This post really touched my spirit Emma. I appreciate your thoughts so very much, and I don't just say that for the sake of commenting. Some of these same thoughts about embracing reality, fine-tuning our interior life and relationship with Christ, and leaving certain platforms behind have been on my mind for months. I've observed so many people around me in my own world who always seem to be looking down at their devices while I'm looking at a beautiful sky or a leaf or bird. It's ironic, though, because here I am on a device to read your post, haha! I love your insightful words and insights, though it takes a device for me to hear your thoughts. The digital realm really is a two-edged sword that can be hard to wield properly, isn't it? One way I've started connecting with others is through writing letters again, though according to Thoreau this can be used as a crutch just as much! Haha, we all need a lot of grace.😅💕
A two-edged sword is a good way to describe it! These days the old-fashioned post office does feel like an antidote of sorts to the instantaneous digital post office, I love writing snail mail as well! ❤️
Just yesterday I was reflecting on my Lenten journey, giving up Instagram and Telegram, and I noticed how much I have grown over these last 40 days. My reading has increased, not only in the form of physical books, but audiobooks as well. Instead of mindlessly scrolling I am finding how much I am learning and adding to my daily routine. Also, in terms of consumption, I am finding that I no longer look for the bad news of the world. I tend to listen or watch those things that are going to help me grow, especially with Our Lord and Our Lady. I am looking forward to bookclub this weekend! As we continue through Holy Week I do wish you a Happy and Blessed Easter!
It is so easy to get sucked into bad news online - spending time with Christ and Mary is a much more productive use of time. ❤️ Wishing you a happy and blessed Easter as well! 🌸
Your thoughts on our modern machines and how they paradoxically keep us both connected and disconnected remind me of E. M. Forster's 1909 short story "The Machine Stops." When I first read it, I was amazed by how prescient Forster was in imagining a world in which people live largely in indoors and in isolation from one another, communicating through screen-based technology. I often think of that story when I find myself turning to the internet too much, especially as a temporary means to ease anxiety. I've been working on replacing that habit with better ones, especially since this past Advent, so your post has been a great inspiration to keep going!
Ohhh I will have to check that short story out. It is uncanny when you find works from the past that speak so well to today - although maybe that’s partly because human nature doesn’t change much. 😅
This post is so beautiful, but oh so convicting. I gave up social media for our Lenten fast and it was much needed. In order to hear clearly the voice of God, I must shut off the voices of the outside world. I haven't had Facebook in over 6 years and I don't miss it at all. I also turned off the notifications from Instagram. If there isn't a notification going off, I don't feel an urge to check it. I have put time limits on social media, so when I do go on, I only have a certain amount of time dedicated to it each day.
Social media is great, regarding connecting to others. However, I believe social media has now took place of in person interactions. The art of having discussions and conversations is lost. Since fasting from social media, I have noticed a change in my attention span. I am able to read blog posts, articles, journals, and books slowly and I devour each word, without rushing. I found myself less anxious and worried about what others are doing and what they think of me. I love being able to sit outdoors and watch time go by without feeling the urge to share a moment with social media.
Thank you for sharing this posts! I haven't send you any snail mail in a long time, which is long overdue.
This post really touched my spirit Emma. I appreciate your thoughts so very much, and I don't just say that for the sake of commenting. Some of these same thoughts about embracing reality, fine-tuning our interior life and relationship with Christ, and leaving certain platforms behind have been on my mind for months. I've observed so many people around me in my own world who always seem to be looking down at their devices while I'm looking at a beautiful sky or a leaf or bird. It's ironic, though, because here I am on a device to read your post, haha! I love your insightful words and insights, though it takes a device for me to hear your thoughts. The digital realm really is a two-edged sword that can be hard to wield properly, isn't it? One way I've started connecting with others is through writing letters again, though according to Thoreau this can be used as a crutch just as much! Haha, we all need a lot of grace.😅💕
A two-edged sword is a good way to describe it! These days the old-fashioned post office does feel like an antidote of sorts to the instantaneous digital post office, I love writing snail mail as well! ❤️
Just yesterday I was reflecting on my Lenten journey, giving up Instagram and Telegram, and I noticed how much I have grown over these last 40 days. My reading has increased, not only in the form of physical books, but audiobooks as well. Instead of mindlessly scrolling I am finding how much I am learning and adding to my daily routine. Also, in terms of consumption, I am finding that I no longer look for the bad news of the world. I tend to listen or watch those things that are going to help me grow, especially with Our Lord and Our Lady. I am looking forward to bookclub this weekend! As we continue through Holy Week I do wish you a Happy and Blessed Easter!
It is so easy to get sucked into bad news online - spending time with Christ and Mary is a much more productive use of time. ❤️ Wishing you a happy and blessed Easter as well! 🌸
Your thoughts on our modern machines and how they paradoxically keep us both connected and disconnected remind me of E. M. Forster's 1909 short story "The Machine Stops." When I first read it, I was amazed by how prescient Forster was in imagining a world in which people live largely in indoors and in isolation from one another, communicating through screen-based technology. I often think of that story when I find myself turning to the internet too much, especially as a temporary means to ease anxiety. I've been working on replacing that habit with better ones, especially since this past Advent, so your post has been a great inspiration to keep going!
Ohhh I will have to check that short story out. It is uncanny when you find works from the past that speak so well to today - although maybe that’s partly because human nature doesn’t change much. 😅
Emma,
This post is so beautiful, but oh so convicting. I gave up social media for our Lenten fast and it was much needed. In order to hear clearly the voice of God, I must shut off the voices of the outside world. I haven't had Facebook in over 6 years and I don't miss it at all. I also turned off the notifications from Instagram. If there isn't a notification going off, I don't feel an urge to check it. I have put time limits on social media, so when I do go on, I only have a certain amount of time dedicated to it each day.
Social media is great, regarding connecting to others. However, I believe social media has now took place of in person interactions. The art of having discussions and conversations is lost. Since fasting from social media, I have noticed a change in my attention span. I am able to read blog posts, articles, journals, and books slowly and I devour each word, without rushing. I found myself less anxious and worried about what others are doing and what they think of me. I love being able to sit outdoors and watch time go by without feeling the urge to share a moment with social media.
Thank you for sharing this posts! I haven't send you any snail mail in a long time, which is long overdue.
There are so many benefits to taking a break from our phones! Aww that’s so sweet of you, I’d love a letter, I will definitely send you one back! ☺️