GIGO is the expression of a concept common to computer science and mathematics, i.e., the quality of output is determined by the quality of input. I think it is a concept applicable to our spiritual life. Let me explain.
Every day I get a plethora of email messages. Some I look forward to and others I have no clue why I am receiving them. I guess it’s due to some algorithm formula of various cyber sights I searched in the past. Regardless of why they come, I have no desire to receive or read them. But I’ve discovered a way to stop them. At the end of most messages is the word “unsubscribe.” I simply tap that, and, “Puff!” the unwanted email sources are gone. Or, at least I hope they are.
The incredible amount of material we get in email has created studies on behavior related to digital clutter. Just as clutter in any form affects our sense of well-being, digital clutter can cause similar feelings. In a related way, the resistance to getting rid of accumulated “stuff” also is shown in how data storage continues to expand, called “digital hoarding.” In other words, we just don’t feel right letting it – things or info or a good article — go.
The quality of the spiritual life depends on what we feed our heart and mind. As the ancient Desert Fathers and Mothers taught, “take care of your thoughts and everything else will take care of itself.” Because we live in such a media-saturated environment, our minds are glutted with information and thoughts. It is a challenge to “unsubscribe.” Also, the consistent spiritual advice of our tradition is to travel lightly. Fasting is emptying ourselves and opening ourselves to what gives life and strengthens our relationship with God.
During these days of Lent, it may be good to ask: What is the quality of our input! What do we read, watch, and ruminate about! Also, what part of the “kingdom of thingdom” as well as our opinions and resentments do we resist letting go of? May the grace of this season enable us to understand GIGO as God in/God out!
-Fr. Dennis Lynch
so true in this era of overload on social media, technology and our dependence on it. Downsizing to what is really necessary in many aspects of our life is healthy. We just had a 4 week simple living, reduce, reuse, recycle, work for zero unnecessary waste here at St. Rose. Certainly increased my awareness of what I can do to simplify living and save our natural resources and live the Pope’s Laudato Si. What we feed our soul, mind, and body is key to a healthy spiritual life. You expressed it so well in your article. I am 3/4 through a book, SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR THE BRAIN: Caring for the mind, body, and soul by Anne Kertz Kernion paperback $14.95 and is probably one of the best practical helps in my spiritual life. The blurb on the back says: “SCIENTISTS ARE DISCOVERING WHAT THE SAINTS ALREADY KNEW: SPIRITUAL PRACTICES HELP THE BODY TOO! paying attention* breathing deeply* pausing in meditation * nurturing gratitude* helping others* enjoying nature. One of the Sisters here introduced me to it and other Sisters here find it one of the best practical books on spiritual life.
thank you
This reflection speaks to me deeply! I enjoy ‘gathering information’ and learning new things. But I struggle with the accumulation of it – both the physical clutter AND those ‘good, faith inspiring’ emails. (My #1 personality trait is ‘Input’), but now I will take your reflection and ask of alllll my ‘input’ what the quality of it is and start whittling down to only those that being me joy.
I love this analogy! I have been thinking about this concept a lot lately and it is so true for our spiritual lives too. We can’t keep letting random things come into our life and take up space. We have to be selective and choose what we want to focus on. It’s so easy to get sidetracked and lose focus.