Because we didn't watch television on Sundays growing up, one of my adult acts of rebellion has been to do the opposite. Mature I know, especially because I'm now wondering if my decision has been ill-taken. It's not just television that I can watch, there are e-mails, text messages, blogs, video games, Facebook, twitter; technology is everpresent.
Don't get me wrong, I love technology, but given that I am having trouble hearing myself think (and I think sometimes my kids are too), perhaps I need to love it a little less.
In Tiffany Shlain's film Connected she talks about her family unplugging for 24 hours — she calls it a technology shabbat. Inspired by her film, I proposed to my husband and children we do something similar, that we unplug on Sundays until 2pm.
I'm used to Sabbath observance. I've done so my entire life; I even fast 1x/month. But going without checking e-mails or tweets during a substantial portion of my day is harder than anticipated. (#Preciselythepoint).
Surprisingly, we've gotten no pushback from our kids; they almost seem relieved. Dinner has been more leisurely because they have all the time in the world. Until 2pm. My 15 yr-old son was willing to take a walk in the neighborhood. My brain has breathing space.
William Wordsworth wrote, “The world is too much with us; late and soon; we have given our hearts away, a sordid boon.”
When I unplug, the world is less with me. I take my heart back.
A marvelous boon.
I’ve noticed myself doing this more lately. I’ll leave my normal spots and go on a bike ride or read a book. Working in an industry that knows no boundaries, I could work the rest of my life and still not get “done.” So I’m learning to turn it off, and leave it where it is. If it’s important, it’ll get done. If it’s not, well. . .
And there’s nothing better for the soul than leaving civilization behind and spending a few days on my sister’s farm. Between feeding the chickens, chasing the llamas who just escaped, refereeing the children’s disputes, there’s canning and gardening to do. A whole world away from my NYC life. A welcome one at least twice a year.
Huh. Food for thought. I’m not so connected, but I do enjoy a little tech on Sundays. We all try to index ten names…and blogging for family is okay…but email could wait!
I’ve mentioned this before but find so much inspiration in these words “Be still and know that I am God”. It’s increasingly more difficult to be still. Sounds like you mastered it today.
Jaime –
I found myself relaxing just reading about feeding the chickens and chasing the llamas… thank you for sharing.
Amy –
As I read your comment I realized that part of the point of a sabbath is to for the day to be set apart to do things you don’t always do…like family history. Thanks for sharing — and for leaving comments here so frequently. They always uplift me.
Bonnie – Thank you for again sharing “be still and know that I am God.” In twitter parlance, + 1000.
I just love this! Really. Something as simple as walking away and walking outdoors (especially in Fall!) make a world of difference.
I think I am due for a technology fast – thank you for encouraging me to do so! Perhaps this weekend!
Lately I have been taking a couple hours a day and designating the time “non email or phone answering.” I love the time. I concentrate on something. I feel my body relax. My eyes relax. I never realized how tense I got always hooked in. I’m tring to make this a habit!!!
Whilst I don’t watch TV or movies on Sundays, I do view it as a chance to play on Facebook for purely social reasons instead of work which inevitably leads to links and websites and before you know it I’ve devoured media all over the place. I check email too, though much less than a week day.
Lately I’ve been cutting back on all Sunday screen time for the same reasons. Just so burned out. I wonder what it would take to go the whole day? Sat night to Monday morning? Thinking out loud. White space is something I am hungering for more of.
How much can really happen that I absolutely must do something about on a Sunday? Is it my arrogance in play, in needing to feel so utterly connected?
I think this is the reason I’ve resisted getting a smart phone. I know I need the space to not check emails, etc at all hours, but rather when I want to.
So true, so true! I both crave deliverance from communication technology and constant stimulus via communication technology. I’m unsatisfied by what I receive, and too preoccupied to respond when I should, yet ever craving that next hit, that next exciting beep that tells me I’m important. Which means I’m both an e-addict and an e-jerk. I don’t do Sunday TV but I do keep an eye on email; I’ll join your fast.
A habit of unplugging is known to help us live longer.
Check out this amazing TED Talk:
Dan Buettner: How to live to be 100+
http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_buettner_how_to_live_to_be_100.html
Check out this blog http://unpluggedsunday.blogspot.com/
It’s along the same lines
Love this. My parents made us turn off the TV for an entire month each year growing up. Other times we were only allowed a certain number of hours a week. While it made me peruse the TV listings judiciously, it also made it more natural to seek alternative entertainment. It’s nice now not to have TV / Tech always be the default option. I find while it works at home I constantly fill the time in cabs or on the go looking down at my phone. This is a good reminder to use that time to unplug and take a look at the world around me a little more.
What terrific insights and comments. Christina — I can’t even imagine turing off the television for an entire month. Rishi and Dana — thanks for the additional resources. Julie and Chrysula, definitely too hard on yourself.
Here’s to our next opportunity to unplug.
[…] can read why — here and here. (Hat tip to Tiffany Shlain for […]
[…] other in our hyper-connected society, it is the ability to be mindful and connected to ourselves. “Disconnect to connect,” said Tiffany Shlain. If you have time, I also recommend you watch her fun, short and insightful […]
[…] other in our hyper-connected society, it is the ability to be mindful and connected to ourselves. “Disconnect to connect,” said Tiffany Shlain. If you have time, I also recommend you watch her fun, short and […]