Here's why I am thinking about turning off the internet in my home.

[Midnight]

I am seriously considering turning off the internet in my place, and I figure I better say why before I actually turn off the internet. Otherwise this keyboard will only be good for typing stuff on my word processor.

My first reason for maybe turning off the internet is that my accessing the net definitely feels like an addiction to me. I know all about addiction having been addicted to various things in the past. Addictions stay with you when you should be able to put them away after awhile. So I spend hours on the internet long after I have visited various sites. The TV is on, or music is playing, and I'm still clicking on internet sites that I visited only too recently. This behaviour is clearly addictive in nature.

I wish I didn't have an addiction to the internet because it is a unique source to information that you can't find in public libraries. But these libraries have computers that I could access once a week and visit the few sites that are worthy of my attention, such as Project Avalon.

Those of you that do not have personalities that are prone to addiction, I envy you.

But I am considering pulling the plug on the internet, because I am addicted to it, and I do not like to be addicted to anything.

[Mike Gorman]

What is wrong with being addicted? It is only the 'Super-Ego' voice in your head telling you it is wrong-If you are
indeed fully 'Addicted' to the internet, it is a benign addiction-as long as you are being nourished in some way by it,
learning new subjects, considering different points of view, and getting some value from your time-why don't you learn how to build websites,
sign up and get a re-selling account to host other people's websites..this way you can earn money from your addiction and further develop your
Internet skills? I would not throw out the baby with the bathwater, if you will excuse an old cliche'-Anyway, there is my 2 cents worth.

[Midnight]

What is wrong with being addicted?

Addiction feels bad. You don't feel free. You feel trapped in your desire,

[lookbeyond]

Dear Midnight, I can relate, I have an addictive personality myself. I also value the amazing mass of readily available information on the internet. We all have so much to learn and share. Are you able to limit yourself to a certain time period/day so that it is not taking so much of your time? Thats helpful if you can stay within the time frame. I tend to let my conscience be my guide.

Blessings to you , Lookbeyond

[Midnight]

lookbeyond, I have to think about limiting my internet time, as you say. Can I do it is the question.

[Dennis Leahy]

lookbeyond, I have to think about limiting my internet time, as you say. Can I do it is the question.
Schedule time doing something else. Take up gardening, and you'll hardly have any time for your Internet attraction.

Dennis

[Lettherebelight]

Hi Midnight, I feel like I have the same problem!

A little while ago, I took a one month break from PA. It was difficult at first, but I carried on. In the end, I was logging in to view, but not posting, so I guess I kind of failed...

I am going to take a break again soon, this time, I will ask my husband to block the address from the router. It's not that I think PA is bad in any way. It is a wonderful, magical place, filled with amazing, interesting people and extremely valuable information... Very attractive!! Alas, we cannot physically live online. Project Avalon is a resource and a haven, not a place of residence where we can permanently live.

The problem lies with me and my own time management skills. Time is the most precious thing in this world, no amount of gold can ever buy one moment back. Most of us have loved ones who need our time and attention which is easy to forget when absorbed in important (or not so important? Lol)discussions. It's so easy for me to let ten minutes slip into twenty, then a half hour, etc.

But that's just me! It's up to all of us, as individuals, to determine how long we visit Project Avalon, and to use our time here to best effect.

Don't forget, Project Avalon is being watched, monitored, and most likely infiltrated by those who whose agenda is opposed to the mission statement of Project Avalon.

I have no doubt that the TPTB would be delighted to see so many enlightened, empowered individuals just sat for hours in front of their screens, trapped in an illusory vortex of their own brilliance!

I think you are very wise to consider such things, Midnight...good luck to you!

[Eram]

I'm not ready for this discussion......

http://www.mariejosemaltha.nl/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Struisvogel.jpg

[Lettherebelight]

Too funny, Waky!

I'm sure I am not ready either!

[Eram]

Yeah,

but for real:

What will you do when you turn off the internet in your home Midnight?
Does that take away your tendency for addictions?
So... what next?

The tendency for getting addicted has to do with a wish to flee for something that's inside you. To take a break of the suffering from the ego.
This will not go away when you turn of the internet..... unless you make it so.

In my opinion... internet is not as self destructive as many other addictions.
So maybe here is an opportunity to play with this addictive personality a little, without taking away the means for this addiction.

Look at what it is that you are fleeing from (without judgements) and practice some self control over this tendency, like 'lookbeyond' says and find other things to do like 'Dennis Leahy' suggests.

