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The 3 Things Digital Life Made Me Forget
Reconnecting with Life: Lessons from Walden for a Modern Summer
Ark
May 18, 2025
In our fast-paced digital age, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the simple, satisfying aspects of life. Reading Walden by Henry David Thoreau, a 171-year-old book, has been a wake-up call for me. It reminded me of what truly matters and inspired actionable ideas to bring richness back into my life this summer. Here’s how I plan to implement three key lessons from Walden—reconnecting with nature, embracing self-reliance, and investing in meaningful social connections—while living a modern life.
Reconnecting with Nature
Thoreau’s vivid descriptions of Walden Pond, the animals, and the natural world make nature a central character in his book. His observations inspired me to immerse myself in the outdoors more intentionally. Living in my current town for three years, I’ve grown accustomed to its beauty, losing the sense of wonder I felt when I first arrived. This summer, I want to change that.
I plan to take my usual indoor activities—reading, meditating, yoga, or working out—outside whenever possible. Eating all three meals outdoors, weather permitting, is another goal. I’ll go for frequent walks, attend free outdoor concerts, and make a conscious effort to spend less time indoors. By prioritizing nature, I hope to rediscover the beauty and tranquility of my surroundings, just as Thoreau did at Walden Pond.
Embracing Self-Reliance
Self-reliance is a cornerstone of Walden, embodied by Thoreau building his own cabin and growing his own crops. While I live in a modern apartment and won’t be retreating to a cabin in the woods, I’m excited to incorporate this principle in practical ways. I’ve come across the concept of “urban homesteading,” which involves achieving self-reliance in a modern, urban setting. This idea resonates with me, and I’ve already borrowed a library book to dive deeper.
Apartment Gardening
My first step is starting a small apartment garden. The goal is simple: grow something edible, even if it’s just herbs or a few vegetables. This will help me know exactly where some of my food comes from, reducing my reliance on the industrial food system. More importantly, it promises to be a fulfilling offline hobby that connects me to the process of nurturing life.
Mini Apartment Renovations
Having recently moved into an unfurnished apartment, I see an opportunity to embrace self-reliance through small renovations. Painting walls and installing light fixtures may not require advanced skills, but they offer a satisfying way to personalize my space. These tasks feel like a gentle introduction to hands-on projects, aligning with Thoreau’s ethos of creating with one’s own hands.
Thrifting and Upcycling Furniture
To furnish my new apartment, I’ve already thrifted a couch and plan to source more furniture secondhand. I’m excited to upcycle and restore these pieces through sanding, painting, or refinishing. This process not only saves money but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and creativity, echoing Thoreau’s self-reliant lifestyle.
These three projects—apartment gardening, mini renovations, and furniture upcycling—will help me cultivate a sense of independence and pride in making things myself. They’re approachable, exciting, and tailored to my modern life.
While Walden is often associated with solitude, it prompted me to reflect on my social connections in the digital age. Living abroad, many of my interactions are over video calls with friends and family back in the US. While these are valuable, they lack the depth of in-person connections. I crave the kind of meaningful, face-to-face interactions that build community.
Fortunately, I’ve recently met many interesting people in my town. This summer, I want to take these acquaintances to the next level by fostering genuine friendships. My plan includes inviting people for coffee, going on walks, hosting dinner parties, and accepting invitations to events. I also want to approach these relationships with an open mind, avoiding snap judgments about who might become a lasting friend. By investing time in getting to know people, I hope to build a sense of community in my town, where I’ll likely live for a few more years.
A Modern Take on a Timeless Book
Walden may be a deep, introspective read, but its lessons feel remarkably relevant today. This summer, I’m excited to reconnect with nature, embrace self-reliance through hands-on projects, and invest in real-world friendships. These goals aren’t about rejecting technology—my dumb phone and physical media like CDs will still play a role—but about prioritizing a vibrant, adventurous, and fulfilling offline life.
As I return to lighter, page-turning books, I’m grateful for the clarity Walden has provided. Here’s to a summer of growth, connection, and rediscovering the beauty of the world around me.
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