A little over a week ago, E and I decided to unplug our TV and stick it in the basement. We would experiment with TV-free living for a week and then evaluate the situation. Ten days later the TV is still in the basement, and I think it will stay there, perhaps for good.

I must clarify something up front: it isn’t as if we are going without television programing this week; we’ve been catching up on our favorite shows like The Office and Scrubs but by watching them online rather than on the television. My brother-in-law also loaned us the first season of Lost, through which we have slowly been making our way. So, in a sense we’ve been watching plenty of TV. Still, this experiment has had noticeable effects on our lives: the largest and most important of which is that we’re happier.

This is, of course, the main question. I am a firm believer in shalom – not the normal translation of “peace” but in the fuller translation of well-being and safety. In other words, we were created by God to live in certain ways, and when we do, we are happier and in a better state – shalom. As strange as it may sound, the television steals something from me and my wife. We would sit and switch channels, dissatisfied by the lack of entertainment yet caught in the attempt to find it. We would begin watching TV during dinner and would often continue until we had to turn it off in order to complete a few short tasks before bed, like sending an email, doing a load of laundry, or washing some dishes. It wasn’t wrong. I’m not even sure it is a moral issue at all. But I believe it was unhealthy for me, as if I was not made to spend my time in that way.

Since the TV made the long trek into the musky purgatory of the basement, I’ve noticed several changes around the home. For starters, E and I are more active. We’ve gone on several walks, played frisbee, and almost went on a bike ride (a flat tire deflated that plan). I actually spent some time working on the bikes to get ready for the ride. For someone who avoids routine maintenance like the scourge of civilization that it is, getting up the energy to work on something that isn’t completely broken is like trying to eat only one donut hole – nearly impossible.

Another pleasant result from the TV ban is that my wife and I talk more. When the TV is on, it is difficult for me to have a conversation. I get distracted too easily. We’ve replaced the TV with other activities (like, again, walking) that are much more conducive to holding a conversation. Conversations with E are joys not be missed.

And finally, no TV means I have plenty of time to read books and online goodies like feeds and posts and to blog – and what could be better than that?