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

Posted March 10th, 2009 by Mike Lawson

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.