HuffPost's Oasis: The Place to Unplug and Recharge at the DNC
Lefkada, Greece - For the last year now -- ever since I passed out from exhaustion, broke my cheekbone and got five stitches over my eye -- I've been working on bringing more balance in my life.
The prevailing culture still tells us that nothing succeeds like excess, that working 80 hours a week is better than working 70, that being plugged in 24/7 is expected, and that sleeping less and multi-tasking more are an express elevator to the top.
But there is a growing movement that rejects these archaic notions (in today's sped-up world, archaic means the 1980s). In fact, I'm currently reading In Praise of Slowness here on Lefkada, an extremely slow Greek Island. In Praise of Slowness is a terrific book by Carl Honore, a self-professed former "speedaholic" in which he advocates the need for a more measured existence. And, in a piece in the New York Times, recovering "techco-addict" Mark Bittman details his search for not only rest but relief from his Internet addiction disorder and points to others on the same quest.
Bittman quotes David Levy, a University of Washington professor: "Who would say you don't need time to think, to reflect to be successful and productive?"
If you are lucky, you have "a final straw moment" before it's too late. For me it was passing out from exhaustion; for Bittman it was obsessively checking his email via his in-seat phone on a trans-Atlantic flight; for Honore it was when he started reading one-minute bedtime stories to his two-year old to save time.
Since my cheekbone/final straw moment, I've become an evangelist for the need to occasionally disconnect from our always-connected lives. It has guided the editorial philosophy behind our retooled Living section -- promoting the ways that we can take care of ourselves and lead balanced, centered lives while at the same time making a positive difference in the world.
And since there is no zealot like the convert, we've decided to demonstrate that a balanced life is possible even during the most compulsively hectic days in the political calendar. So during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, HuffPost's Living section will offer harried conventioneers -- including delegates and members of the media -- a chance to unplug and recharge at the HuffPost Oasis.
The Oasis will feature complimentary yoga classes, Thai massages, hand massages, mini-facials, healthy snacks and refreshments, music, and a comfortable seating area for lounging and unwinding.
Our partner on the Oasis is Off the Mat, Into the World, a wonderful organization that promotes activism as an adjunct to healthy living. It was cofounded by Seane Corne, with whom I practice yoga when she's not traveling the world for Off the Mat. It was actually during one of our yoga sessions that the idea for the Oasis first began to shimmer.
We were talking (sorry, I know you're not supposed to talk during yoga!) about how HuffPost wanted to create a space during the convention where people could go to recharge -- and about how the need to do so becomes all the more important the busier you are. She loved the idea and quickly signed on. So did Shawn Henderson, interior designer and eBay Design Director, who is creating a great place to relax and re-energize.
So, in the midst of the convention craziness, along with bringing you the latest in convention news, scoops, gossip, and on-scene video, HuffPost will be featuring extensive coverage of all the goings on at The Oasis, including blogging and interviews about how conventioneers unplug and recharge.
Check in next week to see what happens when America's political obsessives unplug their laptops, turn off their iPhones and Blackberrys, and step into The Oasis.
On another convention front, HuffPost's OffTheBus will be presenting its Maximum Exposure Project, an undertaking that will show us in pictures what the Democratic and Republican conventions look like -- up close and personal. As such, OffTheBus is looking for ground-level observers who are planning to attend the DNC and RNC conventions, cameras in tow. We want you to snap shots of the convention as you experience it. What's happening around you? Who did you run into in the hotel lobby? At a restaurant? What was going on at a party you attended? Send us your photos or completed sideshows and we'll post them on HuffPost's OffTheBus Maximum Exposure page, which is being produced in partnership with the USC Annenberg's Center on Communication Leadership and the Institute for Photographic Empowerment. So point, shoot, and submit!
