Unplugged
For 24 hours starting this Friday night, March 1, at sunset, to Saturday night, March 2, again at sunset, is the National Day of Unplugging, where people are being asked to give up their precious electronics for 24 hours.
In effect, it's a suggestion that people unplug from the electronic world and into the real one, just for one single day.
By the simple reason that you're reading these words, you're a candidate to participate—the idea is as simple as it sounds. Just turn off your electronics, put down your phone, skip social media and get out and enjoy the world instead. Go for a walk, visit with family, read a book (I can recommend one) or just relax for the day. Recharge your batteries, as it were.
The idea was hatched by the Sabbath Manifesto, a creative project designed by a group of Jewish artists to slow down lives in an increasingly hectic world. They espouse ten core principles for the day that would seem to apply to any lifestyle, regardless of religion, including "Avoid Technology," "Connect with Loved Ones," "Nurture Your Health," "Get Outside," "Give Back," "Eat Bread" and "Drink Wine." (I can certainly get behind that last one!)
Well, after Hurricane Sandy left us without power for 7 days, I'm pretty sure I can manage another day without my electronic toys, you know, as long as it doesn't count my refrigerator. No gizmos is one thing, but rotting food and melted ice cream is a problem!
Enjoy the silence, and remember to come back and visit us afterward!
