How to give up the Internet for Lent

Started by Spooky, February 10, 2013, 07:35:34 PM

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Spooky

February 10, 2013, 07:35:34 PM
It's become painfully obvious that, if I wish to make any spiritual progress this Lent, (or you make up what I've lost) I'm going to have to drastically cut down on my browsing time. Have any of you given up the internet for Lent and if so, how did you do it? And, what were your browsing habits before. I spent practically all my free time on the internet; actually, I spend most of my time on the internet and duties get done in snippets in between. I know if I try to cut it out completely I will fail, so I'm thinking of limiting my Lenten usage to say, 2 hours a day. ( I know that probably seems like a lot, but it's a drastic cut for me).
Any practical solutions? Thank you in advance.

Gottmitunsalex

#1
February 10, 2013, 07:36:16 PM
Get banned from FE.
Just kidding.
"Nothing is more miserable than those people who never failed to attack their own salvation. When there was need to observe the Law, they trampled it under foot. Now that the Law has ceased to bind, they obstinately strive to observe it. What could be more pitiable that those who provoke God not only by transgressing the Law but also by keeping it? But at any rate the Jews say that they, too, adore God. God forbid that I say that. No Jew adores God! Who say so? The Son of God say so. For he said: "If you were to know my Father, you would also know me. But you neither know me nor do you know my Father". Could I produce a witness more trustworthy than the Son of God?"  St. John Chrysostom  Sunday Homily

"The two goals of the Jews: The universal domination of the world and the destruction of Catholicism, out of hatred for Christ" --Mgr. Jouin

Jayne

#2
February 10, 2013, 07:47:27 PM
For me most of my online time is in forums so if I tell people I am giving it up for Lent, they know that I should not be posting.  It is an automatic accountability.

Have a certain time of day that the computer has to stay off until.

Get an accountability partner.  If it is someone who is doing something similar you can check in each day and tell each other how you did keeping your resolves.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.

Spooky

#3
February 10, 2013, 07:56:20 PM

Francisco Suárez

#4
February 10, 2013, 08:12:26 PM
Quote from: Spooky on February 10, 2013, 07:35:34 PM
It's become painfully obvious that, if I wish to make any spiritual progress this Lent, (or you make up what I've lost) I'm going to have to drastically cut down on my browsing time. Have any of you given up the internet for Lent and if so, how did you do it? And, what were your browsing habits before. I spent practically all my free time on the internet; actually, I spend most of my time on the internet and duties get done in snippets in between. I know if I try to cut it out completely I will fail, so I'm thinking of limiting my Lenten usage to say, 2 hours a day. ( I know that probably seems like a lot, but it's a drastic cut for me).
Any practical solutions? Thank you in advance.

Try to decrease the amount of time in increments. If you spend 6+ hours a day browsing (which isn't that uncommon these days), cut it down to 4 hours maximum for a couple of days, and gradually work down over the days that pass to reach an hour a day.

totiusque

#5
February 10, 2013, 08:18:36 PM
Might I suggest a desktop screensaver that says something like --

STAY OFF THE INTERNET!  READ A BOOK!  GET SOME WORK DONE AROUND THE HOUSE!
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
—St John of the Cross

Bonaventure

#6
February 10, 2013, 08:23:18 PM
Spooks, just keep the computer closed. Unplug your modem if need be. It will be hard at first, but will pay off.
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.

Spooky

#7
February 10, 2013, 08:39:48 PM Last Edit: February 10, 2013, 09:09:01 PM by Spooky
Quote from: Bonaventure on February 10, 2013, 08:23:18 PM
Spooks, just keep the computer closed. Unplug your modem if need be. It will be hard at first, but will pay off.

I wish I could do that, but we use the computer for homeschooling. I like the cutting down drastically though, that might work.

Edited to add: good grief, I can't brain today. I meant to say "cutting down graudually"

Bonaventure

#8
February 10, 2013, 08:41:27 PM
Limit yourself to one hour of leisure online, then. If you mess up in the beginning, to be too hard on yourself, and keep working at it. Sometimes I would catch myself listening to music, and would just turn it off.

You can do it!
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.

Pheo

#9
February 10, 2013, 09:15:10 PM
What kind of computer are you using?

I use Macs, but there might be something analogous on Windows if that's what you're using.  You could make yourself a separate account for Lent and use parental controls to limit the total time you can spend on the computer.  These are the options on a Mac (and they seem pretty comprehensive):

Son, when thou comest to the service of God, stand in justice and in fear, and prepare thy soul for temptation.

Spooky

#10
February 10, 2013, 09:25:48 PM
Quote from: Pheo on February 10, 2013, 09:15:10 PM
What kind of computer are you using?

I use Macs, but there might be something analogous on Windows if that's what you're using.  You could make yourself a separate account for Lent and use parental controls to limit the total time you can spend on the computer.  These are the options on a Mac (and they seem pretty comprehensive):



I'm using Windows 7 but I bet it does have parental controls. Thanks for bringing that up, Pheo. This will definitely help.

Pheo

#11
February 10, 2013, 09:31:41 PM
Ha well I'm probably going to copy the idea - I spend way too much time online too.
Son, when thou comest to the service of God, stand in justice and in fear, and prepare thy soul for temptation.

Eliza

#12
February 10, 2013, 09:50:42 PM
Giving up the internet for recreational purposes is one of my Lenten penances.

How am I going to do it? Well, I'm going to have a sit down meeting with God, and say to Him that I promise to give up the internet over Lent. If there is someone that I don't want to break a promise to, it's God. A formal thing like I mentioned will help me keep it. If I didn't keep it, that would mean that I'm a liar. And worst of all, a liar to God.

I'll pray for you Spooky, please pray for me as well!

Spooky

#13
February 10, 2013, 10:10:47 PM
Quote from: Eliza on February 10, 2013, 09:50:42 PM
Giving up the internet for recreational purposes is one of my Lenten penances.

How am I going to do it? Well, I'm going to have a sit down meeting with God, and say to Him that I promise to give up the internet over Lent. If there is someone that I don't want to break a promise to, it's God. A formal thing like I mentioned will help me keep it. If I didn't keep it, that would mean that I'm a liar. And worst of all, a liar to God.

I'll pray for you Spooky, please pray for me as well!

Thanks Eliza, will do!  :pray2:

Theophilus

#14
February 10, 2013, 11:04:50 PM
Put purple crosses around your house and especially on your computer screen edge.  It's a good reminder.
"Only little children and those who are like them shall be admitted to the Heavenly Banquet."–St. Therese of Lisieux
"Because he hath therefore scattered you among the Gentiles, who know not him, that you may declare his wonderful works, and make them know that there is no other Almighty God besides him."
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