I do. Actually, kind of a lot lately.
It's been a fun ride with this wonderful little device, there is so much to love about having the web in the palm of your hand.
But then sometimes it feels like the web is always in the palm of your hands.
I know, it's about discipline. Comparatively, I think I have pretty good self-discipline when it comes to cell phone use, but I'm sure I can do better. I don't like that it hovers over me, waiting for my next bored and weakened moment to swoop in. Lately it feels like this phone is more of a time suck than a useful tool.
I like useful tools, I don't like things that rob precious time.
Of course, the phone isn't actually robbing my time, I'm the one in charge of allowing that to happen. Sadly, I seem to be giving it more time than I'd like.
In yoga there are ten guiding principles for living called the Yamas and Niyamas. The Yamas help us to look inward and offer wisdom on developing good character. How to best use our energy to relate to others and to ourselves. The Niyamas focus more on the outward choices we make, our actions. The two are naturally interconnected as the outward choices we make directly foster or hinder our inner soulfulness.
Asteya, one of the Yamas, teaches the practice of non-stealing. In the literal sense, yes, but also more subtly than that. In our culture, time is often the number one 'thing' we steal from ourselves. Finding time can feel like an uphill journey in this fast paced world of today, but it is a journey worthy of our effort.
Found time, you really can't place a value on that.
On Sunday my phone battery died and I didn't charge it up again until Tuesday afternoon - it was so nice. Time expanded. I knit more than usual during free moments those couple of days. Definitely more than I would have if the phone was available.
I'm afraid you must think my phone is an extra appendage at this point, it isn't. I'm just becoming very aware of the place it has in my life and the place that I would like it to have. The two don't exactly align.
Would I miss it? Sure. I do love using Instagram. I'll miss that the most if I let the phone go.
Wouldn't I benefit from a cell phone, for safety and such? Yes, I think so. Cell phones are one of the greatest modern inventions with regards to roadside safety and staying in communication with our children, I don't want to eliminate that. I'd just like to replace it with a non-smartphone. A simple return to text and phone capability would be nice. No Facebook apps or web searching. Blech. I really do have enough of that in my life through the regular ol' computer. No need to pile it on.
Also, and this is big... I'd like to protect the physical health of my hands and wrists. So much of my work each day is on the computer - I type a lot. If I can find one area of usage to cut back on or cut out entirely then I need to do that for myself. (Radical healing, remember? It comes in many forms.)
I originally got this phone (after years of having no cell phone at all) to keep up with workshop related emails and student registrations. At the time I was the only homeschool parent and was not always sure where the day would take us. When I'm in the registration process of my workshops there is a lot of communication happening behind the scenes, more than I ever imagined possible! Students have questions, there can be technical glitches that need ironing out... I felt I needed to be available during 9-5 type hours to help people. And because of how our homeschool was at the time, we weren't always home during those hours.
But now Adam handles three of our homeschool days each week and our out of the house days have become so routine that I can factor those into my overall schedule. I hold more regular "office hours" at my computer several days each week now, which is different than when I purchased this phone. By being at my desk more regularly I'm able to better stay on top of communication without needing a smartphone to do so.
Goodness, I'm rambling on about this. It's just where my thoughts have been lately and writing it all out helps me to process and make my decision. I still have to call my carrier because I am under contract for one more year so I'm not sure if this is even an option without a crazy expensive exit fee. Giving me hope though is that my carrier provides zero cell coverage at our new home so I believe I am able to opt out because of that.
Do you have any thoughts about your smartphone usage? I'm sure I'm not alone in how I'm feeling.
Did I mention I'd miss Instagram? Those filters sure are pretty...
