I just returned from a fabulous, mostly unplugged, long weekend.   I could not write my blog; I had no computer and sporadic connectivity. I could not check phone messages or email; there was rarely a cell signal. I could not look things up on the  Internet; my iPhone specialized in "No Service."

It reminded me of the peace I felt during my 7 days in the remote wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the Minnesota-Canadian border two summers ago. I relaxed while working hard physically, enjoyed the incredible scenery, discovered new places, and appreciated the people around me.

Back a bit early from my long weekend, I vowed to continue the vacation, at least until the sun set. I didn't "work," but I failed in that mission. I caught up on email. I downloaded, labeled, and uploaded pictures. I checked the weather. I experimented with Facebook. I checked NYT Breaking News. I synchronized my iPhone. I recharged camera batteries. Had I succumbed to laundry and dinner alone, the vacation would have lasted longer.

Computers, email, the Internet, iPhones - titanic time savers that suck significant and vital minutes out of your day.

They distract us from life.

They teach us to interrupt ourselves.

Control or be controlled: that is the question.

 

© 2008 Ann Latham. All rights reserved.