Most of us are completely oblivious to the affects of automation in our lives, but it is always a good thing??
Automation has always been “sold” as a way to simplify our lives, save time and money, plus make us happier overall. But is that always the case, especially over the long term?
I’ll show my age here, but I remember watching “The Jetsons” when I was a kid and thinking about how cool it would be if everything was that simple. As an adult in a very automated world, my thoughts are quite different.
As automation takes over different parts of our lives, we surrender contact and involvement…and become lazy.
Relationships: With the advent of social media, our relationships with other people has completely changed and in my opinion, for the worst.
Granted, we can talk to people all over the world and share information and that’s pretty cool. But at the end of the day, how much closer do we feel with the ones we love? How are we treating people?
It makes me “relationally lazy” to just be able to type out a quick email to a friend. I don’t have to enunciate my words, worry about how I’m coming across, brush my hair or even smile. By surrendering all of my “personal self”, I reduce myself to being nothing more than text, that is if I don’t re-instate my “person” on a regular basis.
Taking time to be prepared as we come in contact with the people we love, through verbal and physical touch, we take back control of our relationships. This isn’t always convenient, but since when are good relationships convenient?
Finances: I know for a fact that when our hard-earned cash becomes nothing more than numbers on a screen, we lose touch with it’s value.
My husband and I led a financial ministry at church for close to 20 years. Over that time, we counseled a lot of couples who were deeply in debt and relationally stressed.
While there are many facets to a situation like this, one of the first things we encouraged people to do is to adopt an “envelope system” until their finances come under control. This is a “cash system” of budgeting. Studies show that we tend to be more careful when shopping with cash than we do when shopping with plastic.
Automation indeed makes us lazy with our money.
Heat and light: Once again, as Americans, most of us expect light and heat to appear in our homes with the flip of a switch. Yet, our fore-parents worked for their “utilities” in the form of candle making and wood chopping.
While some may feel that these practices are somewhat archaic, there is a huge ground swelling of those (including myself) who find more peace and happiness in the older ways of doing things. It’s referred to as “slow living”.
How gratifying would it be to enjoy a toasty, warm wood burning stove while it consumes wood that you chopped and stacked yourself?
What about our food? Clothing? Automobiles?
While I could write a novel on this subject, I think you understand my point. And while the “slow life” isn’t for everyone, it’s something that many of us want to pursue.
What could you do differently today to “re-enage” with your life, rather than let a machine do it for you?
Would you like to win this book to get started?
I own this book personally and I love it! It’s a great way to get you re-thinking the “status quo” and begin a more self-sustainable lifestyle!
To win:
“Like” The Morristribe on Facebook (one entry)
“Share” this giveaway on your Facebook page or blog (another entry)
Tell us what kind of sleeper you are: Tummy, side or back (another entry, just for fun)
Leave a comment here or on Facebook for each thing you do! I’ll draw at 9pm EST tonight!
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About kmorris
I like you. No really, I do.
I shared you too.
Side sleeper. Definitely. When you have been pregnant as many times as I have, you learn to not sleep on your back.
Amen, Michelle! BTDT!
I sleep on my tummy
already like you
shared it
already love yer site , page , side sleeper , cept the shoulders on the fritz!!!!
I like you on FB!
Also as a side not my husband is an automation electrician who seriously wants to live off the grid…I just need to se the vision myself… hopefully I win this book and it helps.
I shared
I am an all over the place sleeper… I cosleep so I adapt
I liked you on FB!
I shared this giveaway on fb
Side sleeper
Kelly, I think I just want to get together over a cup of tea/coffee (whichever) and just talk. I have been telling my kids this for years now (and was going to write a blog post, but I’ll just share yours). I have never met you, but I adore your heart…probably because it’s a lot like mine…but you knit…and I have all thumbs.
I like you on FB.
side sleeper, definitely.
i like u on fb. i want to win sooo badly- we are attempting to live off grid Lord willing and i am so excited!!!!!
absolutely fabulous post! i tell people this all the time and they think i am nuts!!
shared on fb http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002992311474
i am definitely a side sleeper
I already “like” you on facebook.
I sleep on my side and sometimes on my tummy.
I “shared” this on Facebook.
I start out on my stomach
I like you on facebook
side sleeper by nature, but learning to be a back sleeper (with pillows in the proper places) because of back issues
If i had facebook I’d like you. I did tell my mom about this. And totally a tummy sleeper.
I would just like to say how much I enjoyed this post. We live quite simply on our homestead…. milk a cow and goats, heat with wood, etc. While we do have modern conveniences, I really appreciate the “work” of our farm that bonds our family together. It is a very peaceful and joyful way to live. The electronic age does make things almost too convenient sometimes.
And, I remember the Jetsons, too!
Thanks for this timely post. (no need to enter me in the giveaway)
I liked you on FB. I know it late and you’ve probably already had the drawing. My computer time tends to be later after the kiddos are in bed so I missed both days! Oh well.
And I’m a side sleeper. I used to be a tummy sleeper but after 3 pregnancies in 4 years my body became trained to sleep on it’s side!
I am a side sleeper
Already liked you on Facebook! (#1)
Shared this page! (#2)
Definitely a side sleeper. A must for spooning and snuggling! (#3)
I already like you on FB
Shared
I try to sleep on my back or side (better position for neck & back), but I’d prefer and end up sometimes on my stomach. I bet you didn’t think there was such a complicated answer to this question. lol!
I am a tummy/side sleeper recently turned back sleeper when I broke my leg a few weeks ago–not fun!
I already like you on facebook…
I just shared this interesting post on my Facebook wall…
I usually sleep on my back, but sometimes I sleep on my side.
In an attempt to keep real relationships, I don’t do facebook so I can’t “like” you there.
But I do love this blog. We are on this journey as well with 3 Jersey cows, chickens, etc. on 12 acres. So much to learn.
And I sleep on my tummy.
I have posted your give away on my blog
I liked you on face book.
I sleep mainly on my back. But start out on my side.
I have also added you to my favorite blog list so others can find you.
I would love to win this book. I have posted your giveaway on my blog
I have also posted your give away on my blog. I would love to win this book
Back sleeper. Usually wrestling with the hubbie for space! This books sounds great! (as i type from my ELECTRIC computer using ELECTRIC lights with my ELECTRIC coffeepot nearby