This past weekend, if many were not aware, one of the hot topics of conversation was that of being unplugged from technology. It was the first ever National Day of Unplugging. Organized by a nonprofit Jewish organization named Reboot, the aim of this event was to reinvent the traditions and rituals of Judaism for today’s secular Jews. However, it was extended beyond the Jewish community.
Reboot created a set of guidelines that they refer to as the Sabbath Manifesto. Built around the premise that we ought to work for six days and rest on the seventh day, the Sabbath Manifesto is a creative project designed to slow down lives in an increasingly hectic world.
Ten core principles comprise this manifesto with the first principle being to “Avoid Technology”. It is this principle which founded the idea behind the National Day of Unplugging. Essentially there would be no Facebook, no Blackberry, no iPhone, no Twitter and even blogging for 24 hours from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday sundown.
I spent a bit of time researching online to find feedback based on this initiative and as expected they were mixed. There were some who saw this initiative as a way to rejuvenate one’s mind and body while others seem to be a bit too connected to technology.
Apparently even Reboot had received their fair share of feedback questioning this initiative. Some of the feedback also included persons interpretations of the event which prompted the following statement that was posted on their website:
To some, “avoid technology” means not sending text messages. To others, it means not using a stove or riding in an elevator. To some, “be healthy” means running the next NYC marathon. For others, it means chewing each mouthful of food you eat real slow – 18 chews a bite.
You get the picture. Find the balance that works for you.
What are your thoughts on the National Day of Unplugging? Do you think you have the power to not answer that important email or even update your Facebook status? Or is this initiative a total waste of time and hinders progress in this fast-paced world? Maybe we need a monthly or even weekly National day of Unplugging? I’d love to get your feedback.
