About six weeks ago, I realized that I had a computer addiction, so I made myself a computer “curfew” and began turning off the computer by 6 or 6:30pm (most nights). As with all of my spiritual disciplines, I set a goal, but then I hold it with some flexibility, so as to not freak out my ego too much all at once!

There have been a few evenings that I allowed myself to stay on the computer past curfew, but the majority of evenings I have kept computer-free. I have also been shutting down the wi-fi for the night, and I noticed immediately that the quality of my sleep began to improve, and I felt calmer and less scattered. I also witnessed that my living space feels calmer. In this reduced-radiation environment, I am spending more time playing harmonium, chanting mantras, and sitting in meditation.

During the first computer-free evening, I reflected that years ago, when I got rid of television, I was amazed at how much time there was in an evening when it isn’t filled up with screen-time. Well, lo and behold, it was the same experience with taking away the computer-screen-time! I couldn’t believe it. Somehow the computer, with all its dazzling seductions (I Love Facebook!), had slipped in and replaced the television addiction. (To read my assessment of the television addiction, go the page on this website called “Tips From Tejaswini”)

How much time do you spend on the computer each evening? Is there something else you might enjoy doing, such as playing music, dancing, reading a book, or writing in a journal? If you decide to set your own computer curfew, let me know how it goes for you.

May all beings everywhere have food, clothing, shelter, peaceful sleep, and spiritual upliftment each day.

May all beings know Peace and Happiness.

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of ocean tree (at Festival of Trees) by Teja Shankara.