Stepping Away to See More Clearly

A story about finding a deeper kind of renewal.

I recently returned from New Mexico, the land of blue skies, dramatic clouds, and stunning vistas. We went to Sufi Camp, a spiritual retreat in the Manzano Mountains—a destination I’ve visited on and off for over 40 years.

It’s the ideal place to relax, recharge, and recalibrate the inner light.

Sometimes, the deep breathing, body awareness, and mind-shifts of daily practice are simply not enough. Sometimes we need more.

Sixteen days of vacation at Sufi Camp was my answer—disconnecting from work, the web, and worry while immersing myself in the joy of transformative spiritual practices.

Vacation could be your answer to darkness overwhelm, depending on what you choose to do. You don’t have to go to Sufi Camp (though I’d be happy to share the address).

Vacation Time

The word “vacation” comes from the Latin vacare, meaning to be empty or free. It’s a very Zen concept that few of us fully apply—even at a spiritual retreat.

The idea of vacation goes back to the Roman Empire, when the wealthy traveled to coastal resorts. The middle classes found spiritual legitimacy for their travels through pilgrimages to religious shrines. Spirituality has long been a part of “vacation.”

Often, however, we stay just as busy and active during vacations as in daily life. Americans, in particular, have a hard time relaxing. Vacation days often become tightly scheduled marathons, leaving us more tired than before.

On average, Americans get about 16 vacation days per year—compared to Spain and France’s 28 days, Germany’s 30, Korea’s 31, and the UK’s 28. And thanks to cell phones and laptops, it’s easier than ever to bring work along.

It’s no wonder many Americans leave much of their vacation time unused—nearly two-thirds (62%) of U.S. employees, according to a survey by Sorbet.

The Power of Time Off

Still, there’s power in taking that time. Even with all our busyness, vacation slows us down, gives us new experiences, helps us step out of routine, and shifts our perspective.

In New Mexico, I disconnected from the grid—sometimes for days—while doing other things: attending workshops, socializing, walking in the forest, cooking, reading, visiting with friends.

When I finally checked my email, there were more than 160 messages waiting. I realized how much daily time those emails had been consuming. I spent two hours unsubscribing from most of them. I didn’t want to be constantly reminded of darkness or to feel angry and powerless. So I fasted from negative, provoking news.

Yes, I still did a little work—like helping a client whose email sequence had stopped sending, and paying a bill I’d missed. But my work time was a small blip in a truly restorative break.

Have you taken a real vacation lately? It doesn’t have to be expensive—you could plan a “staycation” with daily outings to places you’ve longed to visit. Whatever you choose, do it with awareness. Savor the sensory experience. Give yourself time to unwind and gently transition back. Notice how you feel. Celebrate what you did.