[ponda]

Hi Midnight,

I think that having direct access to many different types of information is very important at this time.Having a heads up on what is going on might come in handy at some time.There is a lot going on at the moment and it's hard to keep up with it all even with the internet.I find i'm spending more time on the internet this year than ever before.I don't look at it as an addiction but i know what you mean.

[778 neighbour of some guy]

I'm not ready for this discussion......

http://www.mariejosemaltha.nl/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Struisvogel.jpg


;)Admitting you have a problem is the first step on your brand spanking new way up ;)

Zeer koele illustratieve cartoon trouwens.

Banaangenaam stennis te maken met u trouwens Waky:cool:

[778 neighbour of some guy]

Yeah,

but for real:

What will you do when you turn off the internet in your home Midnight?
Does that take away your tendency for addictions?
So... what next?

The tendency for getting addicted has to do with a wish to flee for something that's inside you. To take a break from life.
This will not go away when you turn of the internet..... unless you make it so.

In my opinion... internet is not as self destructive as many other addictions.
So maybe here is an opportunity to play with this addictive personality a little, without taking away the means for this addiction.

Look at what it is that you are fleeing from (without judgements) and practice some self control over this tendency, like 'lookbeyond' and says and find other things to do like 'Dennis Leahy' says.

@ Midnight.

I will start off with a joke, the rest is upto you, i dont know how bad is really is for you.

Next is.............. melting and smoking computer terminals of off strips of tin foil.

( I work with lots of people with addiction problems amongst other diagnosis on a daily basis)

And......... internet is just as destructive as any other addiction when in interferes the daily dealings of everyday life, to pay your rent, you would have an income, if one can not bring him/herself to get his/ her butt out of a chair to create this income ( job, or showing up at appointments to collect welfare or stamps or what have you in the States or UK) he/she might end up cold, hungry and homeless, only slightly less bad is losing all contact with other people, even supportive people will most likely drop you like a ton of bricks when all efforts to get you going again sail into neverneverland.

So ................ i sincerely wish you are not in that awkward position yet and you just have created your own intervention by dropping us the word of your problem, that library is a VERY good idea.

Do not make the issue smaller then is, same goes for not making elephants out of mosquitos, be realistic.

If you have an internet addiction there might be some selfhelp or ( contradiction here) internet support groups, at least you can discuss your problem ( you said yourself you have a problem, which is great, you are allready on your way out). You can use the library to make contact with these groups, you are are not some sweaty crackhead going through a detox so nobody will know what you are doing whilst sitting there behind your terminal.

The solution of going to the library once or twice a week is abolutely great, you go do that, you have my support.

I am typing in the wrong post now and i am aware of this, i also have seen your thanks in the responses so i know you will read this.

Good luck to you, you are doing the right thing for yourself, if you came to the conclusion its a problem and is getting in the way of other important matters in life and you thought of solutions, kudos to you.

Go for it.

[kingmonkey]

I think the word addiction gets banded around a lot these days, and along with the word comes a lot of negative connotations ; shame, powerlessness , recovery, it's a disease etc.

I think it's up to you to decide if it's a problem or not. Like my wise grandma used to say , " too much of ANY thing is a problem".

Don't be too hard on yourself, I would say probably 90% of ppl here spend too much time on the Internet. Remembering that 67% of statistics are made up on the spot. I know if I was not reading the Internet I would be reading something else.....he'll my parents used to joke that I'd even run to the door to pick the junk mail up so I could read it. For me it's just information, and information is just another perception into the world around me.

Having said all that bout finding balance in all that we do. And maybe you have recognised a potential problem.

One other alternative to cutting yourself off completely is installing a parental control type software that can restrict usage to a prescribed amount of time a day. I just did a quick google search and there seems to be a few pieces of software that do this.

[778 neighbour of some guy]

I am seriously considering turning off the internet in my place, and I figure I better say why before I actually turn off the internet. Otherwise this keyboard will only be good for typing stuff on my word processor.

My first reason for maybe turning off the internet is that my accessing the net definitely feels like an addiction to me. I know all about addiction having been addicted to various things in the past. Addictions stay with you when you should be able to put them away after awhile. So I spend hours on the internet long after I have visited various sites. The TV is on, or music is playing, and I'm still clicking on internet sites that I visited only too recently. This behaviour is clearly addictive in nature.

