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last blog post talked about social media and the wider issue of technology’s role in our world today. The response to it was revealing.
More people commented on the article than has ever occurred before. Many kind readers e-mailed me, and some chose to reply using social media: the majority were private communications, and, interestingly, no-one was an advocate for Facebook, Twitter and the like - indeed, most comments were strong rejections of all aspects of social media. One or two people rather sadly said they did not like the influence of social media, but that it would be impossible for them to withdraw from it. “The genie is out of the bottle”, someone said. But is it?
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Withdrawing from the World[/caption]
In view of the many millions of people who are known to use social media actively, including, I am sure, some readers of my blog who chose to remain silent, I have been wondering, while empathising with you, why so many of you have chosen to resist the call to join what seems to be a mainstream and ubiquitous global activity. It may be that you are wise beyond your knowing.
Even in the few days since writing about the issue, more evidence has come to light about how audaciously and shockingly established institutions like JP Morgan can be hacked. Nowhere is safe, and it is coming to the point whereby everyone who uses online services and social media to any degree is vulnerable to potential theft and, importantly, invasion of privacy. Living in a place where shopping is extremely limited I, like you perhaps, rely sometimes on the services of Amazon and the like, but more and more I think carefully before I do, aware not only of the risks for me, but also in the knowledge that the more I shop virtually, the closer I bring a real shop to closure, hurting real people.
I continue to ponder the value in my continuing to maintain a presence in social media, meanwhile. I have decided to continue to post my blogs there as before for now, but if and how long that continues I do not know. My website and e-mail circulation always are likely to be the main vehicle for them.
An unintended consequence of writing about technology last time was the opportunity to hear from so many of you about what was important to you. I am truly grateful for the time and trouble you took to contact me, and for talking about my work so kindly. Even if, one day, I withdraw from the world of social media, I will never withdraw from you.
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I am a spiritual teacher, channel and writer with a special interest in esoteric philosophy and the world in transition, who loves nature and wildlife. My aim is to help your human and soul journey through spiritual wisdom, spiritual connection and the raising of consciousness.
I too yearn for the nature away from all these harmful frequencies & within the next couple weeks am travelling to wales to explore a valley where many choose to live a simple life. where theres community conversation & communication but the rules and conformity are missing somewhat.....they live close to/with the land ..some grow vegetables,& live in harmony with earth rhythms.They do not get internet signal so no mobile phones going off...The Scary thing for me is i need to check on my elderly mother often to make sure shes doing o.k/dosen`t need help this is my only worry. I do not know what to expect at this place so open and i`ll visit for few weeks to see who lives there and how they are... I`m entering the `unknown & unfamiliar but my soul is yearning and pushing me beyond the pain of fear thoughts /mind to seek something I have sometimes glimpsed but never fully experienced. I once lived on an island 5half yrs ago, we were`nt off grid,a bit isolated,& was tidal & close to a larger Island...I felt i never spent as long as I wanted to but had to leave after 9mtns...was an amazing experience looking back.
I wish you well with your time in the land of the Dragons, Sat Kartar. Thank you.
G'day, Claire!
It seems that my previous comments have gone missing here. Perhaps it was due to the computer I was using at the time?
Anyway, I had pointed out previously that me withdrawing from the Internet was basically an impracticality due to living in the Bible Belt where I do and its uniquely catatonic perspective on life. Essentially, Internet access helps me in several ways:
First: When local merchants are less than stellar in terms of seeking to retain my business, an alternate route to purchasing what I need is to engage in e-commerce.
Second: I am able to attend graduate school without having the massive out-of-pocket expence of moving house.
Third: I am able to have more edifying condos online (in most cases) than I am with the local hicks (regardless of their socioeconomic status or educational status).
Fourth: By using Twitter, I am able to flog my ebooks and generate an income for myself that would otherwise be lacking.
That said, I stay away from something like Facebook, because it gives me the creeps.
In other words, it may be idyllic for one to consider cutting the cord, as it were, but for some people practicability needs to be considered along with what might be considered blissful. It's rather as New Mexico author and healer Chris Griscom has been known to say (paraphrased): It's okay to smell the roses, but one should not neglect the onions, as the two together can make for a delicious meal.
Best,
William
Thank you, William. No, your comments did not reach me before! Clearly you know why and how you wish to use the internet and social media, and that perhaps is the key - that you are in control of it rather than it being in control of you.