This is the one where I decide to have a secular sabbath.

I’ve been thinking about this idea for almost a year now, and I’m finally thinking about making it happen.  Have you heard of people taking one night each week to get off the grid – that is, to shut off their televisions, computers, cellphones.  And to just live a night reading a book or talking or exercising.

The buzz word that’s floating around, and will probably bring in a few googlers to this page, is “Secular Sabbath.”  This New York Times article described this technology break as ” a day a week where I would be free of screens, bells and beeps. An old-fashioned day not only of rest but of relief.”

And as Ariel did on her blog, I’m going to give this a try:

One night a week for a year, I am going to completely unplug from anything with a screen.

And here’s a quick video about Ariel:


I’m not certain Daniel’s going to like this very much, but I’m going to start turning off everything with a screen on Tuesday nights.  Once I leave work, the phone is off.  The TV.  The computer.

Tonight I’ll use that time to:

  • Make a delicious lunch for tomorrow.
  • Do laundry
  • Go for a walk
  • Read in bed until I fall asleep

If you don’t hear from me until tomorrow, you’ll know why.

4 Responses to “This is the one where I decide to have a secular sabbath.”

  1. Daniel Says:

    That means no iPod on your drive home. Will you be able to handle it? Seems a crazy thing to do but good luck! ;)

  2. jeffrey bryan Says:

    How can I read a book in bed if I have a KINDLE?!

  3. Paul Says:

    I like this idea, I have not been reading much lately and really should start again, I already do not go online on Mondays, but I watch lots of TV, Lately I have been ending Monday nights with RuPaul’s Drag Race, maybe I could DVR this and pick a different night to watch queens get critiqued on how the tuck their junk

  4. Enrico Says:

    I don’t really have any ‘screen’ addiction besides from the computer. I don’t like talking on the phone and never ever watch TV. But yeah… giving up the computer might be hard. However, I DO spend A LOT of time reading, but English majors kind of have to do that.

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