I wish I didn't have an addiction to the internet because it is a unique source to information that you can't find in public libraries. But these libraries have computers that I could access once a week and visit the few sites that are worthy of my attention, such as Project Avalon.

Those of you that do not have personalities that are prone to addiction, I envy you.

But I am considering pulling the plug on the internet, because I am addicted to it, and I do not like to be addicted to anything.

Hi, read post thirteen please,

I recognize myself in your story, i have done the dope, the booze, the recovery and what not, i also made it my proffesion of fixing people up, not bull****ting you here.

You seem to know yourself pretty well, go hunt for the root cause of your internal unrest, dont mae an addiction out of it, give yourself time and occupy your time and mind otherwise, there is no other way, or................ try ibogaine, make sure someone guides you through this.

i did and i could, so do you, i am not special.

[Maunagarjana]

I can relate, Midnight. But a lot of it for me has to do with this year. There are a lot of things going on, various threads that I am following. I get the feeling that some big things might happen before year's end (one way or another) and figure that this is the time to be hooked on the net. I don't want to make it my life though.

[Carmody]

To have an addictive personality. The kind that 'chews on hangnails', on and with everything.

Well, turn that nervous energy into the act of meditation and awakening.

Use the perceived weakness as a tool or gift. It just needs to be properly directed.

The perceived weakness is a strength, it is a gift.....it is simply not properly applied.

[Eram]

To have an addictive personality. The kind that 'chews on hangnails', on and with everything.

Well, turn that nervous energy into the act of meditation and awakening.

Use the perceived weakness as a tool or gift. It just needs to be properly directed.

The perceived weakness is a strength, it is a gift.....it is simply not properly applied.


hmm,

that would explain why I travel so fast with Eckhart Tolle in my hand :)

[9eagle9]

The nature of addiction is that other distractions and hobbies don't abate the addiction. One may very well begin a garden and then leave it untended in favor of the addiction. Addiction isn't a case of being bored and having nothing better to do it's addiction.

Midnight I admire you're honesty, and your willingness to do something for what you perceive to be infringing on your 'real' life. And I admire your courage and your uncertainty over the whole matter.

While I won't lecture you on super egos or prattle on about finding a hobby because this isn't about hobbies, addictions are nearly always based on wounds and unfulfilled needs. So perhaps instead of being confused over your choice, and you know it its a hard thing to give up, perhaps you might wish to explore the underlying root of your addiction. It is quite common for people who have alcohol problems to go back to social, 'sober' imbibing after the source of their previous addiction has been uncovered. So you may not have to give it up entirely , just find out what the internet is doing to be a form of self medication.



lookbeyond, I have to think about limiting my internet time, as you say. Can I do it is the question.
Schedule time doing something else. Take up gardening, and you'll hardly have any time for your Internet attraction.

Dennis

[write4change]

I am addicted to reading and have been since I was four. It is the only addiction I have never tried to change. In the beginning I am sure it was escapist but in time I realized how much stuff I knew and how it allowed me to observe and to make better choices. As I have aged, I often asked myself would I rather read a book than do this and that has not been a bad question. Since most of my life I have averaged a book a day--I have never had the need to gossip since I have plenty of other stuff to discuss. The consequences of this one act as I became more and more aware is the reason I have allowed this addiction. Gossip is hugely destructive and is an addiction of most of the human race if what gets viewed and reccommended on the media and the net is any indication of what is important to us as a species.

We are all addicted to something. I am still fighting sugar. Better to be aware of fighting for control over ourself and our mind and being aware of all that is implicated in that than fighting against someone else in any form. Addictions are lessons in many ways. I have overcome many and yet, something else usually replaces them. It is the reason for that I look to--what need and what part of me plays in this and in what way. If I did not acknowledge and live with my addictions in a way that works for me, I fear I would feel so superior, itself an addiction. The Buddha himself went through overcoming a lot of addictions to his path of enlightenment. Seeking can be an addiction. It is one I have also done. Lots of these dating sites have addicted people who are searching---addicted to the search. Took me a while to recognize that. Coming to understanding about anything, seeking the aha is also a current addiction--one I observe. Being able to observe more and faster on the internet is also a current addiction.

Some people would say I am addicted to this body. I have a real fear from reading about others who wish to give it up to become enlightened or to interface with robots or become have robotic to know more do more faster. I often ask do these people read enough, know enough, feel enough to make these decisions....

