Day 27: YES Unplugged

This is perhaps the most beautiful time in human history; it is really pregnant with all kinds of creative possibilities made possible by science and technology which now constitute the slave of man - if man is not enslaved by it. ~Jonas Salk

Happy Day 27 everyone!
I just love that quote by Jonas Salk. It really makes you want to pause – shut your laptop (ironic since I am writing this on my laptop – and you are reading it on something electrical) – and unplug! Over these past 27 days we have been making time to pause – reflect – and notice. If we are not careful, technology can add to the distraction of life that allows us to be stimulated without having to be awake and conscious. I struggle with this all of the time.



Day 27: YES Unplugged
Your assignment for today is to unplug from your electronics for a minimum of 15 minutes. Can you turn off the iPod and TV, shut the laptop, and turn off your smart phone? For some of you 15 minutes might be a piece of cake – but I have a feeling it could be tough for some of us. If you really want to push yourself – challenge yourself to see how long you can go today without having to check a text, check your e-mail, check a score, watch a show, listen to a song, etc. How long can you go? AND, if you are not tuning in – what are you doing instead?!

I can’t wait to hear how it goes!!!!

Theme Song: Let’s keep posting those songs! I thought I would share mine. It is actually a tie between two songs from the same musical, Wicked. For awhile I would listen to "Defying Gravity" as my “take on the world” mantra song. But more recently, "For Good" represents the grace and perfection of appreciating every relationship and experience in our lives. It is perfect just the way it is – no regrets…ever! But, the tipping point came during Oprah’s final show – when her team surprised her with Kristen Chinoweth singing "For Good" to Oprah live in the United Center. As she sings, hundreds of young African-American men walk down the aisles carrying candles. These are all men Oprah provided scholarships for over the years. Even writing this gets me choked up! Here is the clip…enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3XHw9Hbg-4

YES Parenting: (Of course there will eventually be a 30 Day program for this :) A friend of mine sent me this wonderful example of thoughtful parenting – and the beauty and innocence of children – living their YES:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/awwww-read-seven-old-heart-melting-letter-kyle-214810120.html

YES And…Remember, if you want to be added to the YES And Program after 30 days – just send me your e-mail!

Have a great YES day!

Travis Thomas
Laughing Yes
travislthomas@mac.com



i thank You God for most this amazing
day; for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes.
--e. e. cummings