Okay, so the other day I had this crazy idea pop into my head: “What if I could somehow simulate the experience of going to prison, just to see what it’s like?” I know, it sounds nuts, but I was curious. I’m not planning on committing any crimes, don’t worry! This was all about a controlled, self-imposed experiment.
Getting Started
First, I cleared my schedule. I told my family I was going on a “digital detox” for the weekend. No phones, no internet, no contact with the outside world. That was step one.
Next, I needed a “cell.” I chose my small home office. It’s got a desk, a chair, and not much else. I removed everything that could be considered a luxury – my comfy chair, my extra monitor, even the pictures on the wall. I left only the bare essentials: a thin blanket, a pillow, and a notepad and pen (for documenting this whole thing, of course).
The “Lockdown”
I started on a Friday evening. I put on some plain, boring clothes – grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt. I even found an old, uncomfortable pair of shoes to wear. I locked the door to my office from the inside (with a key I could easily reach, safety first!) and that was it. I was “in.”
The first few hours were surprisingly…boring. I paced around the small room. I sat on the floor. I stared at the walls. I tried to read a book I’d brought in, but I couldn’t focus. My mind kept racing, thinking about all the things I could be doing.
- I exercised, doing push-ups and sit-ups until I was tired.
- Then tried to sleep on the uncomfortable hard wood.
Routines and Restrictions
I had to set up a routine to give my day, which means, give myself some structure. I decided on specific times for “meals” (which were just plain sandwiches and water I’d prepared beforehand and left just outside the door).
I realized that for myself, it is boring, and I was starting to feel claustrophobic. Even though I knew I could leave anytime, the feeling of being confined was getting to me. I started to appreciate the small things, like the sunlight coming through the window.
The End of the “Sentence”
I lasted for about 36 hours. It was the boring part really make me give up. By Sunday morning, I was done. I unlocked the door and stepped out, feeling a strange mix of relief and…something else. I’m not sure what to call it. Maybe a new appreciation for freedom?
It was a weird experience, and definitely not something I’d recommend everyone try. But it did give me a tiny, tiny glimpse into what it might be like to lose your freedom. It made me think about how much we take for granted every single day.
