TV/Movie Fast

On Friday I watched an exorbitant amount of television and movies, enough to make me feel as though I had eaten too many pancakes; lethargic, sick and slighlty mal-hygienic (not a word, but you get the idea). Right there and then, as I lay on my bed too tired to get up, I made a pact with myself; No movies or television for 5 days. I had made a similar goal a few weeks prior of 2 days without tv or movies. With pride, I can say I was successful in both endeavors. How sad is that? This extricating process left me feeling like a caffine addict deprived from her daily gallon consumption of triple shot cappuccino. At one point, it felt like my head started to hurt. This is ridiculous! The point of this challenge was to produce creativity and think of more cultural or intellectually stimulating activites. How well did I do? Eh, not too great, but not too bad either. To my credit, I've done more reading in the past 5 days than I have in the past 5 months. My literary interests have gone beyond memoirs...and into fiction! I read my first fiction book since high school's senoir year requirement, "Of Mice and Men". Go me!
Improvement definitely could have been made in the "cultural" category. My best effort was an attempt to see a concert performed by the choir from the First Presbyterian Church, "Some of that Old Time Religion". I'll have to listen to some of that ol' time religion another time.
I had often wondered throughout this 5 day probation if I was cheating, or rather defeating the purpose. I allowed myself unlimited use of the internet, phone, music and video camera. Although, the use of these media sources never got out of control (depending on who you ask), my attention to screen time exceeded page turning. Did I fulfill my purpose? Yes and no. The block of time used for television and movies opened up a window for studying. However, the allure of technology wasn't completely resisted. I indulged in it's convenience and exclusive global connection. I've often wondered, for the past few years now, if all this exposure is good for us. At times I've felt anxious, jittery and extremely bored in an hour of peaceful tranquility. That caused me some alarm. Gradually, my attention to detail has become lax. Have you noticed that verbally declining an invitation has become much harder? In a recuring thought recently, I was simultaneously listening to an NPR program, featuring the author of "Hamlet's Blackberry". They talked about this very issue and I listened intently. His advice was not suggesting a return to the Dark Ages nor claiming all this new technology as psychologically damaging, but rather praised it for it's advancement in civilization and our personal lives. The lesson to be learned is to use these devices in moderation. We are to use these new technologies to our advantage, but don't get too busy for what is really important in life.