WHAT!? No TV? Are you CRAZY?
No, we’re doing a media fast. Like any kind of fast, this kind of cleansing is tough but the benefits are worth it. David Lewis, who coined the phrase information fatigue syndrome, writes: “Information is supposed to speed the flow of commerce, but it often just clogs the pipes.”
The daily onslaught of news, entertainment, e-mail, advertisements, and other media often prevents us from being able to process any of it at all. And the time we spend absorbing this information cuts heavily into the time we could be spending on activities that nourish us rather than drain us . . .
Research has shown that both news and television programming can have an intense effect on mood, even causing sadness and anxiety. Without the “noise” of the media running through your head, you are freer to focus your attention inward. Ideas will present themselves to you more readily, and you will find yourself available to revel in the small joys of your own life. You also will be freer to live in the present moment, rather than focusing on what’s going on in the news or your favorite soap opera.
Media Fast:
A certain degree of discomfort accompanies all forms of cleansing—undergoing a media fast is never easy. If the thought of going “media-free” for a few days sounds like an impossible feat, trust me; it isn’t.
During the media fast (Mon. – Wed. from 6pm – 12am):
- Pray for the HEALTH & HEALING of Haiti (when the media tempts you)
- Don’t read the newspaper, check your e-mail, or turn on the television or radio
- No Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or other social media centers
- No iPods, MP3 players, CD’s DVD’s
- Don’t read any blogs, Web sites, or magazines
The Focus
As the fast comes to a close, ask yourself:
- What do you notice about your ability to focus on your own train of thought?
- What things come to mind that are normally drowned out by the sea of information that consumes your day?
Instead of using up the time you would normally be watching television by surfing the internet, give yourself a project or goal to accomplish during your normal TV time. Read your Bible, Read that book you’ve always wanted to read. If you need any suggestions, you can look here. You may get so much done that you’ll re-examine how much information one person really needs in a day!
Do you believe this is something you can accomplish?
Pastor, this is a HUGE challenge, but I'm going to do it. You always push the believer's button. THANK YOU!
Another Level,
CRHolmes
Hey Chakita,
I'm glad you decided to accept the challenge! Yes, it's huge for everyone because we don't know how much our lives are inundated with the media. Trust me, you will see a great benefit from the fast. Please let me know how it goes!
1 day down 🙂 Played Connect 4 with my nephews, had good conversation and laughter during dinner, and got over 7 hours of sleep last night. Priceless!
Hey Roland,
Thanks for sharing and it's encouraging to hear how blessed you were to get that much sleep. Often we fail to realize how bombarded we are with media images streaming all day through our minds. I'm equally excited you had a chance to engage in REAL human activity & build stronger relationships. Please keep me posted!