Theos-Talk Archives (August 1998 Message tt00453)

Replying to Martin

>Regarding the internet, the information is great, but my eyes get tired
>very quickly ...

I know the feeling, or a similar one.

>It is a great tool
>for research. One can spend hours everyday in viewing, reviewing,
>downloading tons of information . . .

One certainly can.

>So what . . .

So information on its own doesn't necessarily get you far, I agree.

But I don't share your reaction of seeming to turn away from it. To make
the most of this enormous opportunity to access the thought of others, one
needs to know when to let go any compulsive desire to gain information, and
allow time for the other facets of life, as you say.

To build, with discrimination, a time structure for different activities
that provides all the "organs" required for the body of one's life to live
and breathe.

Some of the biggest challenges to my love and discipline are in finding a
balance in this area, but I know it is possible.  As you say yourself, "I
prefer an equilibrium ... ".

I do not find the Internet to be an *inherently* cold medium of
communication. Far from it. Through it I have made new and deep
friendships, and shared to the depths of my soul. Not necessarily all on
theos-talk, of course ... :) That marvellous thing you describe - the group
aura, the synergy and warmth - are possible to a considerable degree, via
the electronic media. Of course there's more when you're in the physical
presence of people, but I can tune into the mood and subtler aspects of a
person through their writing, and I'm sure everyone else can too.

In fact, I would say that in the very process of learning to allocate time
wisely, we are actually doing some of the work of '(quoting from Isis
"thoroughly eliminating from ... mind and spirit ... selfishness and other
impurity ... '.

Murray

In beautiful New Zealand - another Pacific rim region