Screen Time

Are you facing a screen right now?

SCREEN-TIME = “time spent watching television, playing a video game, attending a class on zoom or using an electronic device with a screen

QUESTION: Are you facing a screen right now?

STORY: In 2019 I began teaching my drawing classes on zoom. I discovered that I kinda liked being able to share my love of drawing without having to get all dressed up, drive five miles, park my car and carry my equipment into a building. Ten to twelve people show up on my screen in little square frames. I see and hear them and they see and hear me. I share stories, images, photos, drawings. We are able to ask questions, dialogue about various techniques, share meditations and more. Some of my students are young; most are adults. Many live in other states and even other countries and would have had to pay large amounts of money to attend an in-person class. Screen-time is great AND I believe it is wise for all of us (especially the young ones) to step away from “screen-time” now and then. Go out and walk in nature. Contemplate and FEEL the living energy flowing through you and the birds, squirrels, trees, clouds, distant hills, sunshine, other people and more.

QUOTES

“Nature is the source of all true knowledge.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

“Whether you are a parent or not, carving out time to turn off your devices, to disconnect from the wired world and engage with the real people who are all around you, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the people you love.” ~ Alan Brown

“It’s not just about limiting screen time; it’s about teaching kids to develop good habits in real life. As well as managing their screen time.” ~ Cynthia Crossley

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” ~ Gary Synder

EXERCISE

STOP.

Sit quietly.

Assume an erect posture. Sense the breath.

Sit calmly and contemplate your “screen-time” experience and your “out-in-nature” experience.

Get out your pen and paper and write words or draw lines expressing both experiences.

Move forward into your day appreciating and paying attention to the natural world around you.