Have you tried fasting from social media? Streaming? Apps? Have you noticed any changes in yourself after fasting from digital? Or– have you noticed changes in your children or your spouse or friends? Here’s what I discovered after I fasted from digital each Friday during Lent. I discovered that I became more aware of the …
One time I was baking banana bread with my daughter when she was around nine years old, and the recipe called for a cup of sugar. Without paying much attention, I grabbed a jar from the pantry and poured the white substance into the mixing bowl. It wasn’t until the bread had finished baking that …
A very popular diet fad is intermittent fasting. But fasting for spiritual reasons is a practice that goes back centuries and is grounded in biblical truths. In fact, St. Augustine, who lived in the fifth century said, “Fasting cleanses the soul.” During the Lenten Season, Fasting is one of three areas of concentration for Catholics …
When I was growing up, we had a few major rules that our parents enforced. They probably sound familiar to you. Never lie. Never steal. Obey your parents. Respect one another, especially your elders. And never – ever miss Sunday Mass. These rules to live by provided order to our home which was greatly needed! …
When I was young, my parents made a strong effort to pass on the Catholic faith to me and my siblings. We were enrolled in Catholic school, even though my dad worked two jobs to afford tuition. We also attended Mass each Sunday. At home, a large portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus adorned …
Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two have *no* screen time and children under six should have an hour or less of screen time per day. When my children were young, I had no idea what the experts recommended. I did, however, know that Teletubbies on TV mesmerized my …
In the book, “Mr. Rogers Talks with Parents,” the famed TV host wrote that “much of what is on TV is at best, a waste of time and at worst, downright destructive.” His book encouraged parents to closely monitor the programs their children watch and to discuss sensitive or difficult topics that their children encounter …
If your family is obsessed with media, you’re not alone. My family probably resembles yours in that we struggle to break free of screens and smart speakers that seem ubiquitous at times. Yet, we know that the screens can be harmful to our health, our relationships and our spiritual life. So here are five healthy …
On my smart phone, I have access to two email accounts, two calendars, text messaging, What’s App, and news apps. These tools can help me to remember appointments, even birthdays, and stay in touch with colleagues, family and friends. However, these tools can also prevent me from what Cal Newport calls “Deep Work” or long …
In Greek mythology, Midas was a king who turned everything he touched into gold. Having the Midas Touch is now synonymous with being able to easily turn a large profit. But what value does the human touch have in our world? It seems like some businesses celebrate a lack of human touch. For example, “contactless” …
I do to my part to recycle everything I can. I also drive a hybrid car, which uses less gas. I avoid plastic bottles as best I can. Yes – I care about the environment as many people do. By studying our ecology, we can learn about the relationship between humans and the environment so …
When I was young, my favorite show was Gillian’s Island. It was a show about seven castaways stranded on a deserted island. The show stopped production in 1967 but the reruns aired during my childhood and I would watch them all, again and again. Each character had their own quirky personality, and I grew to …
Whenever we take vacations with the family near the beach, my brother-in-law brings his boat and offers us a ride. While we were out one day, dark and ominous clouds suddenly formed in the sky above us. We wouldn’t have time to make it back to the boat ramp, so instead, we docked at a …
Many families suffer from an over-packed schedule. I was one of those families. When my children were young, they were enrolled in numerous activities including scouts, music lessons, sports, faith formation and even robotics! Now, families also factor in time spent with media, such as video gaming, streaming movies and connecting online in all sorts …
When I was younger, my sister told me I was adopted. For a few minutes, I believed her. It was a story that was plausible. Sometimes I felt like I didn’t fit in with my family. I felt different at times. Her statement tapped into my insecurities. I was vulnerable to believe her. This is …
Today, we’re talking about screens versus books. Is one better than another? According to some studies, such as this one, cognitive activity, like reading a book, helps to keep our brains healthier. Reading a book forces the brain to remember a variety of characters, timelines, plots and subplots. Also, the printed words found in a …
When I get into my car, the first thing I do is buckle my seatbelt. The second thing is switch on the radio. I do these things without even thinking. These are habits that are deeply engrained into my routine. Sometimes, however, I decide to drive in silence. Even though I’m the only one in …
When I was young, my family would drive from Maryland to Miami each Summer to visit relatives. My siblings and I would pile into the station wagon and cruise along the highway looking out the window staring at the world around us. We didn’t have screens back then, which meant only one thing – we …
I have a friend that I see about six times each year. Between our busy schedules, it’s difficult to find the time to meet up and catch up on life. I’ve noticed that when we first see each other after a long absence the conversation can be a little “generic.” It takes a little time …
I was sitting in the bedroom starting at my computer screen when my twenty-something son popped his head through the doorway and said, I’m going for a walk. Do you want to join me? I was feeling sluggish and worn out. I really wanted to blurt out, I’m too tired but instead I said, “sure!” …