Cell Phone Detox

Yesterday morning when I woke the first thing I did is what I normally always do, check the time. I did not check the time on a clock on the wall, not on a clock on my side table, not on my watch. No, I checked the time on my cell phone, except my cell phone was dead. Normally, checking the time would’ve been immediately followed up by checking the weather, checking my email (all 3 accounts), followed by checking Facebook, followed by opening my Kindle also on my cell phone and finally settling in for a good bible study…you guessed it…on my cell phone. So, you can imagine my shock and horror (if I’m honest this is the sweet translation, it was more like anger and severe frustration) as my world was turned upside down by not having this technological device at hand.

If you know me, I am not even attached to my phone (not like some of you out there anyway, you’re probably reading this on your phone!). I am so pro anti-dependence on cell phones it’s not even funny. But, then I realized how even my slightest dependence is actually gravely dependent. I didn’t know how to dress for church for crying out loud, because I didn’t know the temperature outside! I didn’t know if I was running late for church because I didn’t have the time handy. I had to keep running over to check the time on an appliance! I couldn’t put on my favorite playlist of music as I was getting ready for church because my music is… on my cell phone.

After church I went to my carrier, explained the situation and they agreed with my prognosis. Time of death 4:45am. So, they ordered a new device which would be overnighted to me to arrive on…Tuesday. The rep at the store looked up at me in shock. Then she asked, “You aren’t angry?” “You aren’t going to yell at me because it can’t get here sooner?” I smiled and said, “No.” I began to see the opportunity of a “phone fast” and it brought so much excitement! No dings, pings, beeps, chimes, rings, song ringtones, nothing! In real-time I began to understand “Pavlov’s dog theory” the bell was my cell phone and it was causing me to salivate!

So, what did I do with my downtime? I read a book in hardback. I felt the binding in my hands, I made notes in the margins of my pages, I dog-eared the page where I left off. I sat outside in the warmth of the sunshine and meditated in silence feeling the rays of the golden sun washing over me, invigorating my spirit. I played tennis in the middle of the day without my phone ringing, without email buzzing, without interruptions that could wait.

I have had time to write this blog and I have an excuse if you’ve called me and I was unavailable for you!

Yes, I am enjoying my “phone fast”! Now that I have experienced it, I may not return to life as it was. I challenge each of you if you’ve never done it to try it! Once you get over initial withdrawals—symptoms can include: fierce anger, chest tightness, severe frustration—I think the freedom it brings will surprise you! If you dare to try a phone fast, I’d love to hear about it!