In an era dominated by constant notifications and endless scrolling, stepping into nature offers a restorative counterbalance. Writing for The Concord Bridge, columnist Wilson Kerr reflects on how unplugging — even for a morning meeting or a brief walk — can sharpen awareness and renew connection with the real world. Kerr describes attending a local conservation gathering without his phone, feeling more engaged and present among neighbors tackling real environmental issues. Simple practices like leaving devices behind on walks or keeping them out of the bedroom, he writes, can reduce anxiety and foster mindfulness. As Kerr notes, no algorithm can replicate the quiet rhythm of a winter wood or a flock of bluebirds in the yard. Read more at The Concord Bridge.