Give it a try with mindfulness: Mindfulness & Digital Detox to go

Surrounded by smartphones, tablets, and laptops that remind us of our appointments and obligations almost every second, it can become a real challenge to even notice the birdsong in the park. Our mission is to bring people closer to nature and, above all, to make it accessible to everyone again. But how accessible are we really to our beautiful nature? Test yourself with a mindfulness and digital detox trip to the hinterland. Challenge accepted?

Mindfulness - What is it exactly?

"Mindfulness" describes a state of awareness in which we consciously perceive ourselves and our environment in the present moment. We filter out any distractions. Whether thoughts, memories, fantasies, or emotions - none of these play a role in the current moment of mindfulness. The focus is deliberately on what is tangible, real, happening now.

The goal is to sensitize one's own body and mind, to listen and pay attention to oneself, and to momentarily escape the onslaught of stimuli to which we are constantly exposed in today's reality. This way, we can slow down our daily lives, reduce stress, experience more satisfaction and happiness, and get to know ourselves better

Find Your Place of Relaxation!

The suitable place to practice mindfulness can look different for everyone. Many feel incredibly comfortable by the water, while others may find it easier to unwind in the forest or mountains. Surrounded by nature, it can be significantly easier to leave the everyday behind. Choose a place that relaxes you, where you can experience something without relying on your technological helpers. A place that gives you a sense of freedom, allowing you to literally free yourself from within. Discover which environment defines your perfect place of relaxation.

Here you can find inspiration for camps and cabins in the midst of nature, all for yourself:

Where Does "Mindfulness" Actually Come From?

It might seem plausible, but unfortunately, we have to disappoint you: Mindfulness was not invented by campers or outdoor enthusiasts... :)

Originally, mindfulness found its application in Buddhist meditation techniques. Various approaches are used to guide the meditators into the particular state of mind. An example of this is the meditation of mental tranquility: "Samatha." In this practice, one focuses on a specific meditation object, such as the breath, gradually collecting the mind, almost preventing it from wandering until it arrives in the present moment. This state is called "Samadhi" (English: "Concentration").

In the hinterland, the meditation object could be, for example, the sound of the sea, birdsong, or the rustling of leaves, to which you concentrate. The key is that there should be nothing else swirling around in your thoughts.

A fitting metaphor for this process is a glass of cloudy water. Initially, it is challenging to see through the stirred-up particles, but after a while, the particles settle at the bottom of the glass, and the water becomes clear again.

Just like with the glass, the continuous external input constantly swirls and clouds our perception of reality. Therefore, occasionally, it can be beneficial to get out, take time for oneself, and consciously focus on being able to see clearly again.

How-To-Be-Mindful? 

One of the biggest obstacles to mindfulness is our digital assistants, which, unfortunately, are not at all helpful when it comes to this matter.

Our brains are trained to be constantly in "receiver mode." However, we are not waiting for actual sensory perceptions; instead, we are eagerly anticipating WhatsApp messages, new Instagram posts from our favorite celebrities, and the latest baby scandals. Essentially, we don't exactly know what we are waiting for, but those who search in the vastness of the internet are guaranteed to find something.

The entire body conditions itself to the fleeting moments of a TikTok video, which, in the best case, manages to trigger a considerable dopamine boost. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known as the "happiness messenger." By being able to access the dopamine kick at any time, we not only set the bar quite high for the same amount of dopamine in real situations but also lose sight of true, real happiness, of the present. We inhibit our creativity to do things that truly fulfill us because we simply never have to be bored if we don't want to be.

And let's be honest: Who enjoys being bored anyway?

The solution? A digital detox!

Grab your loved ones, a book, an instrument, the drawing pad that has been collecting dust for years, or simply nothing at all, and head out into nature. Experience boredom to discover what you actually feel like doing. Take the time and space to rediscover what you probably forgot a long time ago: seeing the world from your own perspective, yourself, and the present moment. Leave the phone, laptop, and all other devices at home or at least in the bag, in the van, or in the tent for a certain period, and use your senses again, which offer such a broad spectrum of perceptions. This way, you can condition your body to accept a normal level of dopamine, detoxify it, and feel happiness in everyday situations, in essence, to see the forest for the trees again.

Mindfulness & Digital Detox in the hinterland

The hinterland offers many unique places to unwind. Since only a maximum of 3 campers is allowed at all our camps at the same time, tranquility is guaranteed. Often, you are completely alone with nature. This provides, unlike conventional campsites, the opportunity to stay focused and simply concentrate on yourself.

Additionally, you can be inspired for outdoor experiences you might not have thought of. Many of our hosts offer activities in addition to pitches or nature-oriented accommodations, such as alpaca yoga, paddleboards for rent, dog sledding tours, and much more.

If you happen to find yourself getting bored without a phone, laptop, or TV, you can look for alternatives here:

Your Challenge - Will You Accept It?

• Slow Start: Take breaks of several hours where you consciously set aside your phone. Even here, you will likely catch yourself automatically reaching into your pocket, just to "quickly check the emails..."
• Getting Serious: Dedicate an entire digital detox day. And by that, we mean the whole day. You don't check your messages over your morning coffee or tea, there's no obligatory documentary to fall asleep to, and certainly nothing in between.
• For Those Who Want to Know: Take a few days, perhaps a week, even a month, where you completely disconnect and focus on yourself. You will encounter some challenges, feel bored, not know what to do with yourself, but that's precisely the goal. Because when you're truly bored, and there are no quick distractions at the push of a button, you discover your creativity for activities outside the digital world, into the real world, into nature!

Do you dare? Are you embarking on the journey and leaving your overstimulated life behind for a moment?

Challenge accepted?

One thing you will definitely notice during the break: The present moment can be much longer than you think, so don't waste any time:

The hinterland is waiting for you!