Unplugged and Connected

It has been a year since that fateful moment when I walked into Comcast and exchanged my Interweb modem for more time offline. To this day it ranks as one of my best decisions EVER, and I do make a lot of great decisions if I do say so myself.  The Internet had come to represent an easy way for me to connect with people, and mostly a large time waster.

Some might say I’ve cheated now that I own an iPhone since I can access the Internet via my handheld device. Maybe I am, I feel just enough connected knowing I can access my email if I need to find something…for the most part it distracts me with Words With Friends on the bus. I’m also more aware of how connected I am without the Internet. I have a beautiful, brilliant community in Man Franpsycho and my connection with them supercedes any fast DSL.

What have I done with all the time I haven’t spent scouring Facebook or watching new youTube videos? Well, I have created a haven, and nothing short of a heaven in my studio. Without TV or Internet I have to face myself constantly. In those quiet moments getting ready for bed there really aren’t any distractions except my own moods or desires. I can hear myself think in my apartment. I read more, write more, and listen to music and really listen to it. My connection to myself has deepened within the silence of my space called home. I can be more present, feeling my body, noticing my  breath. I feel I have embodied connection instead of projecting that desire onto my  computer to uphold.

Yes, the Internet is useful and amazing, I’m not saying it isn’t valueable in many regards. When it comes to  finding ways to distract us or giving us poor posture slouching over the keyboard…it wins hands down. I realize pulling the plug isn’t for everyone, however, I do suggest everyone consider a little less time unplugged and connected.