The Discipline Of Unplugging
In barely one generation, we’ve moved from exulting in the time-saving devices that have so expanded our lives to trying to get away from them – often in order to make more time. The more ways we have to connect, the more many of us seem desperate to unplug.
Pico Iyer
Saturday morning, we drove down to Kennett Square to see Hannah run the mile at the Nike Unionville Track & Field Invitational Meet. This meant we spent an hour in the car each way, and we hung out in the cold stands watching a few of the events before and after Hannah’s race. When we arrived home, we did a little bit of work in the yard before heading over the New Hope to watch Isaac perform in the Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Championships. This meant we spent an hour in the car each way, and we hung out in the New Hope Solebury High School auditorium watching the other bands. Isaac didn’t arrive home until well after midnight which meant I was up later than normal as I waited to pick him up. Sunday after church, we headed over to Isaac’s annual piano recital. Then it was on to youth group for the evening.
Like I was saying before, I really didn’t have any downtime.
It was great to participate in each of these events and activities, but it is also important to slow down. Part of slowing down means unplugging. We don’t unplug enough in today’s fast-paced, have-to-stay-connected world. I think there is something healthy about practicing the discipline of unplugging.
Here are three important reasons to unplug:
3 Reasons to Practice the Discipline of Unplugging
- Unplugging provides a necessary break. I’ve been going a million miles a minute. I work hard at work, and I do a lot of things outside of work. I run. I write. And I keep up with a busy family. I stay connected to a world of emails, blog posts, and social media connections. I don’t give me self a chance to rest, and I’m guessing I’m not alone. We all need the opportunity to rest. Sometimes this means disconnecting from the world – even if it’s just for a day.
- Unplugging provides an opportunity for new inspiration. While we are racing from one thing to the next, we are missing out on the beautiful world God gave us. There’s inspiration right in front of our eyes. We just need to stop and look from time to time.
- Unplugging provides time to reconnect with what is important. The rush of life can sometimes take us away from what is important. The computer world and the world of television can become consuming. We need to put it in perspective.
I challenge you to unplug. It may seem hard at first, but you can start small. Start with a minute each hour. Then try an hour each day. When you have this down, unplug for a day each week. Finally, unplug for a weekend or even a week. I guarantee you’ll be refreshed, inspired, and reconnected.