My phone died sometime on Monday afternoon. I decided to just let it go. There was nothing I needed it for in the next two days. Even before it died, I hadn’t used it much over the weekend, opting instead to leave it in the bedroom unless I was out of the house.
It was nice to not have that crutch in down time. Because I knew I didn’t have my phone, I quickly lost that urge to reach for it.
Instead of checking social media when I had a few minutes alone I just sat in the moment. I observed my surroundings, practiced mindfulness.
While playing with the kids I was able to be fully present. Nothing was buzzing in my pocket, screaming for attention both physically and mentally.
At night, instead of staring at a small LCD screen (at nothing of importance) for hours I read books. I am now halfway through I Am Malala, reading more in two days than I have in the past week and a half.
2016 is coming to a close. I fully plan to unplug more in 2017. Whenever I get a taste of it I’m highly motivated to continue and make it a habit. It gives me the opportunity to be more productive. But I always fall short and slip back into the old routine.
So I’ll start with choosing at least one weekend per month to disconnect from the internet.
Dan Hauk 