'National Day of Unplugging' Starts at Sundown

By Myles Collier, Christian Post Contributor Friday, March 23, 2012

Tonight at sundown, the "National Day of Unplugging" will start and will continue until sundown Saturday in an effort to get people to let go of their electronic addictions and embrace the world around them.

The idea came about from a non-profit Jewish organization called Reboot which has as roots Judaism's Sabbath tradition, where people abstain from distractions and use the time for reflection and a day of rest.

A group promoting the day is called Sabbath Manifesto, and this will be the third year of the "National Day of Unplugging." According to the group they encourage people to participate by doing the following.

"Shut down your computer. Turn off your cellphone. Stop the constant emailing, texting, Tweeting and Facebooking to take time to notice the world around you. Connect with loved ones. Nurture your health. Get outside. Find silence. Avoid commerce. Give back. Eat Together," reads the manifesto.

There is a link to the pledge found on the Sabbath Manifesto's website which people are signing to show their support. The pledge has already received more than 1,200 signatures. The pledge was posted on Causes.com.

Some of those who attended this year's interactive festival SXSW went to Reboot's Unplugging Party. Participants took their cell phones, put them in sleeping bags and placed them in the middle of the SXSW interactive music festival.

"Technology overuse takes an immeasurable toll on our ability to give time to the things that are most important in our lives," Tanya Schevitz, communications manager for Reboot, told Mashable.com.

"We can then use that time to be present and engaged in the moments that are happening around us and build meaningful, in-person connections," she continued.

Schevitz also highlighted that there was once a time before everyone was constantly connected and plugged in.

"The National Day of Unplugging gives us permission to unplug and recharge ourselves for just 24 hours. Everything will still be there when we return," she said.