Therefore, here are the results of my experiment unplugging. As a reminder I was to stay off Facebook and unplug from my computer and phone completely after 6pm. The first day was odd, at 6pm I put my technology in my office and stood there for a moment, thinking, "what now?" I then took to my bookshelf and scanned it for those books I have always wanted to read but ignored or those life changing books that deserve a re-read. This week I read two books both inspiring and soul searching and I realized there is quite a difference for me between reading a real book and reading off of a screen. I find reading books calming, centering and less draining. I soak up more of the information and feel less distracted. Making me curious of the effect a screen has on us, why would there be a difference? Something for future research.
I also experienced the phantom phone, reaching for it at commercials in a show or after finishing a chapter of a book. One night after going out to eat at a restaurant, I realized I was reaching for my phone the second we stood up and started walking to the door. It therefore made me very aware of the times I am reaching for my phone and how often I do it. When you reach and it's not there you have no other choice but to reflect, sometimes looking inward and sometimes causing you to look outward and see what else is out there. I liked being challenged to try something new.
The experiment was easier than expected especially when I woke up in the morning and realized that all the messages were my typical morning e-mails. Causing me to realize that rarely do very important messages come after 6pm. I did find Facebook harder, only because people use it as an e-mail and I was receiving e-mail notices that people were messaging me. But I did only go on to read and respond to the messages and then got right off. I found I did not miss Facebook at all, I began to realize besides occasionally connecting with long lost friends and occasionally learning about a show or event I might not have otherwise known about, I really have no need for it. Since those notices come to my e-mail, expect to rarely see me in the land of Facebook anymore.
Over all, I found myself more grounded, happier, willing to take on new things and come up with new adventures. I was also more open to the omens I have been searching for and answers to questions I have been pondering. I was out in nature a lot more, taking walks/runs and funny enough I lost 2 pounds this week with out even trying. I met knew people, challenged myself to say hello to more people, started conversations and looked them in the eyes. I had to become more aware because I wasn't living in my tiny computer bubble. I was out in the world around real, living breathing people. I have to say I prefer it out there. Finally, I was glad to find that I was also just all around calmer and more present.
What do I take away from all this? I am going to integrate the unplugging after 6pm into my life from now on because I am seeing and liking the benefits. I also noticed it caused me to unplug more during the day as well. While I do see the benefits of technology, for example having the ability to share this experience with you all. I have to say, experiencing more balance this week felt life changing. There is room for both, it's just about balance!
Finally, I noticed myself reflecting back to a time when we didn't have as much technology and trying to remember what life was like then. Are there rituals from that time period I want to re-integrate into my life? This just might be my next blog post.... Stay tuned...Signing off and heading outside! Namaste!
No comments:
Post a Comment