From the CEO
Daniel Mulloy | Chief Executive Officer , ARTA
Connection Through Disconnection
“ There is no Wi-Fi in the forest , but we guarantee you ’ ll find a better connection .”
— Unknown
English business magnate Richard Branson was once quoted as saying , “ Succeeding in business is all about making connections .” I ’ m not sure he is entirely right . I think that succeeding in business , and in life , is all about connecting with the right people at the right time , while learning to disconnect from the right people at the right time .
In today ’ s digital age and with growing life stresses , it ’ s becoming harder and harder to disconnect . With the advent of technology and social media , it seems like we are always within reach .
While these technological advances definitely have their place , they also make it hard for someone to spend some quality time with oneself . As with most things , there is a time and place for everything . A time to connect with business colleagues , a time to connect with friends and family , and a time to disconnect and spend quality time doing something that helps us find and refocus ourselves .
Quality time alone helps you “ recharge your batteries ” and helps you focus on the life challenges that are ahead of you . As silly as it sounds , we are better at connecting than at disconnecting , but when you find that place where you can separate yourself from life ’ s distractions , it is amazing what happens . When you disconnect :
● You calm your mind , opening new avenues of awareness .
● You find simple answers to difficult questions .
● Revelations appear for what you want to do in the coming days , weeks , and months ahead .
● Your way of thinking becomes amazingly clear and determined , which makes your thoughts more productive and useful .
● Your quality time away makes quality time with loved ones more meaningful .
● You can hear your own thoughts .
● The world keeps on turning . Emails will still be there when you “ plug back in ,” and during the time you were disconnected , you ’ ll find that nobody really missed you . There are benefits to disconnecting , but a new question arises . How do I disconnect ? There are some simple things you can do to disconnect , including :
● turning off your computer , tablet , television , or smartphone
● scheduling “ alone time ” in your calendar
● taking a walk ( in the forest perhaps )
● Being in the present , and enjoying the surroundings that you are in . If those are not ideal surroundings , find someplace that brings you a feeling of calm .
● actually saying goodbye to people
● powering down before bed
● doing something that you love to do .
While it is not always easy , trust me , disconnecting to improve your personal , physical , and mental health and wellness is also the perfect way to clear your mind and to see all of life ’ s possibilities . news & views WINTER 2021 | 7