I am intentionally directing my attention (and life) offline which is in direct opposition to many people who are sending more of their time online. As someone who embraced and loved technology since the early 1990s and built my career around it, I recognize the irony of my choice today.
It was the smartphone and social media that changed things for me. Having always on, always available internet connectivity has made parts of my life unimaginably better. I expect there will be similar benefits from AI, robotics and automation too.
But, I’ve also found that sometimes, being online makes my life worse.
Over the past decade, I’ve experienced a decline in my ability to focus on something for unexpended period of time. I rarely can sit through an entire TV show, much less a 90 minute movie, without becoming bored and looking something up on the internet. After a lifetime of being an avid daily reader, I found myself struggling to maintain interest long enough to read novels anymore. When I walked my dogs, I would listen to podcasts or talk on the phone. Waiting in line was no longer frustrating – I’d just pull out my phone and browse the internet.
Then, 2 years ago, my older dog died and I got Sparkles. She is twice as big, four times as strong and a handful. Walking her with Wiggles, who transforms into a 10 pound Tasmanian Devil whenever she sees a kid on a bike, requires my full attention. I started leaving my phone at home during dog walks so I wouldn’t be distracted.
I put my phone on silent, turned off all notifications and will leave it in another room throughout the day to avoid being interrupted when I am trying to concentrate on a project, activity or task.
After years of waning interest in movies and TV, I started reading books in the evening instead of desperately scrolling Netflix and Amazon Prime searching for something to watch.
I like what happened.
I was able to find genres of books and new authors to read. I observe more wildlife, people, seasonal transitions, birds, sounds and activities going on in my neighborhood.
I don’t look at my phone in the car because I keep it in my pocket – although I do queue up podcasts to listen to before I start driving.
I have noticed a peace and calmness that has permeated throughout my day. Instead of thinking about all of the terrible news that’s in the headlines, I often think about the books I am reading. Instead of comparing myself to everyone on the internet who appear to be happier, wealthier, more attractive and more successful than me, I usually feel fantastic and grateful for the life I have today.
I don’t think I’ll ever avoid technology completely. I still like using it, playing with it and exploring how it can make my life better. Lately I’ve incorporated more smart home devices in my home for listening to podcasts/music, controlling my lights/fans and setting up routines around waking up, going to bed, leaving the house etc.
I’ve dabbled with AI. Sp far, I’ve not found it very useful other than as a better search tool vs. Google. I’m sure that will change over time.
Still, I’m pretty sure that I’ll spend a good part of every day offline and disconnected too.
Offline. Drawing is meditative. Walking without phone. Reading fiction and nonfiction. Putzing around. Repairs. Fitness