I’ve started a new habit that has improved my life greatly. I’m feeling calmer, more in control of my mind and body, able to think clearer, and more sure of myself. I don’t worry as much, and I don’t worry about the effects of what I’m doing. I can keep doing this and the world will go on. Answers can wait. Conversations and messages too. I think what I’m doing will inspire others and perhaps already has. When I told one friend about it, his eyes lit up and he told me, “That’s a great idea”. 

What is it? Well, I’m doing tech breaks 4 times a week. On three weekdays I go without using tech for the first two hours of the day and on one weekend day I go for four hours without using tech. A couple of the most striking benefits is that I don’t feel like I need to get on my phone or computer as much for the rest of the day and when I do use devices, I am more intentional and regulated with my use. I’ll stick to the reason I got on my device and my to-do list way better than if I wake up and go straight to checking email, the windows I left open, random scrolling, or in search of my dopamine hits via notifications. 

The two hours on weekdays goes by pretty quickly. I’m finding myself picking up the house, writing music, practicing singing, playing piano songs, getting ready for the day (sometimes I wait a while), going on walks, cooking breakfast (sometimes I wait awhile to do that too), or reading a book. Sometimes I feel like it’s going to be a long two hours, but then I’ll end up going even longer. When I do check my phone, sometimes I have hardly any messages. Other times I have a few messages which could have easily waited those couple of hours to be replied to. Keeping in mind that the next day I can go straight to my devices is helpful. I also give myself the freedom to switch the days I do it or make exceptions if I have a monthly meeting. 

Going the four hours on a weekend day is a bit more challenging. I find myself wanting to look up answers to questions and things to do more often, especially when not at home. I’ll have a bit of anxiety going that long I noticed. I am aware and honest with myself about the fact that I definitely have phone and computer addiction. So I’m working on it. I know it’s unhealthy. My mind craves those little bits of excitement like a slot machine, keeping my body in positions that cause tightness and discomfort that lead to pain, and feeling like the world will not be able to go on if I don’t reply to someone right away. 

This morning I cleaned up, had a cup of tea, read a story from the big book, went on a walk, cooked breakfast, sang a little, ate, and then typed this. It's going to be a great day. I’m using technology to improve my life and it’s not using me.

What would life be like free from mainstream media, big tech, and the government's lies; untangled from wires, rules, and regulations? No big tech to listen in on your conversations or track your every move. You could grow all your own food and buy only what your neighbors make right here in the USA. You would cut down on waste because everything you need would be within miles of you instead of overseas. And what you don’t have, you can make.    

Imagine if your community encouraged self-sustainability instead of clicks and likes on social media. No one believes the agenda of the Elite and aren’t afraid of them either because everything you need is within your reach. Your community would be rich in real and meaningful relationships because everyone would work together to create a comfortable and unified society.  

I fantasize about going “Off the Grid”. Being so plugged in has taken its toll on my health and happiness. Worrying about getting censored, shadow-banned, or arrested for speaking the truth stresses me out and stops me from speaking my mind. Sometimes my nervous system gets so wound up with wifi, wires, and screens that I get physically ill and can’t even send a text message. I want to get away, I don't want to be tracked by Google or Apple, I want to feel fulfilled by growing and planting something. I want to pass on truth and wisdom to the next generation instead of lies, manipulation, and fear. 

"I say that I am going off the grid, this isn’t how or where we are supposed to live,” is the chorus of "Off the Grid." It was inspired by a Bone Thugs N Harmony song called “Ghetto Cowboy” and a reoccurring dream. In the Bone Thugs song, a group of people head out west. What an exciting time that must have been. Possibilities and opportunities abound with hard work and dedication. No calendar apps or permits needed, just land, adventure, and danger as far as the eye could see. My reoccurring dream was post-apocalyptic. My friends and family were renegades traveling throughout the country sleeping wherever we wanted.  

“Off the Grid” came after my well-received single, “Hysteria”. “Hysteria” is about people allowing themselves to be controlled and manipulated by the news. “Off the Grid” is about getting fed up with that and taking back control of our own lives. As you listen to “Off the Grid,” imagine your own unplugged lifestyle. You can buy the song above. Heck, why not burn it to a CD and turn off your computer and phone for a couple of hours while you listen to it outside admiring nature and dreaming of a simpler life?