July Challenge
Relationship Mindfulness/Digital Detox
This month our challenge is about being present and in the moment with your family and your
friends, and having meaningful conversations. One of the ways we can do this better is by
taking “Digital Detox” time.
During the month of July, please complete the following challenges:
*Determine to eat at least one meal per day together, with no phones, computers, tablets, TV
or radio on or within reach. Phone calls should not be answered during this time.
*Spend the time asking each other about how their day went. What were the good things that
happened, what were the challenges, what does each person need to help them have a
successful day the next day, etc.
Give Away: This month you’ve been given conversation starter cards to have some fun and
interesting things to talk about. An easy way to get started is to put them in a bowl and have
each person draw one out to answer, or mix them up and pass out one to each person, or read
one aloud and have each person give an answer. There are 3 different groups of cards in your
bag. One color is Bible questions, one color is random thought questions, and one color is
Would You Rather questions. Feel free to make up your own as you go.
(If you are participating remotely and would like a copy of the conversation cards, please email me at rjchurchwell@hotmail.com and I'll email you a copy that you can print and cut.)
Bible Verses:
“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know
how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:6
“We who had sweet fellowship together, walked in the house of God in the throng.”
Psalm 55:14
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
Ecclesiastes 3:1
The following is taken from an article by Focus on the Family, and while it was written
specifically for families, it also can apply to a group of friends, co-workers, or church family.
“Why is it so important that moms, dads, and kids talk to one another? First, a theological
reason. Speech is a divine gift. It’s a vital aspect of the Image of God in man. As such, it’s an
important part of what makes us human. Through deep and meaningful talk, we become
bonded at a level that simply isn’t accessible to creatures of any other species. When this
happens, we have the privilege of reflecting and sharing in the very life of Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. The Trinity was founded upon interpersonal communication and interaction before the
worlds began.We’re made in God’s image, then. Speech is as crucial to our relationships with one another as
it is to our relationship with our Father in heaven. The Lord has created us for intimacy.
Conversation is the glue that cements the connection and makes it happen. Deep down inside
we all want to know and be known by others, and talking is absolutely crucial to this process.
It’s worth adding that conversation has the most beneficial effects when it occurs in the
context of physical togetherness. Research has indicated that actual words account for only 7%
of interpersonal communication. The rest is conveyed through body language, the face, the
eyes, and the tone of voice. This means that in becoming dependent upon electronic
communication devices, we have lost about 93% of our ability to connect with one another in a
significant way. Thus the importance of being together as a family and speaking face to face.
To put it in more practical terms, family conversation is important because it promotes and
bolsters a sense of family identity. It creates an environment of love, acceptance,
and belonging. This is important for every member of the household, of course, but it’s
particularly crucial to the mental and emotional health and development of growing children.
Kids need to belong. They want to be part of a group, a team.”
Can you see how this applies to all relationships, not just those of your immediate family?
The next section discusses one of the ways we can be intentional about building relationships
and improving our mental and physical health at the same time. The term “Digital Detox” has become more popular, especially in the past year of pandemic
changes. What is it, how do we do it, and how does it affect our brain and body?
“A study found that digital detox can be a life changing experience. Time off from technology
can improve sleep hygiene, memory and even lead to postural changes because you will be
looking forward instead of down at your phones. One of the most powerful findings of the
study was that a digital detox can help you make significant changes to your life, because of
the lack of constant distraction. You will be more willing to commit to a transformative
lifestyle or stick to a regime such as working on your health and fitness or even make notable
changes in your career or relationships. Additionally, a digital detox also helps you prosper
mentally by reducing anxiety and giving you the mind space to re-evaluate your goals and
purpose.
It is important to schedule gadget free time during the course of your day, especially
immediately after you wake up and before going to bed. This will not only help to break the
tech addiction cycle but also give you more undivided time to work on a hobby or passion, or
project that you had been previously unable to make time for. You can also make it a point to
keep your phone away during meals, because the more time you spend on your phone, the
less time you give to facilitate conversation and build relationships with those around you.”
(Excerpts taken from an article by Natasha Guptaiya)
