2 good reasons not to live distractedly

What was that?  Oh, yeah.  Hang on, let me check Facebook.  Ah, now that’s an interesting post.  I “like” that.  Then there’s this link to a video.  Oops, hold that thought, just got an email.  Ok, need to reply about that meeting.  Check my calendar.  Oh, look I’ve double booked myself.  Well, need to email that person and apologize.  Now, where was I …. oh yes!  I was writing a blog post.  Sheesh!

Thus is the story of my life!  This is particularly appalling since I took a month long Digital Sabbatical in July.  You’d think I’d learn something.  But no, back to the digital addiction.

I read, naturally on Facebook, that those who check Facebook frequently are more narcissistic and insecure.  Well, there’s that.  Also had a great conversation with my friend and certified coolest rabbinical student I know (well, he’s the only one I know, but still I’d wager a full inbox that he’s way cooler than most), that he has started checking email only twice a day.  Apparently this was inspired by the four-hour work week book… that mysterious book to which friends keep referring.  I need to place a hold on that from the library (do. not. do. that. now. must. complete. task. of. blog. post.).

I’m considering instituting some new disciplines around such things.  They may even be spiritual disciplines, and my hunch is that they are.  Here’s a breakdown:

• Digital Sabbath Saturdays – no email, Facebook, Twitter, iPhone
• Get up one hour to half-hour before kids to:
  • Pray (Formed prayerbook)
  • Exercise
  • Write
• Check email in the morning (before 9:00 am)
• Check email later in the day (4:00 pm?)

Well, those are early ideas.  I need to ponder the doability of them.  I certainly don’t need another thing to start and then never follow-through on!  But I reckon I’ve got to start somewhere.  For now though, it is Saturday.  I’ve checked email and Facebook, prayed morning prayers, and I’ve written this.  Time to sign off and go be a non-digital person!

Instead I’m going to attempt a play on Follow Friday.  Each Friday I will pick 5 Twitters that I follow and tweet them under the #FollowFriday meme.  Additionally, I’ll follow them via mobile updates to my phone.  I’ll just follow those 5 for one week on my phone, then pick 5 others.

My hope is that 5 Twitterers to my phone won’t be too overwhelming (kinda like mini-meme management).  Additionally, this could serve up interesting or unexpected creative occurrences – stuff I would miss otherwise and may lead to new relationships, connections, or Spirit-induced goodness.

This week my 5 are:

• Kevin Savage
• Kevin Burney
• DG Hollums
• Kevin Rains
• Kieth Daniel