We are so wired! We are always "on" and always "available." We are co-dependent on our iphones and ipads. We can't live with them. We certainly can't live without them. The result: We're glued, veering off and into pseudo-community--thinking our connections on social media will be "there" for us when we're thrown a curve ball in life.We have been seduced into thinking that the meaning of life comes from what we "see" and how we "hear" from. It all makes us numb to our heart where we feel a void in our soul. Rather than feeling more guilt; more shame and kicking the ant-hills where all the cyber ants will surely scatter, I've designed a challenge.It's called: [tweetthis]Un-Plug. For one day a week, turn off your phones; get your head out of your apps and open yourself up to the great adventure of life. [/tweetthis]Rather than scroll through meaningless pages, consider the following:
- Turn off all technology for one full day (That's a full 24 hour span of going off the grid and going dark).
- Take a walk.
- Invite someone for lunch or dinner.
- Read a good book to stir you up and make you feel things long forgotten.
- Visit a museum or a park.
- Light a candle and say some prayers.
- Sit quietly with yourself--by yourself.
- Play some soft music.
- Meet a friend--perhaps long lost and have coffee.
- Play a game with your family or friends.
Get the Unplug Card, download, then Sign it. Place it in a prominent place in your home so you don't forget!It's really a simple step to help us re-order and re-claim our lives.The poet and spiritual writer, John O'Donohue writes:"Though your destination is not yet clear, you can trust the promise of this opening; Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning--that is at one with your life's desire. Awaken your spirit to adventure. Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be hoe in a new rhythm, for your soul senses the world that awaits you."Listen to me: What have you got to lose? There is so much in this life for us---and that we can enjoy--even in hard and fragile times! The UNPLUG challenge is for all of us!In the New Year, I'm going to recommend one book a month for you to start reading for your spiritual growth and to deepen your roots! It's all to help grow your soul in the New Year.For January, I am recommending my own: Embracing Soul Care. (This is a link to Amazon where Amazon will donate back to Potter's Inn). This is a great book to read devotionally as the chapters are short, to the point and with great application. There are three stirring questions for you to explore as you read the chapters. This can be easily enjoyed alone; with your spouse or over coffee with some friends. You can read more about Embracing Soul Care here: Read more about Embracing Soul Care and order through Potter's Inn! If you order Embracing Soul Care through Potter's Inn-- you benefit the entire ministry of all we do! Blessings in the New Beginning as we seek to get Unplugged! Steve