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| Beloved netbook |
I admit freely that I love technology, especially digital communications. I own three mobile phones, an mp3 player and a netbook, I even organised myself a wifi modem whilst living on the beach in India.
This may not be much technology, it may be a normal amount, it might sound like a lot. In other areas of life I find myself drifting back to low tech solutions: a manual juicer over an electric model, bicycle over car. I do find a computer to be essential: I'm a blogger after all.
So when my netbook got damaged at the weekend and was collected for repair on Monday, I became quite anxious, it was an unplanned loss. Just back from yoga camp I had a camera full of photos to upload, a blog post in mind and several new connections to follow up by email. I wanted to hang out on facebook too!
I was without my computer for just over forty eight hours and it was quite a teaching. Day one: I used my free time to practice some new songs and revisit Patanjali's yoga sutras. Positive.
Day two was tough, I had enjoyed the break, but felt it was time to get plugged in again. I used the library computers for a thirty minute internet fix, which was long enough to check emails and not much more. I began to feel agitated.
There was uncertainty about the length of repair, as a replacement part was on order. I feel embarassed to admit how anxious I did feel. I was used to the presence of the flickering screen, instant access to my vast library of music, audio books and film. I had to be honest with myself and acknowledge that I was experiencing withdrawal!
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| Loving the radio again |
I retrieved an old school analogue radio from a storage trunk and tuned in to BBC Radio Three. I was instantly soothed by the calming music.
I used to listen to Radio Three in every waking moment, before I got heavily into devotional music myself. I was reminded how awesome classical music is, high vibrational, healing and written by extremely creative individuals, often inspired by deep emotion and divinity.
My netbook and me were reunited a short while ago. The screen has been replaced, it is glossy, new and bright. My software has been tweaked a little too and upgraded, its a good result.
Other outcomes: A reminder about mindfulness and self-responsibility. An opportunity to check in with myself regarding a pattern of behaviour and make adjustments.
I'm reinstating a weekly technology free day, most likely Sunday. I know that I used to do this, somehow I disconnected from the practice. The netbook will remain unplugged, no mp3 player either.
Benefits:
- Reduced stimulation of the mind and senses, desirable from a yogic point of view and physiologically would promote lower stress levels.
- Leading to increased creativity or just space 'to be'.
- Lowered electricity consumption benefits all.
- And I will appreciate and respect my technology more.
The radio stays; I'm re-enamoured with Radio Three, right now I'm listening to a bio of avant garde twentieth century American composer Samuel Barber.
If you are in the Glastonbury area and need IT support I highly recommend Ashley Brook for prompt, courteous and efficient service for a very reasonable fee
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