What I found in 24 hours with no media
I’m back from my 24 hours with no media.
My intention was to create some headspace to be more present to the world around me. Rather than being perpetually bombarded by the external stimuli of social media, podcasts, or even music, which many people were perturbed about.
(Side comment: if you can’t be without music for 24 hours, you have an overstimulation problem.)
We are habituated to fill every spare moment with stimulation of one sort of another.
For me, this is just as true as for anyone else.
I love music and reading, which sounds all fine and good, but I noticed on my “media blackout” day that I reflexively reach for media rather than sitting quietly in my own headspace and thinking my own thoughts, rather than being a perma-consumer of someone else’s ideas.
I – like almost everyone else – didn’t think that I reflexively reached for social media anymore, but … I do.
I moved my Instagram icon to the third page of my phone to make it harder to mindlessly open the app and easier to notice when I reached for it.
When I paid more attention, I noticed more things.
When I quieted my outside, it was easier to quiet my inside.
I had meaningful conversations with my mother, my girlfriend, and my son. I sat in the sun for a few short minutes, just *feeling* it.
And I found spontaneous gratitude for my life and My People when I took a minute to pay Attention with the INtention of being more present and connective.
What was your #moresociallessmedia experience like? Post about it if you’d like.
Sharing these experiences is one way we can use social media for humanity, for good.
Technology is a tool, but it can also be a tyrant.
One of the purposes of the More Social Less Media program is to teach you how to use the powerful tools, rather be used by them.
If you want more feelings of real connection in your life, try the full 4-week program.
Buy it this week (start next Monday or one of the next 2 Mondays) and I’ll email you a free code you can give to a friend or family member. You give them a free program and you both get someone to help along the way.
Sound good?
Sam
During the time you did the 24 hour challenge, I was at a remote cabin with friends and family. I was without any type of media (other than occasional music) for an entire week. We were so busy enjoying our time, I didn’t miss it. And, it’s fun to finally turn my phone back on and see what I missed while I was away. I get to do this several times a year on backpacking and camping trips. Sometimes I have no choice because it’s so remote, I have no signal anyway. And other times like this past week, I actively chose to keep my phone off and away during the week even though I had the ability to use it. I guess it’s probably different if your phone is on and around you – this makes it harder to stay away. My biggest accomplishment after my week away – I no longer need my phone alarm! My quiet watch alarm is enough to wake me up. I’m glad I don’t have to keep my phone in my room at night anymore. For me, shutting off completely is so necessary to my well being, and every single time I walk away with a new revelation related to how I interact with the world.
Sarah Bowden
The last last time I posted on Instagram was 6-22-18. I rarely use Facebook, and always did more reading than watching TV. My husband would always say, “You are always so busy” He passed away on June 10th and I would give anything to have those moments where I was “so busy” doing whatever” to be able to spend time with my best friend that I was married to for 36 years. People don’t think about things like that. Time is shorter than you think. Love the ones you’re with, and don’t take things or people you love for granted, ever !!