day 33

Day 33: Steer Clear from Technology

Thursday March 31 2011

Today I am doing my best to minimize my electronic usage.  I must check emails for work and type notes into the data system, but I have tried to minimize time spent in front of the computer and not look up anything  online.  (I wrote this on word and uploaded only).  I will limit my email checks to three times today.  Maybe this sounds normal, but with having an I-phone, I seem to check emails each time I hear an alert that an email came in.  I am also keeping my phone off on short breaks at work.  This has been proven to be difficult.  It’s like my finger has a tic in trying to check messages.  I am obsessive about it, but I know I am not alone.  Could I go a whole day without checking any emails? Probably.  But I decided I wouldn’t totally starve today, just put a limit on it.   And what happened?  Well, in addition to trying to redirect my pumped up anxiety into something else, I realized “wow, I can actually create some type of free time. 

What I did with those spare minutes this morning instead of going online, checking emails, facebook, or the news…I did the Tibetan rites.  The fountain of youth, strength building, that ends with a form of meditation.

As a tourist, especially if we leave the country, take a break from technology (primarily emails, internet, and cell phone).  If you must, go to an internet café, but use it sparingly.  You start to wonder, is this necessary?  Why am I wasting precious time on randomly googling information, there is so much to do on your trip.

Given, it’s wonderful sharing your information to the world, but how is it enriching your everyday life?   By freeing ourselves from this self placed responsibility and we shortly endure the anxiety, we see that nothing happens.  The world will function if emails are not attended to immediately.  And you will more fully be able to enjoy that day.