My computerless existence (sort of)

Well, it’s been exactly two weeks since I stepped boldly out of the old mindless patterns of my computer addiction. Yup, I’ve actually done it (so far). No, I did not have to become the first officially member of Computers Anonymous to make it happen (although…hmm…not a terrible idea!)

Anyway, two small miracles have happened: one, I haven’t become a mindless TV zombie instead (as a few pointed out may happen – lacking in cable TV may be a partial explanation for that), and two, I’ve realized how much FREER life is without it. I feel like one of the people in those Goodlife commercials that’s running around in the grass enjoying the simpler things in life (and asking everyone to open up their eyes, in an unfairly catchy jingle).

So what have I been doing instead? Well, my favourite thing of all is… absolutely nothing. I sit on my living room futon. I gaze at the fireplace and the things on the mantle. I listen to the sounds of the city outside the window. I’m trying to teach myself that you don’t need to be doing something for life to go on. It’s sort of a form of mindfulness meditation, now that I think about it… except I’ve done away with the need to sit on a zafu (meditation cushion),close my eyes and set the timer for 20 minutes, at least for now. This just feels more natural. It ain’t easy. At first you’d rather be doing ANYTHING but nothing. But after a few minutes, your mind settles down. You start to enjoy the quiet. Boredom turns into peace. 

What else? I built a house of cards. I started to study some preliminary Spanish (although yo STILL no hablo espanol). I sat down at my keyboard and fiddled around. I created some very interesting doodle art. It feels a little bit like being a kid pre-1990, before technology took over our lives.

And it’s totally awesome.

Next entry, I’ll share the experience I had last week with trying hot yoga. Emphasis on the word "TRYING". Stay tuned...

xo Janine