Last month, a Jewish group (Reboot), encouraged people to unplug for one Sabbath (Friday sundown until Saturday sundown). That meant no computer, cellphones, texting, facebooking, blogging, IM-ing, web surfing…you get the idea. Also, I had a friend who gave up Facebook for lent. What both of these actions encouraged was real connections, not digital connections.
This week I found myself wishing I had a blackberry. While on my weekly date with Craig, I thought, “If I had a blackberry I could check about what movies are playing or find a new restaurant while we are driving.” That’s nuts! I have resisted a blackberry because I actually don’t want to be THAT connected. I want to focus on the person I am with, not answer texts or calls during a meeting or night out. I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life knowing that only the babysitter will call (which never happens).
Having said that, being connected is a lot of fun. I enjoy keeping up with far-flung relatives via Facebook because weekend visits are not possible in my line of work. I enjoy connecting with lost friends (I almost cried when my college roommate found me after years of searching for her) and staying connected to new friends. Yet, there are limits. Technology time should not become a substitute for face to face time or real phone conversations.
If you are thinking about having a technology break/sabbath, Reboot makes some suggestions:
1. Avoid technology.
2. Connect with loved ones.
3. Nurture your health.
4. Get outside.
5. Avoid commerce.
6. Light candles.
7. Drink wine.
8. Eat bread.
9. Find silence.
10. Give back.
Take a look at your technology. Is it enhancing your relationships or coming between you and your loved ones? Is it helping you to relax or allowing you to hide from reality? The bottom line is: Is technology a help or a hinderance in your life? What do you think? I would love to hear your response.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/19/national.unplugging.day/
