Low-tech, no-tech…can we do it?

Life without technology? I know what you are thinking…heresy!

It isn't easy to imagine living without the technology we know and love. We owe technology for our modern and comfortable way of life in our everyday interaction. You are probably asking yourself if there was no technology, do you need to go back and find an old-fashioned alarm clock. Waking up can suddenly become a chore. Right? How would I wake up? Picture this—no Alexa or smartphone to provide my snooze. My slow, but rising sound of the music as time allows me to slowly flutter my eyes open. My window shades are timed to go up to bring in the morning light, and finally, my drop-dead alarm ring is no longer available. Ugh! Or, what about the time change? We just went through the change to daylight saving time. You remember just a short week away when we spring forward? It used to be easy. Now, without technology, every appliance, TV, and automobile no longer seamlessly and mysteriously move to the correct time. Oh no…Who is going to handle that for you?

In fact, right from dawn to dusk, technology is with us. I know, we use our smartphone to call a friend, find out the latest world event, or maybe even view our 'ring' doorbell, to name just a few. We are enjoying the benefits of information technology at its finest. Yes, technology is my friend and yours. We want to, no, need to, treat technology with respect, awe, and reverence as we now have information at our fingertips. 

I am asking you, however, to consider putting aside your reliance on technology for a day, or maybe a weekend, and enjoy the no-tech world of nature at its finest.

Spring is about to begin. The weather will be fluid, regardless of where in the country you live. Think about it. You don't need to check the weather app to see what the weather holds in store for you this weekend. Trust me, look out the window, open the door and feel the air… you'll know.

Great, we are off to a strong start. Next, rally the grandkids. These activities also work virtually, so give them a little heads up on technology-free weekends and set them up for some fantastic memories.

So, what do you "do" with them? In the resources section of our website, we have captured some great ideas that engage the senses, imagination, and wonder, but here are the top three things to do that are tech-free.

#1 – Take a nature scavenger hunt. There are animals, nature, and beauty that only happen in the spring, right in front of us. See a caterpillar crawling on a nearby branch. Days from now, it will become a cocoon and then, if by magic, become a butterfly. Take a scavenger hunt and find all the joys of spring. We have provided a scavenger hunt card for your use, but feel free to use your imagination and find things that may only be found in your city, town, or street.

#2- Ride a bike. Two-wheel, Four-wheel, training wheel, it doesn't matter. Young and old alike can enjoy the wind in our faces, helmets on our heads, air in our tires, and maybe a basket packed for an impromptu picnic. Now find a patch of grass, and perhaps even an ant or two will show up and can be checked off on your scavenger hunt.

#3- Pull out the chalk. The sidewalks have been cleaned by nature and are ready for the budding artist to create whatever our imagination provides—Yellow, pink, green flowers, kids in shorts and smiles, or maybe even a hopscotch game. Whatever the imagination offers, a little chalk can capture it.

I know it's easier said than done, but with a positive attitude, a commitment to be "tech-free," and an enthusiastic challenge to your grandkids, you might be pleasantly surprised with the results—