Are you addicted to the questions that the internet raises in your mind? Questions usually mean changing and contemplating changing which feels like a process to me right now and not so much an addiction. We comment---you decide. LOL

Best wishes in your continuing awareness of who you are.....

[ulli]

My hunch is that you are about to have a major breakthrough and could figure out any moment
how you can use the Internet in a most creative and effective way.
The kind of creativity that would give you a sense of fulfillment and also benefit other people big-time.

This kind of anticipation can bring forth shadowy fears....as if an excuse is needed not to go ahead.

And what fear is greater than the one that reminds us of a time in our past
where we were totally engulfed and became powerless?

You do not have to become a victim of Internet addiction just because you have passion in you.
There is a difference between passion and addiction.
Find yourself, then BE yourself, then BLAST the universe with what you've got, and have a blast yourself.

And then USE the greatest tool of self expression that has ever been invented, namely the Internet.

[Lettherebelight]

I think the word addiction gets banded around a lot these days, and along with the word comes a lot of negative connotations ; shame, powerlessness , recovery, it's a disease etc.

I think it's up to you to decide if it's a problem or not. Like my wise grandma used to say , " too much of ANY thing is a problem".

Don't be too hard on yourself, I would say probably 90% of ppl here spend too much time on the Internet. Remembering that 67% of statistics are made up on the spot. I know if I was not reading the Internet I would be reading something else.....he'll my parents used to joke that I'd even run to the door to pick the junk mail up so I could read it. For me it's just information, and information is just another perception into the world around me.

Having said all that bout finding balance in all that we do. And maybe you have recognised a potential problem.

One other alternative to cutting yourself off completely is installing a parental control type software that can restrict usage to a prescribed amount of time a day. I just did a quick google search and there seems to be a few pieces of software that do this.

Many a cogent point here, King. I laughed at your folk's joking about you reading the junk mail. And I am sure your Grandmother had it right in saying too much of anything can lead to problems. I agree that 'addiction' is just a word.

Everyone has unique circumstances regarding schedules, commitments and responsibilities. So we will all manage ourselves accordingly. For myself, a bi-weekly drop-in would probably be enough, as I am not contributing on or starting major threads currently.

But I thank Midnight for his honesty in starting this thread, it has brought up a lot of good points, and a reminder to myself of how precious our time is. The gift of our time is no small thing. I have benefitted from so many people's knowledge here, so thanks to everyone who participates on this forum, and beware of those who would steal your precious time.

Well wishes to all.

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/021/6/1/Picture_association_by_tempus_fugit.jpg

[jagman]

Good for you midnight. This cyber world is not reality.

[Lettherebelight]

Agreed Jagman, but at the same time, the people of this forum are very real indeed. Their contributions leave definite imprints on our minds.

Like I said, I feel greatly enriched by individuals here, without ever having met them. One case in point, is our Avalon friend, Jorr Llundstrom. There is a definite beauty in the association to be found here.

It's just a question of balance...for me, anyway.

[lookbeyond]

What an informative post and useful way of looking at things- thanks write4change

[jackovesk]

I have an 'Addiction in uncovering the Truth' and that is the Only reason I'm on the internet..!

[peace]

what a refreshingly open and honest thread.

and some unsolicited advice which you can take or not:
it sounds like you could use some time away, with a schedule that you don't deviate from for your internet usage when you return.

the fact you feel it's bad/overwhelming for YOU is enough.

define things you 'need' to look up, say daily, and check them. be very honest with YOURSELF on the need. don't worry about others and their opinions (Mine included).

look at it like titration off medication (ha!!): cut back a little per day, a little more the next week, see if you can make it a day, another, and so on.

the internet is a magnificent tool that will probably save us all one day, be a rallying point if needed when things go haywire, and can be used for so much good. i'm not talking conspiratorial. just that it will be utilized more than it's current form now and it's a tool civilizations before us didn't have.

it can also be a place where people do have too much usage and relationships, physical health and emotional energy can be detrimentally affected. and don't think for a second that it can't be something one becomes addicted to. anyone can become addicted to anything.

it sounds like you have support from family. utilize it if you think this is something you need to back off on. wouldn't hurt to try, at least.

my main thought is: everyone else is connected. if there's something i NEED to know, it will get to me, somehow, from someone (whether i know them or not) at some point.

[ghostrider]

sometimes I deny myself something I want to remind my brain who is running who. . schedule a net hour once a day , and then turn the pc off.