Unplugging from the World

Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!

I have a confession to make Father:

I’m a chronic multitasker.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been one of those people who delights in doing several things at the same time.  My brain tends to work on overdrive most of the time, processing stimuli from a number of different directions all at once and reacting accordingly.  Combine that with the amazing array of smartphones, tablets, personal organizers and computers that pervade my world, and I spend quite a bit of my day on overload.  And while it’s been a useful condition over the years for dealing with a rapidly moving business environment, I’ve come to realize that in many cases my predilection for multitasking is not only problematic, but can be unhealthy as well…

I have significant problems with insomnia.

I get frustrated easily when things around me don’t “keep up”.

I suffer from high blood pressure and hypertension.

My patience with others can become very limited.

I find that when I don’t accomplish as much as I expected to, it leads to feelings of self-doubt.

Thankfully Father, with Your help I’ve been making some headway in controlling this side of my persona.  By deliberately choosing to focus my attention on one project at a time, and listening to Your Voice for guidance all the while, I find I actually achieve more and at the same time gain the strength and peace of Your Presence as well.  I’ve also been doing some things to “disconnect” myself from the high-speed world around me such as…

Limiting my smartphone usage to emergencies and family needs only outside of working hours (this has been a difficult change for me).

Not spending time logged into Facebook, Twitter or social networking sites when I’m home in the evenings.

Going for long walks in the woods, along the shore, or other places where I can dwell in Your Abundance.

Spending quiet time in prayer, studying Scripture or reading other Christian-focused books.

Taking time out of the workday for a Stillness Sabbatical now and again.

Writing out these conversations we have each day.

While I realize that we live in a world that emphasizes constant connectivity and productivity Lord, I’m finding that as my Walk with You progresses my time spent in simpler pursuits is far more satisfying.  I’m not planning on finding a cave and becoming a hermit mind You, but I am enjoying the balance and clarity that comes from “unplugging” from the world, and “plugging” into You.  🙂

Amen.

~Phather Phil