Practices for Unplugging

Technology in and of itself is not a bad thing – we can probably all agree that indoor plumbing is a very good thing. While modern technology has the potential to make our lives much easier, it also has the capacity to distract us from what matters most in the present moment.

We use technology to connect with others, to work more efficiently, and to relax but, when left unchecked, our technology use can lead to the breakdown of our closest relationships, workaholic tendencies, and unhealthy coping as we use technology to escape from our problems. It’s an easy trap to fall into, and one without an easy solution. Technology has become a necessity in modern life, but how do we engage with technology in a more intentional way that ensures it doesn’t consume us?

Sociologist, psychologist, and researcher Sherry Turkle emphasizes the need for technology boundaries, saying “To make our life livable, we have to have spaces where we are fully present to each other or to ourselves, where we’re not competing with the roar of the Internet and, quite frankly, where the people around us are not competing with the latest news off the Facebook status update.”

Turkle often asks of those she studies: “Are you finding ways to live more deliberately with technology — to shape it to honor what really matters?”

This week, we challenge you to unplug and explore how you might reshape your technology use with some of the practices below:

Technology Assessment – Recent studies have found that the average American spends about ten and a half hours a day staring at a screen. This near constant consumption of media, through tablets, smartphones, televisions, and the like, leaves time for little else. Consider keeping track of how much time you spend in front of screens or on gadgets in a day. How much time would this amount to in a week? Now, keep track of how much uninterrupted time you spend with friends or family in a day and in a week. Use the questions below to help you reshape your technology use as you compare the times.

Questions for reflection:

• What might God be inviting you to reprioritize with this newfound awareness?
• If you cut back on technology use just one hour a week, how could you use that time to be present to God, yourself, or others?

Technology Fast – Set aside time this week to detach from technology. You could start small, choosing to fast from technology for just one hour during the week, or you could try fasting during a specific time each day this week – perhaps during dinner, or for an hour before bed. Regardless of when or how long you choose to fast, be present in the moment, asking the following questions to help you discern the ways that you may need to reshape your own personal technology use.

Questions for reflection:

• When you feel empty or restless, do you turn to technology to fill the space and ease the tension?
• How can you wean yourself from this way of life?

Practicing the Presence – One of the biggest casualties of our increase in technological dependency has been the ability to be present in the moment. Our screens distract us while waiting in line at the grocery store, while sharing meals with others, and even sometimes while driving. What are we missing by not being fully present in these spaces? Practicing the presence is a way of living more fully into the presence of God all around us, every moment. By pausing in these little moments to acknowledge God with us we express our intention to be present to the God who created us to live a full and abundant life.

Use these questions to help you be present to God in the moments when you would rather reach for a distraction:

• Where do your thoughts go when they aren’t preoccupied with work or amusement? What does this reveal about your desires, passions, concerns, and priorities?
• How aware are you of God’s presence with you throughout your day?
• What would it look like for you to intentionally pursue God’s presence?

You can follow along with a guided meditation for presence here.