I have this new job where I spend weeks in the field, without any of my gadgets. At first, I thought I would be distracted by their absence, and I was... at first, but after about three days in nature, only making sure one survives, getting food, shelter, etc., I realized I had not thought about my computer, my mp3 player, my phone at all. I easily adapted into a more primitive mindset, and I have to say, it was easier for me to experience sheer joy at simple things like gorgeous sunrises, making a fire, or hiking up a mountain. It has begun to make me wonder what it is we think we are doing here on planet Earth. We pile up all this stuff in order to make our lives easier, but is this true? I know, having to crap and being dirty in the woods is gross, but I think there's a trade off for everything, and I for one, being so locked into a technological bubble for years, realize now I have forgotten a lot about what I connect on blogs and social sites for in the first place. For experience, not popularity, knowledge, not money. Jaded comments aside--I found it extremely difficult to be jaded in the wilderness, as every moment was an alert, exciting encapsulated gem whether it was dangerous or lazy. I don't have any definitive thoughts on all this, but since I am going back out into the field tomorrow, I am sure I will be thinking more about it.