Removing oneself from access to modern technology is a wake-up call. For the past four days I have been in a limited Wi-Fi/data access zone. If you are reading this, it is several days after the write.
In the early ‘80’s we enjoyed living for a few months in Germany. Technology at the time made our one and only TV incompatible with German television, so we left the device with my parents and learned to enjoy a TV-free environment. I discovered the pleasure of radio, with Macabre Theater on US Armed Forces radio being the highlight of my evening. The girls got their fix watching German cartoons with neighbors. For the most part, though, we didn’t miss it.
Returning to the US, we were told that our TV didn’t work so never bothered to turn it on until one fateful afternoon when a visiting cousin wanted to check her soap opera. Darn! It did work. For several months we left it unplugged, and the girls believed that it didn’t function. I don’t remember their whining about it.
Unplugging. We enjoy much more technology now that in the ‘80’s and are more connected that we could have imagined at that time. When C-Boy was growing up we followed a no TV week once a month. There was peace in the house, more companionship, more quiet. Evenings were filled with swimming, reading, and playing games. But that was before computers, cell phones, and the internet. And I will be the first to admit that I am a slave to technology. My she-shed would have to come with electricity and Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the boys need to use the computer and internet for homework, ED for work, and I need it for our business and communication. Does reading a book on Kindle count as plugged in?
The technological limitation has restricted my business email as well as blogging which is a creative outlet for me. It has interfered with my daily ritual of games and reading as I face the day. It is impossible to Google every fact I can’t recall. When unable to sleep, I can’t access Netflix. I try to take advantage of the natural setting in the Shenandoah Natural Forest which lends itself to quiet meditation. Nevertheless, I am aware of an internal tension from lack of control of my activities. The peace I once felt when “getting away from it all” eludes me.
For now, I will go out on the deck and meditate.
