Sailing to Catalina Island — The Great Escape Close to Home

Latitude 38 contributor and podcast host Ryan Foland relates some lessons learned while sailing just 25 miles to Catalina Island, right off the coast from the 20 million people in Southern California. 

After spending 10 blissful days sailing to Catalina Island on my 1977 Cal 34 sailboat, BINGO II, and being completely offline, I’ve returned to land with a renewed sense of clarity and calm. In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to lose touch with the simple pleasures and deeper connections that make life truly fulfilling. My time offline not only provided a much-needed break from digital distractions but also offered valuable insights and experiences that I am now striving to incorporate into my daily routine. Here are the 10 lessons I learned during my digital detox and how they have positively impacted my life since returning to the grind.

Deeper Connections With Those Around Me.

Without the constant buzz of notifications, I found myself engaging in more meaningful conversations with those around me. Traveling with my wife, Cynthia McKee, PhD, she was the person I connected with the most. Our time together, free from digital interruptions, became incredibly valuable. We shared stories and laughter, and deepened our bond in a way that only undistracted time allows.

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading.

I finally had the time to delve into a book that had been gathering dust on my shelf. Immersing myself in its pages reminded me of the pleasure of uninterrupted reading. It was a delightful escape and a powerful reminder of the importance of making time for personal enrichment.

The Art of Slow Cooking and Enjoying Meals.

With no rush to check emails or scroll through social media, I took my time preparing and savoring meals. Cooking became a meditative activity, and I discovered new recipes and flavors. One of my favorite meals was white sea bass, which we enjoyed leisurely while soaking in the serene surroundings. Each meal turned into a cherished ritual, highlighting the joy of slow, mindful living.

Embracing Nature.

Being offline allowed me to fully appreciate the beauty of my surroundings. We saw dolphins, sunfish, deer, and bison, and I spent hours walking, swimming, snorkeling, and collecting shells. One shell stood out to me, perfectly imperfect, showing its age and wear. These activities reconnected me with nature and provided a profound sense of peace and wonder that’s often lost in our busy lives.

Better Sleep Patterns.

Without the temptation to stay up late browsing the internet, I found myself going to bed earlier. The natural rhythm of the days at sea helped regulate my sleep cycle, leading to more restful nights and refreshed mornings. Good sleep proved to be a cornerstone of overall well-being.

Cultivating Calm and Peace.

The absence of digital noise brought an overwhelming sense of calm. Nestled into quiet coves and anchored with no other boats in sight, we watched sunsets and sunrises that soothed our souls. I noticed a significant reduction in stress and anxiety, replaced by a serene and peaceful mindset. This tranquility allowed me to fully enjoy the present moment and approach each day with a relaxed attitude.

Enhanced Focus.

Being disconnected from the constant influx of information helped me concentrate better. I was less distracted and more present in whatever task I was doing. This increased focus translated into more productive and satisfying days. I felt liberated from the demands of instant communication, allowing me to breathe easier and live more freely. This newfound sense of ease has had a lasting impact on my overall stress levels.

Time to Relax and Chill.

With no digital distractions, I had ample time to relax and unwind. Whether it was lounging on the deck, watching the sunset, or simply doing nothing, I experienced the rejuvenating power of downtime. I even found the luxury of napping, a simple pleasure that often eludes me during busy workdays. It was a reminder of the importance of balancing activity with rest.

Boosted Creativity.

The mental space created by being offline sparked a wave of creativity. I found myself thinking more freely and coming up with new ideas. Whether it was jotting down thoughts in a journal or brainstorming future projects, the creative juices flowed uninhibited.

Incorporating Offline Insights Into Daily Life.

Back on land and reconnected to the digital world, I’ve made a conscious effort to integrate these lessons into my everyday routine. Here’s how I’ve been applying them.

Prioritizing Face-to-Face Interactions: Making time for in-person conversations and truly listening.

Scheduled Reading Time: Dedicating a portion of my day to read without distractions.

Mindful Meals: Continuing to enjoy cooking and savoring each meal without rushing.

Nature Breaks: Taking regular walks and spending time outdoors to stay connected with nature.

Consistent Sleep Schedule: Sticking to an early bedtime and valuing quality sleep.

Daily Relaxation: Setting aside time each day to unwind and relax.

Focus Techniques: Using techniques like the Pomodoro method to maintain focus and productivity.

Creative Outlets: Engaging in activities that stimulate creativity, such as journaling or brainstorming sessions.

Digital Boundaries: Establishing boundaries to reduce the pressure of constant connectivity, like designated offline times.

By embracing these practices, I’ve found a way to balance the demands of being connected with the tranquility of offline life. And all it took was a few days at sea to remind me of the importance of being disconnected in such a connected world. That is one of the reasons I love to get out on the ocean, as it helps me see life as a journey of maintaining harmony and well-being in a world that never stops.

What do you think you would learn if you spent 10 days offline?

The good news is that you don’t have to spend 10 days at sea to implement some of these lessons, starting today.

Ryan posted this story on his LinkedIn page here.