My mom celebrated a signature birthday last month, so we thought we’d celebrate by meeting her somewhere fun between St. Augustine and the Outer Banks. Savannah was the obvious choice until securing airbnb lodging for four people and a dog became problematic. That’s when Tybee Island entered the equation. Tybee is a barrier island only 18 miles east of Savannah that’s rich in history and natural beauty, and, filled with charming seaside cottages.
What happened upon arriving was really unexpected.
We enjoyed Tybee way too much and only popped into Savannah. Why? Because taking time out on Tybee meant slowing down to a different period of life when people rode bicycles around town, played board games in the evenings and actually spent time talking to each other. It seemed silly to waste time on devices when there was a boat to ride, a lighthouse to visit, clams to open, beaches to walk, cottages to enjoy, local art to admire, parks to play in, sunsets to catch and local beer to taste. There were no nightclubs or crazy bars. There were no high rises or traffic jams. There weren’t even any noisy teenagers. There were only friendly local people pointing us to local hangouts and the catch of the day.
The island was reminiscent of a simpler time when people actually engaged each other in person – and enjoyed it. So this may be a great family break, but how can all of us take a “Tybee Time Out” when we’re nowhere near the island?
- Do something that takes you out of your head and puts you into your body. For me, this is a walk on the beach. Recently I’ve had conversations with another northerner who moved to St. Augustine for the healing effects of a simple walk on the beach. Don’t have a beach? Walk in the mountains. Walk in the park. Walk in the ‘hood. Just walk. Putting one foot in front of the other clears the mind, activates the other senses and just lifts the funk from too much time spent on the computer, at a desk or anywhere else where malaise sets in.
- Put the phone down and go talk to someone. My husband is still getting used to how the neighbors on our new block will randomly knock on the door, wave him down when he’s driving or stand in the middle of the street for “street meetings.” He’s used to spending all day alone on a computer in a neighborhood where you only open the door if you’re expecting a package. What a welcome change! I just invited the lovely gentleman at the coffee shop to sit with me and I learned of his desire to take an improv class – just from having a conversation in real life! Imagine if we all looked up more what might happen?
- Play a low (or no) stakes game. One of my favorites that accompanied us to Tybee is Exploding Kittens. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose because watching the kittens explode is priceless, silly fun. Play cards, open a board game, pull up Improv Encyclopedia before shutting down the laptop for a few improv games that anyone at all can play. You will lose track of time, and, your face just may hurt from laughing so much!
All of these are wonderful, simple opportunities to be in moment and enjoy the benefits of simple play and connection. Just because we grow up doesn’t mean we no longer experience the positive effects of time spent on a playground no matter where that it is – our yard, a community room or anywhere that people can hang up and exchange a smile, a few words and some exploding kittens.
Whether you take time out to visit Tybee Island (which I highly recommend) or whether you just take an evening to engage IRL (in real life), you’ll benefit from being on “Tybee Time.” I sure do!
RETREAT: Beach*Prov – A Seaside Improv Weekend for Women
Play, learn, explore, connect and rejuvenate during a weekend of seaside improv just for women in St. Augustine, FL – America’s oldest city.
April 1 – 4
Vilano Beach (St. Augustine, FL)
CLASS: Improv Basics
April 5 – May 24
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Limelight Theatre (St. Augustine, FL)
PLAYSHOP: Laughter Yoga
Enjoy a mind-body combination of laughter exercises, deep breathing and relaxation techniques to enhance your health — and happiness. No down dogs required!
Wednesdays in May, 7 – 8 pm
Jewish Community Alliance (Jacksonville, FL)
