* For an introduction to this “Minings” category, click here.
In the last few days I’ve gotten emails from many of you in response to the image from the “Trust is…” series that finishes that sentence with “…turning off the computer.” I think it’s been resonating so much because, while life-giving on so many levels (social, spiritual, intellectual), computer use has a way of taking us over. It plants weed seeds in our hearts that have big promises: Stay abreast of the coolest writers/essays/artists/projects/courses and you’ll be cool, too. Tweet pithy, clever things and you’ll be highly sought out. Keep people informed of your goings on and you won’t be forgotten.
Promises like these grow roots and stems and leaves, and before we know it, we’re getting suffocated by them. Our sleep, our in-person relationships, our living spaces, our eating and exercise habits: all suffer at the hands of our dear, frightened egos who are utterly convinced that in order to matter and be fulfilled, we must – no option here at all – we must keep up a break neck pace of consuming and/or regurgitating and/or sound-biting information, and we must seek and cleverly maintain an enormous circle of online friends.
As I sit with this tonight, little more than a week into the life of this blog, I’m reminded of my people – my ancestors – and a mining that makes the grip of these weeds…and of my own ego…loosen.
I am from a sabbath-keeping people. I’m from a long line of folks who gave a day a week to rest and honor their God. A day to embody their trust that their worth and deepest fulfillment were rooted in something other than what they could accomplish — were predicated less on their successes and failures, and more on the fact that they were loved.
I’m not at all religious, but the connections between this type of sabbath-keeping and healthy computer use seem striking.
Where are you today on these points? If you have computer weeds, what is the nature of them? Have you discovered any habits or tricks or rituals for keeping them at bay? I’d really love to hear.
Everything Belongs
Seasons are universal. Treat yours uniquely.
such a great article, makes you think.. although I spend alot of my time online, I honestly do have another life… a life where I make art, read books, spend time with my hubby and my dog, my children, and go out with friends. It can be so so easy to let it all consume you. It’s good to step back and do something just for you away fr the computer!hugs bonnierose..
Comment by bonnierose — January 14, 2011 @ 8:00 amI have a love/hate relationship with the computer these days. I feel like I would do SO much more without it, but then again, I’d have no place to share it and no one to share it with if I didn’t have it…
Can’t win for losing.
Comment by Effy — January 14, 2011 @ 9:01 amI needed to read this article right now. I was feeling let down by other people not reading my blog. How stupid I am to let this get to me.
Comment by Denise Mulligan — January 14, 2011 @ 9:04 amI was racking my brains thinking about what I could do to improve my blog and entice readers.
Your post reminded me that my online blog was for fun. Yes, I want to connect and make friends but you can’t force that.
You made me realize that my blog has become another little ego of mine. Another head if you will, that needs to be feed. It demands that everybody love it in order to exist.
Crazy and senseless. You’ve brought me back to reality and that I need to get off my computer. I most go back to my real life where my family and a real life exists. I will return online but to get inspired and not to feed my ego anymore.
Thank you for this post.
Denise
Thanks for your reflections so far! Effy, yes – this is the dilemma. I’m pondering what metaphor for my relationship with the computer might encourage healthy use of it and steer me around the potholes. Anyone have any ideas? If you do and want to share, I’ll draw them and post them (with credits, of course)!
Comment by Kristin — January 14, 2011 @ 3:40 pmI have felt this same way over the last year of blogging and connecting to creative people online through blogs and ecourses, and frankly I am exhausted. I realized I just can’t keep up with the breakneck speed of light that information flies at here in webland.
I have a day job, a husband, a dog, friends and family and then this creative life that I really believe is important to my soul… how to manage it all is something I am currently struggling with.
I am enjoying reading your thoughts on this.
KAren
Comment by Karen D — January 15, 2011 @ 9:47 amSo many good points. So true. This post will help me keep it all in perspective with the start of my blog. Launching and growing these creative endeavors takes much energy. It makes sense to me that you’d need to step away after awhile. The glow of the computer screen is no substitute for sunlight on your face!
Comment by Lily P — January 15, 2011 @ 12:00 pmI agree with what everyone has said here. (Great last sentence, Lily!!!)
I tend to scatter my energies too far and wide across the electronic world and *must* periodically take breaks. (Last year I went into Sabbatical from blogging, FB, and most email communication for 5-6 weeks.) I’m feeling the need to do that again.
This is such a tough call, though, because I *do* find life-affirming connections here. However, there remains a great deal offline that needs my attention and I cannot imagine myself on my deathbed saying, “Gee, I wish I’d spent more time on Facebook!”
Seeking balance is key.
Comment by Lisa — January 15, 2011 @ 3:56 pm