Do you ever find yourself needing to get away from everything? An urge to just take off somewhere, shutting off your phone, or at least picking somewhere with little reception, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world?

It brings to mind an exercise I went through as part of a merit badge class during my time in Scouts. Each of us were tasked with going out into the woods – a safe distance – sitting down and just observing our surroundings. We were asked to chronicle what we experienced.

Through my life, I’ve attempted to use a similar method to help regain my center. It’s not a true meditation as some faiths and cultures teach, but it helps. Go find a spot, and just sit, watch, and listen.

There have been a couple of spots I used to visit to help get that quiet time; just sit in the middle of nature, closing my eyes, and let the sounds of water, air, flora and fauna surround me.

One, in particular, takes a little bit of a drive (but not too far) to reach, but is usually hustling with activity during certain times of the year or weather. I’ve found autumn to be the best, and have been able to sit there, at a picnic table, for a good 30 minutes or so without anybody else coming by.

Another, a little closer to home, has become more developed and popular in recent years (for better or worse, depending on who you ask). Years ago, I would be able to sit along the stream bank without worrying about someone else coming along to interrupt the calm. Not so much these days.

Of course, my enjoyment of our state parks has been well documented in this space over the years, and there are still several on my list to visit, but, lately, there just hasn’t been a great deal of time to plan a weekend away.

It’s been a busy year, for numerous reasons, and I more often find myself in need of an opportunity to clear my mind of the hectic blob of information that so often fills it.

No matter our lifestyles, all of us are surrounded by a massive inflow of words, pictures, videos, sights and sounds filling our heads, and it often can become overwhelming to the point we feel that need to shut ourselves off.

The last few days, in particular, I’ve found myself needing to get a few quiet moments to help myself refocus and decompress. I’m still hoping for that long weekend trip, or a full week away, but I would be OK to have that hour or so to just get away from everything.

The problem, of course, is finding that spot.

As I mentioned, the places I typically would go have a tendency for people to be around, especially this time of year.

This is in no way an effort to ask for suggestions, as I wouldn’t want to betray anyone else’s privacy if they have their own special spot of retreat. It’s more of a mild, reflective rant in the hope it might encourage me in my search for a few more spots which might be of use during other times of the year.

Everyone needs a quiet spot.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)