Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker is a book that will challenge many busy people, but he writes it in a way that doesn’t feel offensive. It’s a book about how Carlos gave up screens for seven weeks. Not because screens are “bad,” but because life is good, and he doesn’t want to miss it.
Interestingly, Carlos spent two weeks in a Benedictine monastery with monks. He shares his experiences and insights as he goes through this experiment. After two weeks with the monks, he goes to visit with an Amish family for two weeks. I found it interesting to read what he learned about both cultures. Apparently everything we read isn’t true. Huh. Go figure.
One of the surprising things about this book is how hard it is to do life without a screen. Printing directions and boarding passes are just two of the ways that have become part of our lives. Screens have snuck in and robbed us our lives. We care more about what other people think that what we are actually doing sometimes. I want to savor my days.
I loved this book. And although I’m writing this recommendation on a “screen,” I have a plan for cutting back on my screen time now as well. I’m allowing myself to be bored…and wonder…and notice. You can purchase the book and read more about it here.