In 1845, Henry David Thoreau Left Concord, Massachusetts for a small woodland community on the shores of Walden Pond. Seeking "the simple life"

Thoreau used the time there to write his first book, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. The experience later inspired, perhaps, his most famous work, Walden.

Thoreau went to Walden to get away from the distractions of the urban life, to find some calm and solitude in the quiet of the woods and pond.

That was in 1845! There are exponentially more distractions in our lives today than Thoreau could ever dream of. We often hear of people, "unplugging" which really means from the internet and even the phone. But if one stays in the urban environment, there are still cars, traffic, appointments, etc. that can keep us from achieving a desired, higher state of consciousness.

Like Thoreau, many authors have sought our "retreats" where they can go and concentrate on their writing with less of the "outside world" seemingly interfering with their process. Storyteller Kim Weitkamp recently "locked herself away" in a cabin to work on more stories. Local storyteller and comedian Bryan Lee went north to a secluded hideaway to finish a book he is writing.

Where or what is your Walden? Where is the place that allows you to unplug from the normal rat race, and pull back from the chaos or distractions in your life? Maybe it's somewhere close to home, but far enough away from the norm that you can quiet yourself. In the short-term, maybe it's something small, like getting a massage, or having a relaxed, two-hour dinner either solo, or with a trusted friend. Perhaps it's a weekend "staycation" by a local hotel pool where they bring you drinks with little umbrellas, just to be decadent.

Is your Walden just a few hours from your home? Maybe in the woods or the mountains? Or is it farther? Could it be across the country? Back in the home where you grew up? Or is it across the ocean? 

In my trips to England, I rejoice in the culture and spirit of history that exudes in the physical surroundings, and the local people. When I bike to a nearby city, I can revel in the serenity of the quiet countryside and forests in between. Setting up camp; cooking and sleeping solo with the stars above allows my whole body to breathe. Often, the story ideas come at night when the gentle breeze ruffles my tent. I can hear the voices of the characters calling to me.

Have you found your Walden? If not, it may be time to search for it. And when you do find it, even if it's a small or short-term one, make sure you visit it, as often as you can!