October 15, 2013

Unplugged Saturdays


My relationship with cyberspace is complicated: intentional action feeds me; mindless activity drains me. I have useful practices, but it's time for radical intervention. In a previous post, I described a rigid internal voice: I couldn't possibly [fill in the blank]. For example: I couldn't possibly unplug every Saturday for an entire year. What if I glimpse a great idea for an essay? (Write by hand in a notebook.) What if my new, as-yet-unknown profession requires Saturday emails? (Make a different choice.) What if I need driving directions at the last minute? (Consult an old-school map.) What if I've taken amazing photographs? (Wait a day; let them simmer.) I can't possibly stay away from the computer all day every Saturday for a year

Yes, yes I can. It's a radical act of kindness for my soul.


My last three Saturdays included no Internet, no computer. It's a mere 24 hours. Yet I felt the tug. Downtime at home brought the habituated pull--glance at email, look at photographs. I noticed the craving and let it pass (poof, it's gone). One day a week of restoration, re-wiring habits, and connecting in person, not online. It's my simple yet radical commitment to presence. 

7 comments:

  1. I am convinced that they fill the well Julia Cameron wise dear Joy! My unplugged Sundays always do, although it's rather difficult to be consequent: I guess it has to do with my love for connecting and with my curiosity. I so want to not miss anything in this (virtual) life. Sometimes I long for a new life, without the internet, for going back to the roots, back to basics, but then I wouldn't know you and all my other dear friends abroad :) A twinkle in these Belgian eyes thanks to the tremendously beautiful way you captured this autumnal atmosphere, light and dew/raindrops in the last photo of this series

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    1. elke, indeed we wouldn't have met without the Internet. and in that way, i am deeply grateful. there are these pushes and pulls of the online world. i love my time with you. and i also enjoy my purposeful time away. thanks for stopping by!

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  2. i have been thinking about doing this too. thank you for the push....

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    1. cathy, if you decide to make this choice, let's stay in touch about our experiences. it's always nice to have (long-distance, spiritual) support on this path.

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  3. I began gradually working towards this since summer. When I feel the tug to "socialize" or check e-mail, I tell myself that everything will still be there in an hour, that afternoon, that evening, the next day. It really is nice to get back to the old me, the me that was before Apple stepped into my life.

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  4. Sounds like a good idea for a new year challenge...I'd love to do this but not sure if a weekend day or weekday would work better. I work full time and I like the weekend to catch up on my e-course lessons.

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  5. Thank you for reminding of this great idea. This can really change my whole mood, my lifestyle and bring back much of energy that I lose by wandering around internet and all those local stuff on my pc.

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