A Pocket of Peace: November

Unplugging
We are blessed to live in a time when new technological advances are made daily, making life easier, making us more efficient and productive. And, yet, “plugging in” to technology may keep us disconnected from our inner peace.

At times, we may feel as if we are enslaved to our computer, cell phone, or pager. We are constantly on alert to what is happening in the world, on the web, in the news; on call from people who must speak to us—now! There is an urgency fostered by our technological helpmates. They keep us on top of things, yet also keep us tied to input, others, obligations and “shoulds.”

Have you considered how the technological tools YOU are using on a daily basis may cause nervousness or anxiousness within you? Do they keep you from feeling calm and peaceful inside?

I noticed this myself years ago. The negative tone, energy and urgency of television shows, especially the news, agitated me. Even brought down my mood, made me worried. I noticed this most intensely during the onset of the Iraqi conflict. In a moment of clarity, I was able to observe my addiction to the news and I decided to give it up altogether. I have not had a television in my home for four years now, I watch very little of it at other people’s houses, and I am much more peace-filled. I am still able to stay on top of current affairs via friends, limited magazine reading, or Google news.

Turn Off, Drop Out, Tune In

Today, take a few moments to sit quietly and reflect. Make a mental list of all the technological gadgets in your life, including, computer, land phone, cell phone, pager, television, and radio. Now picture yourself using each one and observe how it makes you feel. Notice any energetic dissonance, resentment, stress, anxiety or anger that arises.

If you are passionate about your inner peace, consider periods of unplugging from the technology that agitates you.

• Take one entire day each week away from the computer.
• Do not answer every phone call. Allow voice mail and caller ID to do their job.
• Try not to watch television or get on the computer 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Avoid accepting or returning phone calls late at night. Doing so allows your mind to wind down so you have restful sleep.
• Stop watching the television news. Limit, or rid yourself of the habit of listening to “talk radio.” Get your news and information from gentler sources.
• Drive without the radio on. Enjoy the silence for a change.
• Turn the television off one night a week, two nights a week, or more. Experiment by going an entire week without it and notice how you feel. Perhaps, like me, you will opt out for good.

We need not be chained to technology just to look good or keep up with everyone else. We can opt out of noise and clamor. By creating spaces for silence, we allow its tender refrains to soothe our over-stimulated selves. Unplug from chaos and tune into calm. The choice is truly ours.

Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker, interfaith spiritual director, and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.comTo learn more about Jan, visit her website, http://www.awakenedliving.com/, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book, The Awakened Woman's Guide to Life. Jan welcomes your comments and questions: jan@awakenedliving.com.

©2009, Janice Lynne Lundy