A few weeks ago I decided to do an ‘input cleanse.’ This is very similar to the lemon-juice/cayenne pepper thing, but with different stuff. The idea is simple: to (re)discover what it’s like to live without all the modern media inputs. To generate my own thoughts, emotions, and ideas. (or perhaps to suffocate in the input vacuum left behind, we’ll see.) ;)

I decided on a length of 40 days (no particular reason, just seemed traditional). It will officially end on my birthday in November. I’m so stoked. I’ll be starting next week.

Here’s how it’s going to work:

Stuff I’m NOT doing:

• Internet. I work on the Internet every day, so this will mean that I will only use it for work, and not for recreational browsing, reading, etc.
• Twitter. Duh.
• TV shows. This is hard because I have a few shows that I really love. But that will make the cleanse all the more potent I think.
• Movies. This is even harder because I LOVE movies and the Fall is a great time for great movies. But they are a massive input and I can definitely live without them.
• Music containing lyrics I can understand. No matter how much I love it, I can’t really think my own original thoughts while listening to someone else give me theirs. So listening to Classical, opera, instrumental music, beats, etc. are acceptable to me. The emphasis is on clarity, and I feel that some instrumental music can be extremely clarifying. I’ll have to evaluate this as I go to make sure it’s not becoming a distraction.

Stuff I AM doing:

• Walking. I think some of my best thoughts when I’m walking. It’s the same auto-pilot phenomenon that happens when you’re driving and find that you’ve gone 3 blocks and don’t remember anything. The logistical parts of your brain get tied up operating your body and the abstract thinking parts get space to breathe. Works like a charm. Twenty minutes per day will be my minimum.
• Reading books. These are inputs, yes, but I’ve never accidentally spent 5 hours reading books I don’t care about. It’s a matter of focus and thoughtfullness that I’m concerned with.
• Writing. On paper (preferred) or in WriteRoom only. For me, it has to be distraction free and as untechnological as possible.
• Recording. I find that when I record myself talking out loud, I have a completely different communication style and thought-process than when I write. One is not more accurate than the other — I just like the variety. And I can record while I walk, which is also really fun.

I’m not viewing this as a negative experience in any way. It’s not really a “fast” and it’s not a punishment that I’m imposing on myself for being too distracted. I’m simply trying to be intentional about my desire to simplify and focus. I want to cultivate originality and creativity in a pure space. This will be a wonderful way to do that. I’ll be starting on the 12th. I’ll let you know how it goes.

(Source: My Brain)