Unplugged: Going off the grid
Last night I watched the Disney Pixar movie Wall E, where a single robot is left on Earth, attempting to clean it up so that life can be sustained on it once again. The human race is depicted as extremely obese as they float around on recliners drinking meals through large cups with straws and watching TV or talking to others on holographic monitors – oblivious of their surroundings. Throughout the movie, different things happen to cause them to be “unplugged”. The unplugged ones would suddenly realize there was a pool in the place that they had lived their entire lives or would physically touch another unplugged person for what seemed like the first time in their life.
Though vastly exaggerated, this movie mirrors modern life in developed countries where we “plug in” with cell phones, mp3 players and PDAs. Technology has advanced at such a light-speed rate that most of our life requires us to be “plugged in”. We even describe someone who is not answering phone calls, emails or text messages as being “off the grid”.
This is unfortunate. Technology allows for convenience but numbs our senses, distracts us from what is really happening in life and desensitizes us in many ways. Some may argue that technology is what keeps them in touch with what is going on globally, but that is pointless if you don’t even know what is transpiring right in front of you. When is the last time you were in touch enough with yourself and your surroundings to really feel what was happening around you?
Our dependence on technology forces us into a “grid” – out of which we cannot escape without intentional effort. As people who appreciate freedom, we should recognize that we have to consciously “unplug” to be aware of some things. Go for a walk in nature or pay attention to how natural things behave (elements like water, fire, wind, plants/trees or animals). Unplugging helps us keep in touch with life (outside the grid) and keeps our dependence on technology in check. I challenge you to “unplug” so that you can look around and really appreciate life as it unfolds around you. Who knows? You may, like the characters in the movie, “touch” or be “touched” by someone. There is a freedom that comes with being “off the grid”. ..what better gift could you give yourself?
—Sarah Bell
Tags: desensitize, distract, Freedom, grid, plugged in, technology, touch, unplugged
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March 21, 2009 at 9:49 pm
I remember a time, in the not too distant past, when I was given a “pager” so that I could be located in case I was needed at work or home. I felt rather intruded upon to have that device on my person and felt an obligation to have to report my whereabouts. I felt like my freedom was taken away. I often left it at home and would not remember to carry it with me. It was enjoyable to me to not be located during my time away from the office or home. Today, with a cellphone at my disposal, it’s getting more difficult not to be found. I still have the option to turn it off and be “off the grid”! I like having this option and choose it for myself quite often! So, if you should need me and have the urge to contact me, please leave a message, I will get back to you on my own time! Thank-you very much!
March 19, 2009 at 11:09 am
Beautiful post! I loved that movie too for it’s symbolism. My favorite way of going off the grid is leaving my cell at home on the weekends when I’m out and about with Bill or other friends. My sister used to talk about buying land in Montana and being completely self-sufficient within power generation, food, etc. if that ends up happening we can go visit her together, it would be a nice experience.
xo