Unplug, Immerse, and Reboot: Part 2 [E049]
Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound
I want to discuss the benefits of the recent camping trip my wife I and enjoyed in Northern Michigan.
As our listeners well understand – we talk a lot about getting outside our comfort zones on this podcast – and while that is usually in the context of practicing our communication skills –
Today – the topic is more about stepping AWAY…
Part Deux:
Immerse:
In my reading I learned about a term called the “Three Day Effect” when reading Michael Easter’s – The Comfort Crisis.
The idea refers to the benefits of spending at minimum – three days immersed in nature to reboot.
Goal 1 is important to achieve and goal 2 Immerse ourselves in nature were rooted in this quest to experience the “Three Day Effect’ ourselves.
In short – we’ve done our research and learned that South Manitou Island is a really great spot to do all those things – but still have some access to basic needs if we require it. With the exception of food – there is potable water and a bathroom available on the island near the ranger station.
Betsy and I hiked about a mile to the Bay area campgrounds, selected an amazing site where the forest meets the beach – and adjacent to one of the usable firepits.
The temps were cool. Low 60’s High. the low 50’s overnight.
Our tent setup was great – our food container tight (to prevent chipmunks a.k.a. micro-bears) and our first day explorations were inspiring- well over 10 miles of hiking – views were a bit limited from haze produced by the Canadian wildfires – but the air quality was good – so we were pleased and just marveled at the views we were treated to. The island is visible from the mainland, but the views of the dunes are uniquely awesome when you are standing on them looking in on the island.
I could mention the waist high poison Ivy – the mosquitoes – and the
Rather funny, but what I loved the most – was the challenge it was to find good down-and-dead wood for a fire. I had only a Leatherman with a small saw.
We didn’t need a fire – as we carried a small stove and fuel – but we had resolved to go swimming in the lake… and that water, my friends… is cold. We wanted some ‘heat’ insurance.
Day one – we decided against swimming – as we just didn’t anticipate how difficult it was to make a decent fire.
Day two – it was cloudy and cool – but not as much haze. We put less pressure on ourselves for exploration but easily hiked over 8 miles – and this time found some really great branches for a fire that would last. The last part of our hike consisted of carrying armfulls of branches and logs.
I mention this because this is when I really felt my mind stop tracking on ‘other’ things. A simple – old as time task – like finding firewood on a remote island was … rewarding.
The reward was mostly manifest in the return of our resolve to plunge into the lake water.
The water temp is cold-plunge ready at this time of the year – low to mid 50’s (F)
That’s pretty cold on a breezy, cloudy day with the air temps in the low 60s…
But in we went!
I’ll be clear – we did NOT stay in the water long.
Nonetheless – as we walked back to the campsite a few hundred feet away, we did not feel cold. Just… really refreshed. The air we had thought cold before – was no longer.
To keep a long story short – I’ll say that we enjoyed a great fire that night… but noted our food would run out if the weather became too rough overnight.
We had been told by the ranger on our arrival to return to the ferry dock early on our last day so that the boat doesn’t get damage due to an easterly current. (it bangs against the dock).
That night – it rained – not hard – but it was cool, windy, and steady drizzle.
The morning was damp – chilly – and our food supply was dwindling to a point that if the ferry couldn’t return today – it’d be a bit of a bummer!
Fortunately – the ferry arrived – and we made our way back to the mainland where we enjoyed a stay at an old hotel – and a few great meals.
In summary:
The Three Day Effect – it WORKS.
While re-engaging on that particular weekend was disappointing with sad news in the world – and other variables – we are already looking forward to our next adventure and encourage anyone who needs a break to do so – in nature – unplugged!
Link to Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter
Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:
The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. “Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night’s sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions – before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. “Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
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