The No-Phone Zone

Yoga
In light of my current gym-less situation, I have attempted to develop a fitness routine which I can utilize without any facilities. An integral part of this project includes yoga. I downloaded some free yoga videos and work out with them about three times a week. The impacts of yoga on my body astonish me. In spite of minimal physical exertion, my body feels poorer on the days I don’t do yoga compared with yoga workout days. Last summer I started going to the chiropractor because my pelvis was out of alignment. This caused pain in my hip and numbness in my legs and feet. The more I do yoga, the less I feel those discomforts. I can feel my body realigning itself through the exercises. Regardless of how my fitness future looks, I am going to keep doing yoga for its holistic benefits.

Cell Phone
Slightly over a month ago I considered getting rid of my cell phone and replacing it with a land line. Economy and a desire to live below my means comprised my primary motivations. I knew my cell phone contract lasted until mid July, which obligated me to keep my phone at least until then, but I wanted to see if I could live without a cell phone in my current culture without going becoming a social outcast. Five weeks ago I stopped carrying my cell phone with me and used it as a land-line. The first two weeks proved the most difficult and I struggled with the lack of immediate connection with the outside world. I could no longer walk to my car after work and check my messages.
Reflecting on my time without a cell-phone, I realize that I relish the freedom I experience by leaving my phone at home. Feelings such as hurriedness, anxiety, and discontent minimized to a noticeable degree. Nothing in my life requires such urgency that it cannot wait until I get home. On the negative side, the interruption that comes from other people’s cell phone use increasingly bothers me. Conversations are neglected, persons interrupted, and stress abounds when people keep their phones on them. I understand that our culture operates in such a way that promotes connectedness, but I am discovering that the price of peace and content outweigh the benefit of additional connectedness.