March 1st-2nd was the National Day of Unplugging in the United States. This campaign was launched with the idea that we miss out on important events because we spend hours utilizing our digital devices to Tweet, Facebook and Instagram everything we do.
Surprisingly, I missed out on finding out about this event because I obviously wasn’t “plugged in” enough. However, a week later, I’d like to accept the challenge and urge you to do the same this upcoming weekend.
On Sunday, March 10th, 2012 I am going to unplug for a full day. Let me tell you, this isn’t going to be easy. But on Monday – be prepared to hear about my experience.
You might be asking yourself “what are the guidelines for this?” So let me lay them out for you. They are the following (provided by Sabbath Manifesto who inspired the “National Day of Unplugging”):
1. Avoid technology.
2. Connect with loved ones.
3. Nurture your health.
4. Get outside.
5. Avoid commerce
6. Light candles.
7. Drink wine.
8. Eat bread.
9. Find silence.
10. Give back.
I’m not Jewish so this whole “drink wine” and “eat bread” thing is kind of strange (not going to lie). But I’m also a person who likes both wine and bread so I’m not going to fight it.
Getting back on track, I feel that unplugging is important to do every once awhile. Why? Because I feel there are so many things we miss out on by being logged on 24/7. Since moving to Indianapolis, I haven’t walked the trails of Eagle Creek Park or ridden my bike down the Monon Trail. (It is zero degrees outside – so cut me a break). You get the idea though. I’ve found confort in the confines of my apartment watching Netflix and scanning my Twitter feed.
This weekend that’s going to change though. So…watch out, Indianapolis. Here I come!
Wish me luck! (Without my Google Maps App – I’ll need all the luck I can get).
Follow-up post: Read here