This has been an interesting week…life without television. There have been points in my life when I didn’t have television.
When I was growing up, there were 3 or 4 stations to which we could get reception, first with rabbit ears, complete with aluminum foil “bows” to heighten reception. Frequently the used TV that we had would cease to work, and so we were without television. And so, we amused ourselves with other forms of entertainment.
In my early teens we graduated to having an antenna and we actually had access to 5 or 6 stations. Again, when the TV died, we’d be TV-free for a period of time until mom could afford another TV. I don’t think my mother ever had cable TV in the home I grew up in, which she lived in until she passed away at 83, twelve years ago.
TV has always been a background noise that I used to filter out distractions. I find that the silence is quite powerful, however, I am more likely to get distracted by other ambient noise without the TV on.
We have certain shows that we DVR, and my husband, Rod, & I come together to watch them. I’ve missed that ritual, but I see that I have had more time to get the readings done, or get my client projects done, because I am not taking the time to view the recorded shows. I miss stopping and connecting with our mutual viewing, and the discussions we have during the shows.
The takeaway for me is that somewhere in between no TV and non-stop TV is my new reality. Thank you, Mark J., for the challenge which led to a choice.
Hi Geri, TV is a big challenge for us these days, so glad you have found a happy in-between that gives you more peace.
Thanks Geri. Great to hear how your new reality is taking form, between no tv and non-stop tv. I too have used it as background noise and am enjoying the silence right now as I write this.
Yes, Geri, I agree. This has been good to not watch TV this week.
I normally watch maybe an hour as I’m getting dinner ready and then usually an hour after dinner. Without TV this week I felt a calming effect with listening to nothing but silence! It felt good 🙂
This is indeed a power house of an exercise. Love the line: Thank you, Mark J., for the challenge which led to a choice.
Engaging blog Geri! Thanks for sharing your “TV timeline” with us. Powerful insight you uncovered with the “no TV” week… you became very aware that it’s your choice. Voila!