THE POWER OF A MEDIA FAST Unplugging to Reconnect With What Truly Matters
My family and I recently embarked on a unique journey: a media fast. We voluntarily stepped away from screens and notifications to rediscover real human connection. Given our usual immersion in technology for work, communication, and leisure, it was a challenge. But the desire for deeper connections led us to commit to our digital detox, starting with just a few days and eventually extending to a week. Freed from our devices, we engaged in simple yet enriching activities. Evenings were spent around a fire, sharing stories without the impulse to document the moment for
experience reinforced my belief that technology should augment our lives, not dominate them. To curb our screen time, we adopted practical strategies. Phones were charged outside the bedroom, and we consciously left them behind during family moments, emphasizing the value of human interaction over digital engagement. A particularly striking analogy shared was of a deer eating alfalfa hay but starving with a full stomach. It mirrored our consumption of digital content — though we might feel “fed” by social media and online interactions, they offer no real sustenance for our need for genuine human connection. This media fast brought my family closer and offered a fresh outlook on our relationship with technology. It reminded us of the importance of being present and valuing face-to-face interactions over virtual ones. In a world where technology is everywhere, finding a balance to ensure it enhances rather than eclipses our real-life experiences is crucial. Our digital detox was a reminder of the richness of life away from the screen and a lesson in the importance of nurturing our human connection in an increasingly digital world.
social media. Walks were taken without phones, allowing us to fully absorb the beauty of our surroundings and each other’s company.
Our adventure took us to a serene retreat in New Mexico, where we reconnected over activities like swimming and just sitting together, undistracted by the digital world. This
– Michael Packard
TAKE A BREAK
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients • 2 boneless
Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped • 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn • 1 cup canned black beans • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese
chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 cup white or
brown rice, cooked
Directions
1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
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