National Day of Unplugging

[tbb113]

National Day of Unplugging (http://www.sabbathmanifesto.org/unplug)

I can't do it completely since I'm working on Saturday and my only phone is my cell phone. However I am planning on only answering the phone for the one friend I have plans with (to arrange the start time). I'm aiming to do at least 7 of the principles

Anybody else want to join in?

[generic]

I couldn't see where all the principles were listed, but this should be no hardship for me. All I'll really have to do is stay off the internet. I have no cell phone, and I'm not much of a phone talker on my landline. I just won't answer the phone. I let the machine get it most of the time anyway.
Easy squeezy! :)

[Lucinda]

I usually do my weekly "unplugged day" on Sunday instead of Saturday. It's amazing how long and lovely the day feels when I don't spend a few hours glued to a screen or other electronic device!

[tbb113]

Here are the ten principles (http://www.sabbathmanifesto.org/wp-content/themes/sabbathmanifesto/pdf-sabbath_10principles3.pdf)

[generic]

Love it! Thanks, Tyra! Looks like I need to procure a bottle of sweet red wine between now and Saturday. :D

[lindrusso]

I do need to unplug more but I'm hosting a Mardi Gras party on Saturday and will likely need my laptop for recipes and such.

But I should do okay on the eat bread and drink wine parts. :)

[SusanMac]

We have dinner plans w/friends on Sat, and will definitely enjoy the outdoors so we are good to go.

What exactly do they mean by 'avoid technology'? You could define that pretty broadly. That's probably the point, tho....set your own parameters that are right for you.

[fci5767]

I'm having my daughter's birthday party on Saturday. We'll be outside (and in) and will be lighting candles, so we've got that part covered. I'll need to check my e-mail and cell phone in case people have questions. And I'll want to upload pictures when I get home.

I do need to unplug more. But, Friday night to Saturday night won't work for us.

[ADM]

Here are the ten principles (http://www.sabbathmanifesto.org/wp-content/themes/sabbathmanifesto/pdf-sabbath_10principles3.pdf)

With the exception of #4, that list sounds like a romantic interlude! :rolleyes: :)

[Robyn1007]

1 and 5 will be difficult for me. I coach that day and will be on mountain needing to potentially contact parents and needing to be updated on road conditions for driving up and down. I will likely need to buy breakfast and/or lunch and gas if I don't get it on Friday. But, because I also have an event Saturday night I likely won't touch the laptop all day. The rest I'm good with.

[bobmark226]

I have no excuses like so many others here apparently do, I'm just not going to do it. I love my toys too much.

Bob

[lindrusso]

I have no excuses like so many others here apparently do, I'm just not going to do it. I love my toys too much.

Bob

Where's that Facebook "like" button when you need it. :)

I need to unplug more because it's getting in the way of other things I need to or even WANT to do. It's so much easier to plop down and play on the internet.

Which brings to mind this most excellent post on a blog that I really enjoy. A warning to anyone who is offended by strong language - she does throw around some choice words here and there.

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html

[bobmark226]

In fact, Alysha, I'm going to wear a special sweatshirt I had made for the occasion that says "Unplug THIS!" :)

Bob

[TieKitty]

In fact, Alysha, I'm going to wear a special sweatshirt I had made for the occasion that says "Unplug THIS!" :)

Bob

Oh, Bob. How I've missed you!:):p

[JHaris]

Don't know where the list is posted, (would you let me know where I can find it?) but it shouldn't be too hard to do. Don't have FB, nor do I twitter or chat ... don't like putting personal info out on the web.

Nothing much on TV anyway. DH will have the problem. He needs to be able to keep in touch with people regarding company matters, but does reading my Nook that the children gave me for Christmas count?

I have downloaded some old books on it and am in the middle of Pride and Prejudice.

I will answer the cell/phone if I see it is from one of the children since I never know if I am needed to help out. Also, I want to be available to 2 close relatives in MN and RI becauuse of their health and age.

So I will slightly disconnect which is really not a problem

[generic]

What exactly do they mean by 'avoid technology'? You could define that pretty broadly.

Good point. I took it to mean avoiding things that will distract your mind from quiet and serenity, such as internet and stereo. But if you were REALLY serious, you could sit around with all the lights off and not drive your car anywhere and not use your kitchen appliances. It's all technology. :p

[tbb113]

I think some of the intent is to help you figure out a way to touch base with people in real life instead of the internet/phone/ect

The principles below are directly from traditional Shabbat observance:
1. Avoid technology.

2. Connect with loved ones.

5. Avoid commerce.

6. Light candles.

7. Drink wine.

8. Eat bread.

10. Give back.

These rest are also related but the correlation isn't as obvious (at least not to me)

3. Nurture your health.

4. Get outside.

9. Find silence.

[generic]

I wanted to mention how much I enjoyed this day. It's something I could/should have done without an official "national day," but it helped to have that little nudge. Thanks, Tyra, for bringing it to my attention.



It's amazing how long and lovely the day feels when I don't spend a few hours glued to a screen or other electronic device!

This was so true for me on Saturday. Throughout the day I would see what time it was and think, wow, it's only ____ o'clock! The day just stretched out forever, and it was nice to remember what life was like for me "before."

[tbb113]

Jeanette
Glad you enjoyed the day.

I stayed off the computer all day and night (turned it off so I wouldn't be tempted)! Next time, I'll keep my tv off as well since that is just as much of a time suck

[generic]

Next time, I'll keep my tv off as well since that is just as much of a time suck

This wasn't a problem for me, as I can't turn on something I don't have. ;) I agree, it's a time suck, and maybe even more mesmerizing than the computer. You don't even have to interact with it for it to steal your time.