Unplugging one day a week? Inspired to follow the lead of director Tiffany Shlain

Tiffany Shlain wants everyone to take a weekly day off gadgets

I felt so energized this weekend after talking to filmmaker Tiffany Shlain. And not just about the power of conversation, the subject of my latest GeekWire column.

In our conversation at the Napa Valley Film Festival Friday, she reiterated what she had told viewers after a screening of her latest film, “Connected: An Autobiography of Love, Death, and Technology:” that she unplugs completely from technology for one day a week, and believes everyone should do the same.

To her, unplugging isn’t about losing stress and obligations. It’s about gaining perspective. It’s thanks to her routine unplugging, she says, that she acknowledges and feels daily grateful for the amazing capabilities connected technologies provide.

I hadn’t thought of it quite that way before. At least, not deeply. But I’m convinced she has a point — and not by any means a new one.

Shlain takes her weekly day off from tech on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. The tradition of the Jewish day of rest, she explained, is not just about taking a break from life, but about gaining perspective on what it means to be living. Time off leads to a better understanding of the time you’re on.

So today I asked on Facebook: Has anyone done this — committed to taking a day off connected technology every week? Should I try it? The response was encouraging. Check it out here.

It’s no secret I’m a nut for connectivity tools — especially the ones I carry around in my pocket.

“I give you 2 hours max!” wrote my friend Nadja.

But who knows? I may just give this routine unplugging thing a whirl….