hmmm…..
It may be time for another media fast. Several years ago, I put away my television and all my other electronic media for a few months and sort of unplugged. It was an interesting experiment and one I might repeat. The biggest surprise to me was that I really didn’t miss that much. Once I adjusted, not only did I not miss my favorite television shows, I really didn’t miss much of the real news of the day. Even when the tsunami hit, I was well informed by the news I read and heard from friends commenting on the disaster.
I am thinking about it because I read an article this morning about a mom who “unplugged” her kids. Susan Maushart wrote a book called, “The Winter of Our Disconnect” in which she describes life without electric gadgets for herself and her three children. The Experiment, as she impressively called it, took place over a six month period. Much of what she found out is pretty predictable: the kids were more communicative, did more things together and read more. All good things.
Now, maybe a total electronic fast is not for you. But you might try a night or two without the television blaring and the iPhone beeping. An amazing peace came over me when I “media fasted” and it’s a peace I am craving once again. Dare I give up television for Lent? It’s coming up soon … anyone out there want to join me?
hmmm…..
PS If you want to join me in my media fast, you can comment here -- or email me at: ntay31@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHey nancy --
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea! Since I am already off TV, but am heavily addicted/distracted by laptops, I should join the effort by pledging a set number of hours each day to be laptop-free (i can't go completely free, as my job depends on it). And the time would have to be time while I"m alone and quiet. I'll pledge 3 hours per day during Lent -- not exactly a mountain but a hill for an addict like me...ha