how a cabin stay sparked a newsletter
Feeling burned out from the daily routine, a while back my partner and I decided to do a short stay with Unplugged - an off grid cabin experience focusing on digital detoxing. At first the premise of being without devices (they literally encourage you to lock away your phones) sounded daunting but once we started it was actually refreshing. Spending 3 nights loading up wood for the fire, cooking outside on the firepit and spending time with the locals (so many cute sheep!) was an ideal retreat. As well as being stocked with a variety of fresh teas and cassette tapes, the cabin had a small section of books curated for off-grid living.
It was one of these books, Wabi Sabi by Beth Kempton, that particularly drew me in. The explanation of wabi sabi by Beth captivated me. I had no idea that the lack of awareness, the constant doomscrolling and otherwise phone addiction was ruining my experience of the world. She explains that through stepping back and slowing down, we can improve our happiness as well as learn to appreciate even the mundane. I think I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the imperfect also. The creased spines of well-read books or photos that are slightly out of line and out of focus used to frustrate me, but now I am able to enjoy those very elements that add character and soul to an object.
Since then I have tried to embrace the Japanese philosophy, partly made easier by our move to Norwich - a vibrant city where we are now surrounded by small cafes, parks and opportunity. Now that we are living in an environment that encourages creativity, it is much less of a chore to explore that creative self. So much so that I think I may even have too many interests - between making batches of kimchi and finding new words to hand-letter it’s becoming harder to make enough time to do it all.
I never would have thought that picking up that book could ultimately lead me to creating this newsletter - a place to share my thoughts, my photography and what I’ve been pickling. More than this, it is something to keep me accountable. To ensure I keep enjoying the small details, fleeting moments and otherwise somewhat boring things that make life so beautiful.