I cannot help it.
I can’t look away.
It’s a train wreck,
a complete cluster,
and every morning
begins with the same
question:
What’s the outrage of the day?
And now that I’m on
a holiday break I’ve got
something like free time
to keep checking in on
the downfall of my
civilization.
I think I need to stop.
While it might make me
more informed, this incessant
checking of the news, it does
nothing for my present
happiness. I remember a
time, about 16 years ago,
before Facebook was a thing,
when I took a break from watching
the news. I perused the paper
at work so as not to live
completely under a rock,
but I spared myself from
the pictures and the talking
heads and the bullshit
advertisements, and I think,
for awhile, it made me feel
better, smarter even, and
certainly, less anxious.
It might be possible to skip
the stuff that makes me anxious
and only do those social things
that are pleasurable or that
create connection with loved ones,
but even these things, as
necessary as they sometimes feel,
can drive me a little drunk
with dependence.
The power and the influence
of the internet has changed
everything. It’s a bombardment
of the senses and its making
me, I fear, senseless.
So I am entertaining the idea
of a fast with little confidence
that I will be successful at its
implementation. I am thinking.
I am thinking.
And with me, that’s how it always
begins: a desire or a thought,
some words spoken or written,
a visualization in repetition,
and then finally an effort
to make something happen.
What mysterious gifts might
take the place of the ubiquitous web?
How long could I stay away?
What will I miss? And will it matter?
michael jarmer 
Yes! Take a media fast! It does make a difference. Even if you fasted just for a day or so…you would most likely notice a big difference in your state of mind. Your ability to be present, to be aware of your senses, your ability to concentrate, to notice small things and take joy in them…all of these are fine tuned when you break from distractions like social media. How is your meditation practice, friend? I applaud you for even having the thought that a fast is possible.
Thanks, Lorien! I’m almost ready to take the plunge! Meditation practice has been humming right along. Especially during the work week. It’s become part of my morning routine. It’s more difficult on weekends and during this holiday break–but the last year, overall, has been a real sea change. I joined a group that meets every other week and that has been a huge inspiration and support. Happy holidays!