And while we are talking about OffTheBus, I'm delighted to announce that it has been nominated for "Changing the World: Top 10 In 'Net and Politics," an award given by PoliticsOnline and the World eDemocracy Forum. All of us at HuffPost are extremely proud of OffTheBus' successes. So please support the HuffPost community, and cast a vote for OffTheBus. It will only take a moment; just click here now.
Follow Arianna Huffington on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ariannahuff
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How thoughtful and generous of you! Good Karma for you!
Ah dear Arrianna, must I remind you of a wise Greek philosophy?
PAN METRON ARISTON !
EVERYTHING IN MODERATION
Keep up the good work. Se thavmazw!
Which is worse, media's pre-Superbowl hooplah or these pre-election campaigns? Why not shorten the lead-in to the election by having all viable nominees give up their day job two years before the election and get OJT at the White House for a year. They would attend cabinet meetings, participate in policy discussions (without a "vote"), and discuss issues or problems with agency heads. Six to nine months before the elections those who have not dropped out will be "graded" on their "presidential training" by the U.S. public via the DNC and RNC, and, finally, the elections. The public would be better informed on their abilities, achievements, plans, potential solutions, and the gumption to use the knowledge and experience of professionals already in place at the many agencies of the USG. Experience is not as important the ability to make a decision based on professional input. Less exposure to the campaign processes would preclude the need to unwind .. there is always a need to relax!
Ah, to be able to relax and unwind and unplug... without losing my job.
Is that possible?
you are so smart lady...con
Arianna, it is great that you are relaxing in Greece. I hope you have a wonderful time. Look forward to the convention coverage. This is truly an historic time and HuffPo is a great site.
I'll be looking forward to the posts next week. In the meantime, I'm finally reading Arianna's "On Becoming Fearless."
You must read "Right is Wrong"....
Thank God for the Greek Goddess.
". . .the Democratic National Convention in Denver, HuffPost's Living section will offer harried conventioneers -- including delegates and members of the media -- a chance to unplug and recharge at the HuffPost Oasis.
The Oasis will feature complimentary yoga classes, Thai massages, hand massages, mini-facials, healthy snacks and refreshments, music, and a comfortable seating area for lounging and unwinding.
That's the problem. Liberals like yoga and healthy snacks, while Conservatives like hamburgers and beer.
And liberals wonder why the Republicans win the presidency. Bill was a hamburger and beer man, so is Hillary.
Kerry? Obama? guess which category they fall under.
I love you Arianna; your my favorite liberal; I love your site.
And I think you just hit the nail on the head.
Ouch! YOU"RE my favorite liberal.
Yeah Bill was a hamburger man and he almost died from clogged arteries. Remember that?
As for Hillary, the beer drinking was a prop for the campaign. If you ever read any biography about her, you'd know she's been dieting most of her life.
God Bless America if living healthy and being educated are marks against you.
Well... uh... my point... em... is... that your average American..
Many of us beer drinkers and hamburger eaters are pretty healthy. Although our appetite for beef contributes more to global warming gases than our cars.
Obama went out for a beer at the Raleigh Times when he was NC after his day was over. So we know he's had at least one.
Unfortunately us crippled, disabled vets will have to send our regrets. I for one will be unable to attend. Not that the DNC or the Democratic Party gives one hoot in hell. Just as bad as those war mongering Republicans. However Arianna please do have a good time. You are a grand lady indeed.
The dirty little secret of America is that we love our troops and hate our vets. But not me. Thanks for serving. This great Republic owes you more than our leaders will admit.
Thanks TankerRat. Your sacrifice for us and our kids is very much apreciated
There will be disabled vets at the convention, too.
Iraq Vet and US Congressman from PA, Patrick Murphy, is going to speak at convention, sharing the stage with Tammy Duckworth who lost her legs in Iraq.
http://www
The first thing I bought with my tax check was a hammock. Its simple and I enjoy it for the very reasons you describe.
Smart lady.
Just a cool, outdoor space to take off your shoes and sit and contemplate is what will really be needed.
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