Addiction

I just read an article by NY Times food writer, Mark Bittman. I love Mark Bittman, he focuses on simple, good food and his recipes are inviting. He also posts short cooking videos on the Times website that are instructive and often entertaining.

This morning, I read a piece he wrote about taking a break from electronics. A weekly sabbath from his computer, PDA, telephone, you name it. I found that I resonated with the article, and am also considering giving up my electronic friends one day a week, or at least trying it out.

As I typed that last sentence, my stomach clenched, and I caught myself holding my breath - ye gads, this is going to be a challenge.

"Hello, my name is Cynthia, and I am addicted to my technology..."

Here is the article, in case you want to read it.

I Need a Virtual Break, No Really

I would love to read your comments on this. I am off to see if my iPHone actually has an on/off switch.

Cynthia

*************
Cynthia McKenna Counseling
www.cynthiamckennacounseling.com
www.counselingblog.com

Comments

[debbie wilson]

Funny that this is your topic because a couple of weeks ago, I decided to cut back on my "news" intake..... CNN usually is playing constantly while I work.... with the same stories playing over and over and over and over again...... and if there is no news then they go into speculating what will happen..... over and over and over and over again...One day they would declare Obama in the lead and Hillary dead in the water and McCain acting presidential in some foreign country.... the next day, Hillary was a clear frontrunner and Obama was dead in the water and McCain.... McCain, who?????? So I decided to watch the morning news and then maybe again later at night to give my mind and soul a rest.... I am much happier...... I will admit, I might check in with CNN periodically during the day but nothing like I was....
It's surprising how much I am actually keeping up with current events even with out the minute to minute blow by blow......
I am connecting with myself a little better.....

I totally recommend giving things a rest.....
debbie

[Joe]

Cynthia,

Ok. So.... I’ve read Bittman’s article and understand what he’s said about the need to slow down — and the work that it takes to take a break from all the various forms of electronic communication. AND, I agree that there is some real value in that. However, in your challenge to readers of your newsletter, you’ve done something that is common today – and sent a perfect example of the reason I repeatedly feel compelled to ask people to try to be more accurate in what they say.

All of technology gets lumped together in one broad stroke of the pen (or keyboard) and becomes a really mushy “you know what I mean” message that might not really mean what you intended it to mean. Bittman’s specific comments were about communication technologies (both input & output), but that became “stay away from technology” and “turn everything off”.... Those are much broader statements.

What about all the computers that control your car (or even the remote key-lock wireless technology that lets you get in it at all)? Or, for the city dweller with no car... What about the building security system or traffic control that gives you a “Walk” light? What about the intelligent circuitry behind the thermostat in your home heat & air or hot water tank? Ooooooh, what about the fact that you’d like a cup of tea & depend on technology-based control systems to deliver your energy?

I absolutely endorse the idea of simplifying life temporarily as a way to regain perspective (maybe even sanity), but giving up technology for a day? You’re fooling yourself!

Welcome to life in the United States in 2008!

Can you tell it is “scheduling season” and I’m up to my eyeballs in detail-oriented absurdities? Yaaaa!! I suspect a day out of touch would do me a lot of good.

Take care & keep enjoying all that technology!

:-)

Joe

[Robin]

Hi Cynthia- I have no problem disconnecting with technology- in fact- it may be the opposite- I have trouble connecting with it! My cell phone has no coverage at my home and really the only time I use it is in my car. I never use the computer at home- only at work- and I never use anything while I am on vacation other than the cell phone in the car- Robin

[Elvira]

This post really hit a nerve with me. I just started blogging, opened a facebook account and love, love, love my iBook. After reading this article I realized I needed a break. Thanks Cynthia!