Reclaiming leisure

An alternative to digital distractions

From a recent nature walk - Oshawa, Ontario

Hi there,

If the internet ceased to exist, how would your days be any different? It is an obtuse question, like asking how would your days be any different if toilets ceased to exist: A bit shitty, but you won’t die. Anyway… I ask because of a realization I once had: we often turn to our digital devices because the alternative sucks.

Below are five things I thought were worth sharing this week:

1. The big secret to reducing the time you spent online has FINALLY been revealed! Cultivate high-quality alternatives to digital distractions. The more I immerse myself in the offline world— reading, writing, going for walks, cooking, etc., the less enticing the digital world becomes. I encourage you to actively and consciously cultivate a leisure life that doesn't depend on low-effort digital junk for entertainment and to pass the time.

2. I began thinking about creating a well-developed leisure life after reading Cal Newport's take on it in his book, Digital Minimalism. I highly recommend you read it for the part one leisure alone.

3. Being offline is the new luxury is a 46-minute documentary on hyper connectivity and if it is all it's cracked up to be.

4. A quote I want to share with you:

   Oh, earth, you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
   — From the Book Wonder

   Two things: find parks, trails, conservation areas around your area and pleeeeeease, go explore, and pleeeeeease, read/watch Wonder. So, so, so, so good.

5. Instead of yet another article, I invite you to join me for a social crafts event I’m hosting for Valentine’s Day. This Saturday, Feb 6 at 2:00pm EST on Zoom. Bring your craft supplies and get your hands “dirty” for someone you love. If you’d rather read an article, here’s one on 13 easy card-making ideas that take 30 minutes or less. Creating is a great alternative to digital distractions.

That is all for this week!

Thank you for reading, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

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Until next time,

Mehret

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Link to my website: