A huge temptation that hinders us from remaining attentive and focusing a little longer on a project, a conversation or just having that peaceful cup of coffee, is the screen. It announces when a new e-mail has arrived (when we have configured it that way); after a short while it jumps from active screen to screen saver (where there is always something moving and distracting us); it glows so beautifully and promises many interesting things (perhaps I will surf a little or how about playing a game?).
 
How much time do you spend in front of the screen every day?
How much of that time is truly productive?
How are you doing physically with this choice?
Do you often have headaches or tense shoulder muscles?
Are your eyes often tired? How did we do all this in the past?
 
I am a huge fan of the internet and it is just great how quickly I can obtain information, plan trips and buy books. E-mails, Facebook, LinkeIn and Co. have brought many people closer together who otherwise would hardly communicate with each other. But at what cost? We all know there is no free lunch. Everything has a cause and effect. This week, think at least once about the long term consequences of falling for the temptation, and with that assessment decide what you really want to do when you consciously think about it.
 
I have decided the following:

• I will only turn on the PC when the children are out of the house in the morning and I have written in my journal.
• I will turn off the screen when I have to concentrate on work that does not need the PC, so that the screen saver does not distract me.
• I will more often stand up and just briefly look out of the window - the view of nature relaxes my eyes, my spirit, and perhaps, if the weather is inviting, I will go out and take a few steps.
• I will spend more weekends without the PC, just like in the old days.

If you like this theme but determine that you don't want to change your screen behaviour, you can instaed think about your cell phone, TV or Blackberry...

Quotes

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.

James Branch Cabell

Ever notice that the whisper of temptation can be heard farther than the loudest call to duty.

Earl Wilson

The biggest human temptation is. . . to settle for too little.

Thomas Merton

We gain the strength of the temptation we resist.

Ralph Waldo Emerson