A complex relationship with my computer

Oshyan · July 7, 2021, 10:12pm

A recent journal update (quoted below) made me realize I should talk more generally about the tension between computer time and, well, everything else. This is something I have thought about for a long time, and I imagine some of you reading may have similar concerns or considerations about your own life balance. I hope to dig deeper into this soon…

Week ending 7/4/2021

For many years now, most of every day of my life has been dominated by time on a computer. It’s not as though I can’t do without it, it’s just that so many of my interests are anchored here in some way. Fortunately I tend to take at least a few trips a year, some short, some long, where I take a partial or even total break from it. 2020 was something of an exception, but in 2019 I was traveling for more than 6 weeks, along with day trips to swim, etc. all of which had little or no significant computer time involved. Still, my day-to-day life is largely computer-focused, and I think this has negative consequences for both my physical and mental health, and perhaps arguably on the health of some of my relationships at times as well (I know it was an issue in at least one prior romantic partnership).

chinarut · July 14, 2021, 9:31pm

so happy you are in this conversation! invite you to join the 24/6 club! I finally made my first Challah last Sat to celebrate this practice for over 7 years! =)

There is definitely a rich conversation in regards to the root of what many of us are feeling - it can be challenging to see until we slow things down enough whether it’s through meditation, one of many forms of slow dance or a weekly practice like 24/6.

I’m glad to hear you have the experience of disconnecting through travel and nature - keep it up!

Oshyan · July 22, 2021, 5:54am

Wow, thank you for pointing me in that direction! Very intriguing indeed, and I will hopefully have more to comment on that at another time.

I am grateful to have a meditation practice that I began a number of years ago now. Creating time for that is, in itself, very valuable I think, even if it is only a few minutes a day. So I have a start. But there is much more I would like to do, and I hope to share the process of exploring it here as I do. Meanwhile I welcome more of your thoughts on the subject, your practices, insights, and personal journey in this area!