Don'ts

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Here is a list of things I don't do or try to avoid. This is not meant to judge or virtue signal, nor do I expect the list to stay the same forever or be prescriptive for everyone. The inspiration behind this is the concept of the via negativa - originally a theological method of defining God by what He isn't, but later broadened and popularized by Nassim Taleb to refer to non-advice that makes statistically chaotic systems (like life) more robust.

💊 behavioral addiction

• I don't have 24/7 internet access at home.
• I don't have a web browser or media apps on my phone.
• I don't get notifications for texts.
• I don't use devices when family is in the kitchen.
• I don't fill every waking second with noise or distraction.

🙈 propaganda

• I don't have any social media accounts.
• I am not subscribed to anyone that I don't know personally.
• I don't follow the news.
• I don't identify with any political group or ideology.
• I don't listen to talk radio.
• I don't listen to secular podcasts (in my L1). I don't listen to heterodox podcasts.
• I don't watch or listen to ASMR/voice acting roleplays.
• I don't have any feeds or apps to doomscroll.
• I don't use 4chan or other image boards.
• I don't put up with ads online.
• I don't watch TV by myself.
• I don't watch movies by myself.
• I don't re-watch or re-read fiction, no matter how tempting the nostalgia is.
• I don't use AI for questions better suited for a friend, therapist, or priest.
• I don't use porn.

🧹 minimalism

• I don't wear or adorn myself with brand names and pop culture images.
• I don't have any images as my lock/home screens.
• I don't decorate personal spaces.
• I don't keep items for their nostalgic or sentimental value.
• I don't pirate music or video.

💵 money

• I don't own a car.
• I don't buy food from restaurants or cafeterias unless I'm inviting someone.
• I don't window shop or impulse buy.
• I don't pay for haircuts.
• I don't lend money I don't intend to give away.
• I don't pay for media, especially for streaming services where you don't actually own anything.
• I don't use air conditioning or heating.

👀 privacy

• I don't use proprietary software on my own volition.
• I don't use any online messaging platforms besides the one my church uses.
• I don't use third party email services.
• I don't use Apple products.
• I don't have a Google account.
• I don't use smart devices.
• I don't use cloud services.

🩺 health

• I don't buy sugary food and drinks.
• I don't use recreational drugs.
• I don't take prescription medication.
• I don't use hair growth supplements or products.
• I don't sleep past sunrise.
• I don't drink more than one cup of coffee (6 oz) a day.
• I don't carry phones in my pocket.
• I don't use deodorant; baking soda is enough.

🙇 etiquette

• I don't swear.
• I don't use my phone when I'm with another person.
• I don't play sound on speakers in public.
• I don't have my ringer on in public unless I'm expecting a call.
• I don't talk on the phone indoors or in crowded places.
• I don't use my phone while walking or driving.
• I don't send unsolicited memes to people or groups.

☦️ Fr. Thomas Hopko

• I don't bring attention to myself.
• I don't defend or justify myself when offended.
• I don't complain.
• I don't share my opinion unless asked.
• I don't argue or convince anyone of anything.
• I don't eat meat on fasting days.

other

• I don't play video games.
• I don't take pictures or videos when I'm with people.
• I don't talk about others unless giving praise.
• I don't identify with the media I've consumed.
• I don't identify with my thoughts, feelings, or vices.
• I don't bring up what I do for a living.
• I don't feel entitled to anything.
• I don't care about sports.
• I don't make friends on the internet.
• I don't teach people that don't put the effort in or could learn better another way.
• I don't look for sales or promotional work.
• I don't network for the sake of "getting ahead".