Digital Detox Week.

Yesterday I saw over at Simple Organic that next week that blog is hosting "Make Week--Turn of the TV and Make Life Happen." This coincides with National TV Turnoff Week,.which was launched by the Canadian magazine Adbusters back in 1994. I was intrigued by the idea, because lately I have been thinking that I would like to try banning tv for a week or more. I don't like how much the kids watch, and especially how they seem to be irritable and restless after watching it for more than a short period of time. (We don't have cable, but we do have a large library of videos and DVDs.)  I honestly don't believe tv watching is very healthy for growing bodies or minds. So, I figured, why not? Let's participate in TV Turnoff Week next week.

Then, when I was reading the Wikipedia article I linked to above, I saw this:

In 2008 Adbusters changed the name of TV Turnoff Week to Digital Detox Week to reflect the growing predominance of computers and other digital devices. CSTA [Center for Screen-Time Awareness] changed the name in 2007 to TURNOFF WEEK, to reflect the growing number of devices people use to watch screened media.

And then I thought--why not turn off the computer this upcoming week, as well? After all, the subtitle of this blog is "moving towards a simple, beautiful life," but ironically, since I entered the blogging world, I have been spending more time on the computer than probably ever before, and as lovely as it's been, it doesn't sit right with me. Staring at a screen for a big chunk of the day is definitely not the simple, beautiful life I'm going for. I want to be spending more time outside, with the children, or baking things in the kitchen, or sitting in front of my sewing machine...you get the idea.

So, I will not only be turning off the television next week, but the computer as well (although I will still have to check our Etsy shop each morning before breakfast).That means no blog posts until May 3rd. I hope this doesn't turn off any of my newly-found and much-appreciated readers. But I feel the need to do this.

Thank you for understanding, and I hope all my wonderful readers have an excellent week, enjoying their families and the spring (or autumn) weather. See you on May 3rd! :)

edited to add: Oops, I was looking at the wrong week on the calendar! It's April 26th I'll be back. Until then! :)

Comments

[Nymirah]

Great idea! See you back on the 3rd! ;)

[Lindsay]

Excellent :) We are a TV-free family. At first we just restricted the television and only used it for adult DVD time after the kids were sleeping, but even that didn't feel right, so we got rid of the thing altogether. We've been without a TV in our house for about two years, and the kids have always been TV-free. I have never missed it - but then I was raised with no television also and have never been much of a TV watcher. We would never go back to owning a television :)

I can't wait to see what your week of no TV and no computer is like! Have a blast!!

[LivingOurWay]

We will miss you this week! I am already planning a TV free month this summer. Probably in July. I've been preparing the family for it. My livelyhood (not just blogging) is on the computer so the best I can do is stay away from facebook for the month ;)

[Missus @ Escape to the Farm]

I hope you have lovely weather during your screen hiatus, so that you can enjoy lots of time outside.

I could go without TV for a couple of weeks, but I know I would really miss the internet and email.

I look forward to hearing about your adventures when you "return".

[lolo]

Just found your blog and really appreciate your thoughts! The picture of your boys in the sand box is my favorite! I am right there with you in this t.v. thing! But I am so glad you mentioned breaking free of the computer,also. I have gotten so into this blogging fun...I REALLY love seeing and hearing all these wonderful points of view and 'Life Clips" but I am feeling quite unsettled about how much of my time is now taken up sitting at the computer instead of actually living a real life?! What is the solution to all of this? Is it to time ourselves...give ourselves days off from the screen...do away with it altogether, or just enjoy? Is this a healthy way to spend our time and gather ideas and support, or is it robbing us of living in the moment?! Lots for me to think about as I break free from this new addiction...hmmm