I have a question. Is there anyone that can share personal experiences of the benefits they have received from limiting computer usage to school work / business, and cell phone to only making phone calls (no apps, games, social networking, etc.).
I feel like this would make me a more spiritual person. Also, when you think about it, computer/television/smart phones aren’t ABSOLUTE necessities to enjoy life.
I’m not saying cutting out this stuff is the only way to a deeper spirituality, but from a productivity/spirituality standpoint, it seems like a good thing to do.
Any help would be appreciated!
I have lived without all kinds of things. I had I time I lived without a refrigerator, a time without a phone, a time without a computer, and I don’t own a TV. I’ve lived years without a car and don’t currently have one or need one. I don’t have heat or a/c. Though admittedly, I live in Mexico. I get by just with 2 fans.
I went through a period where I deliberately tried to imitate St. Francis.
When I didn’t have my computer, I ended up going to a cybercafé, anyway, because circumstances required it. At that time, I spent a fortune at the cybercafé and on international calls. In the end, it turned out not only to be much cheaper but easier for me to stay in contact with family and friends by my computer at the house. I think it’s also prudent to keep in contact, not lose touch with people. People are also part of our spirituality.
I live alone, and times my computer has even been in the shop, days have been extraordinarily long, because my computer helps me a lot in all kinds of ways. Now, I play chess on it, check my Facebook and e-mail. I know chess is a game, but I honestly think that some people underestimate the value of games, believing them to be valueless.
I go to a chess group, and in our group, we have a doctor, a lawyer, and I’m not sure who all else. The lawyer insists games like chess help him to better cope with the stress of his job. He says this game is like “therapy” for him. I have had a similar experience. Another said he found games, chess in particular, to be “relaxing”. I’ve played chess with people and also online, and both have been good for me, each in its own way.
Others who have told me chess is the mental equivalent of weight lifting and has helped them in their decision making processes in life. They insist when they’re playing, their decision making becomes easier. I found when I played chess when I was in school that even math seemed to get easier. I guess it depends what games. Don’t underestimate all games do for us. Potentially, they entertain, teach, relax us, and much more.
I once tried to work at a company where I, along with others, answered the phone for about 200 companies, and the ladies there played certain games all the time. At the time, I thought these word games were just tame and lame, and I dismissed them as being a waste of time. In retrospect, I think some of these games taught them certain skills, and ways of thinking, that helped them in their work.
I use my computer to listen to music, and my music helps me cope and lift me up when I’m down and out. I research and brainstorm by computer.
In my stage where I devoted myself to prayer almost exclusively, didn’t have my computer, TV, etc., When I got my computer, I just accessed religious sites. However, I believe my life was lacking. Well, we need to have a balance, and my life, at that time, wasn’t in balance. We need down time, to talk to others, play and have fun. We need to do more than eat, sleep, work, and pray.
Like it or not, we live in a computer age and need to also keep up with the times (not to mention all the changes) or be left behind. I’d just recommend against extreme positions. If games and such have gotten out of hand, I’d say to cut back without cutting everything out. :twocents:
. I hear you on everything being online. OP said limiting to school/work, so looking up a bus schedule could be under that. I don’t know that reading a digital book is what OP meant. I was thinking more along the lines of the FB and YouTube black hole. I transfer my music to an MP3 player, so that I can listen offline. When I do unplug, I actually find myself almost relieved.