You wouldn't have even known it really, but I took the day yesterday to intentionally not participate in my usual web-based activities: Twitter, Facebook, Blogger and anything else on the computer. There are days that I don't get to the computer until late at night, but that's not intentional. I'm usually out most of the day or something. Yesterday, we stayed home all day long...
I regretted my decision for a while when Sophia woke up at 5:30. I figured with it being such a long day, I would miss it even more. That was occasionally true, but I was surprised at how little I missed all those things! So, I've decided to make it a weekly ritual. I don't know if it will always be Tuesdays or not, but I think it's a good idea. I was more engaged with Sophia and I definitely got more done around the house. Like I said, I didn't miss it all that much, so in order to actually feel some pain from it, I think I'd have to go two or three days - even a week. Maybe I'll do that some day. For now, it seems like a weekly techno Sabbath is effective enough.
Do any of you practice something similar? What has been your experience? Positive? Negative? Not a big deal at all?
Yes I have. Three years in a row (2006, 7 and 8) I took almost 6 weeks and gradually eliminated media of all kinds. It's tough. By the last week I'm pretty much alone with my thoughts. But that's kind of the point I guess... It's actually an upcoming topic for me, and I look forward to your input with your new insight!
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought of your technological Lenten season. I think if I could give up all technology - except Blogger - for a longer period, I could possibly do it. Of course, if I had my ink well, I suppose I wouldn't need it, would I! But then I would be the only one who knew what I was thinking at any given moment. Hmmm. Maybe I am more interested in having other people know what I think than in knowing what anyone else thinks... Interesting. I'll have to give that more thought next Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteYes. I occasionally take a break- from the internet in particular. I find that I can get more and more wrapped up in "cyber-life" than living the real, God-given life I have. yikes. Anyways, it is usually a positive experience, but I do usually miss the interaction with my friends and fam as well. Thanks for the post. It is encouraging me to think about starting a similar habit.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of doing something similar also. With the recent move and not a lot of structure, it's easy to get in the habit of being on the computer too much. Thanks for sharing....it helps me to feel encouraged to do so!
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