Let
the combined forces of PRAISE, EXERCISE AND NATURE pull you away from
technology.
On weekends I try to shut myself from electronic media.
But it’s a struggle to stay disconnected in this age of mobile technologies.
I have been trying to keep a fast from media for a day in a week (or
at least half a day to start with).
But the going has not been easy. I have to
pommel and subdue myself to fend off my inclinations, just like what Paul had
to do*.
I only switched from a not-so-smart but trusty clam-shell
phone to a smartphone a month ago. But being a recent convert didn’t make
things easier. Willingly or reluctantly, we all have been sucked into this “perpetual
connectedness” mode.
But by keeping in mind the acronym – P.E.N. – our battle
is somewhat made easier.
Taking a walk in the park on Sunday, I reap the benefits
of exercise amid the greenery, the sound of birds chirping and tweeting,
basking in the soothing warmth of the setting sun. This experience almost instinctively
causes me to burst out in praise to the Creator.
The combined forces of PRAISE, EXERCISE AND NATURE pull
me away from the attractions of the virtual world.
Praise God that we can have one day off for rest and
worship – away from technology.
Giving those small hand muscles a break means that the
likelihood of repetitive stress injuries (due to constant use of the mouse and typing)
is lessened. Instead we exercise our heart muscles and larger groups of muscles
of the extremities.
As we set our sights on distant objects, eye strain
diminishes as the ciliary muscles relax. The nearness with nature also has a
calming effect, causing our blood pressure to improve and heart rate to slow
down.
All this gives us a much needed break before we face the
grind again the coming week.
We all need to stay connected but it’s the quality not
quantity that counts.
* Footnote: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all
things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well,
I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to
others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
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