I am on a continuing journey towards digital minimalism. This is a live-blog of little tips, thoughts, and updates related to reducing the prevalence and impact that digital devices have on my life.

SNIPPETS

Well, I think the first problem is that I am too concerned over getting the little details right on my website to get off of my computer! This is an experimental blog style that uses the "snippet post" idea to write a blog in pieces, composing a work out of little moments or thoughts as I go. Please let me know if you have feedback! sam@robog.net

I've been wondering recently what makes some uses of my Mac laptop or Light Phone or Nook feel tiresome, and others feel concentrated, reinvigorating, and peaceful. I recently noticed the difference often corresponds to the number of senses that I am engaging at one time. For example, when I write code while listening to a podcast, I wonder where the hours have gone when I finish. When I write code with only the sound of the wind and rain, I feel concentrated and in tune with my surroundings and my needs. I feel the same way about a movie or video versus a podcast, using sight and hearing as opposed to hearing alone. A book? Just sight. Writing on paper? Purely touch. Eating a good meal? Maybe it is just me, but I usually close my eyes when the food is really good, just to be absorbed in the sensation. I am not a neuroscientist, but I wonder if there is some truth to the fatigue brought about by processing information from more than one sense at a time. For now, I will be looking closer at how monosensorial activities affect my abilities and relationships to technology.