Last month, I shared the truth I didn’t want to admit: that the hardest part of a long-awaited, bucket-list trip wasn’t the planning, the packing, or the travel. It was the idea of turning off my email.

Well, I did it.

And here’s what happened when I finally unplugged—fully, completely, no-looking-back—and let myself step into the quiet.

What Miraval Taught Me (That My Inbox Never Could)

Miraval in Tucson is intentionally designed to separate you from your devices. No phones in public spaces. No buzzing reminders. No mindless scrolling to fill the silence.

At first, it felt…uncomfortable.
Then it felt liberating.
And eventually—it felt necessary.

Here’s what rose to the surface when the noise finally faded:

1. Tech-Free Times Aren’t Indulgent—They’re Healing

When my phone wasn’t within reach, I didn’t realize how often I instinctively reached for it. Not out of need, but out of habit. Miraval forced me into presence, and presence brought clarity.

2. Tech-Free Zones Create Space for What Matters

Everywhere I went—walking paths, the spa, even the dining room—I watched people talk, read, breathe, be.

Without screens to hide behind, we connected differently. And I felt my mind exhale.

3. Turning Off Notifications Is Self-Compassion, Not Neglect

Before the trip, I convinced myself that being available made me responsible.
But after a week with no pings or banners, I realized how much those interruptions were shaping my day…and my identity.
I’ve now turned off more than half of them, and honestly? I feel lighter.

4. Arthur Brooks Was Right—The Six Morning Protocols Are a Game Changer

Before sunrise, I walked through each one:

• Prayer + meditation
• Gratitude
• Journaling
• Movement
• No tech
• Having something to look forward to
  

They anchored my mornings in intention rather than urgency. I’m bringing all six home with me.

For more info here is an article from the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/09/morning-routine-happiness-exercise/684159/ 

5. Faith + Stillness = Alignment

My mantra for the weekend became:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” —Psalm 150:6
There is something powerful about starting your day recognizing that breath is a blessing—not a race.

So Did the World Fall Apart?

Not even close.

The emails waited.
The problems either resolved themselves or were still waiting (calmly) for me when I returned.
My team led.
My students learned.
My school functioned.

Turns out, the fear wasn’t about what would happen if I unplugged—
It was about what might happen if I finally realized I could.

From Unplugged to Undistracted

Here’s what I’m carrying with me now that I’m home:

• More tech-free times (especially in the mornings and evenings)
• Tech-free zones in my house
• Device-free breaks throughout the day
• A commitment to mindful consumption over mindless checking
• The courage to let silence speak before I react
• The reminder that leadership isn’t about being constantly accessible—it’s about being consistently aligned
  

And, maybe most importantly:

Praise > pressure.
Presence > productivity.
Breath > busyness.

Coming Next: Small Guardrails, Big Peace

In Part 3, I’ll share the simple, sustainable guardrails I’m using to keep this clarity going—long after the desert sunsets and spa robes have faded into memory.

Because unplugging shouldn’t be a vacation activity. It should be a leadership practice.

—Jess