat in the small office, the agent was explaining the options: 3, 5, or 7 days but citing that the 3 days was the most popular with foreigners. I was amused and asked if that was because most people are pressed for time, and he started laughing and said no... 3 days because people get very uncomfortable with no WIFI in the desert. I laughed, paused... and then chose the 3 days.

Technically, if I counted the one day of traveling enroute to the desert I would only be offline for 2 days. However, I challenged myself to put my phone on airplane mode as soon as I got picked up from the hotel and would leave it off until I returned to the city. I was in one of the most exotic places in the world, surrounded by beauty. What could be so important that I'd need to check in? My visit to the Sahara Desert was the last highlight of my trip to Morocco so I was determined to fully immerse myself, unequivocally.

As the bus swerved through the beautiful valleys past amazing peaks I felt a real sense of calm. I took in the small villages that dotted the sides of the mountain and wondered what life was like there. At one particular stop I mused at the young children playing with a small ball, kicking back and forth and laughing endlessly. It's such a shame that in North America kids are spending so much time infront of screens and less time outdoors. I thought about myself though... how much time did I electively put myself infront of a screen?

Once we arrived in the desert we shared some mint tea with our host and then were each assigned a camel. My camel's name was Justin Berber. How hilarious is that? He was a younger camel and full of energy. I really wanted to take a photo with him but he was way too excited and kept trying to lick/snuggle with me. After about an hour, the group was ready and we received assistance mounting our camels for the trek. My guide was a young man named Youssef. I was amazed that he was walking the whole way and in the desert there aren't any landmarks that I could see, how did he not get lost?

The sun was starting to set and there was a beautiful stillness in the air. As the gold sand glimmered softly and small amounts wafted gently in the breeze I thought to myself how happy I felt. I really felt truly happy. How amazing is life and the opportunities that I have and the future opportunities that I'm sure I will have to experience these incredible things?!

That evening, many of my fellow travelers retreated to their tents to sleep right after dinner. It had been a very long day. I sat infront of my tent just staring up at the sky. Thinking nothing. Which is really hard for me because I'm always thinking! My guide Youssef asked if I wanted to have a better view of the stars? He would be please to walk me out to an area with less light for improved visibility. That was a definite yes for me!

As we sat on the blanket he brought for us and watched the stars I asked him how he started working in this profession and he proclaimed that he was the oldest of nine kids. He had to help support his family and so at the age of 17 quit school and became a guide. That being said, he felt grateful to have this job that pays relatively well and the opportunities to meet foreigners and exchange stories and learn about life overseas. I truly admire that kind of positive attitude as life is very much a matter of perspective.

On any day I would watch the stars over Netflix, and have a meaningful conversation than a myriad of text messages. During my three days away I did not miss being online. I think that sometimes we need to disconnect to reconnect with ourselves. Afterall, as the saying goes, "the most important relationship you have will be with yourself".

These days on a daily basis I will turn my phone off for two hour blocks twice a day. I don't answer messages before 9am or after 9pm. It's my way to protect my peace and find a bit of stillness in an otherwise very busy life.

Wishing you peace and the power to appreciate the depths of your experiences.