...Seriously? A blog post about the experiences from taking a media fast? I have one word for that. REDUNDANT.
You might be wondering why I call it redundant as opposed to pointless, aggravating or overall a waste of time. And the answer to that is simple. I take a 25-hour fast from technology every single week. And not just things like computers, phones, gaming devices, television, or even a digital watch. I'm talking lights, matches, and even pencil and paper. Sundown to sundown, every week.
It's called the Jewish Sabbath.
Many Jews don't avoid all that during the Sabbath, but I do since I'm Orthodox. I survive not having my computer, my phone, etc. for some time every week at minimum.
How do I do it? Well, sometimes I end up doing the things I should be doing according to my religion. Attending synagogue, having meals with the family, etc. But when I can't manage to do that, I read. A lot. Comic books, novels, newspapers, whatever catches my eye. I also spend some time sleeping, playing with cards, talking with the family. Simple things.
If people cannot manage to go 24 hours without a phone or videogame every so often, I find them rather spoiled. That's not to say I'm not eager to get back to the technology once the Sabbath ends. I enjoy it as much as the next person. But that doesn't mean people can't manage every so often.
That's all I really have to say about the issue. The reason I won't be taking the media fast is because I already take a far more extreme version on a regular basis.
Hi Tuyva -- I find it really interesting that you perform a sort of media fast weekly as a part of your faith. Such a practice of disconnecting from all types of technology seems like a great way to connect with your values and your family.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your point of view. Yes, in your case in particular, you already experience media fasts every week; therefore, you are used to abandoning technology for a certain amount of time. I think that is an important lesson to learn because kids today are so dependent on technology that they would "die" if they didn't have their phones. It's very important to have a balanced life, and you are an example that it is possible.
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ReplyDeleteThat must be very difficult; I admit I probably couldn't entertain myself if I'd have to media fast every week.
ReplyDeleteTuvya- Thoughtful post. All of the comments here are thoughtful as well. I wonder-- should more people do this once a week? Is there something the rest of society can learn from this practice?
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