I agree with your take on meditation (theologically), but to play devil's advocate: I think the common idea of "emptying your mind" could actually be seen as focusing on something, even if that something is "nothing," or silence.
I've found that one of the best things for "unplugging" is actually Instapaper and other readers. Instead of flitting from link to link and doing shallow reading on HN or Reddit, I tend to send a few things a day to Instapaper so I can focus on them in a better context for reading. I absorb a lot more, and I am less distracted by articles while I'm trying to work, and less distracted by work while I'm trying to read! I'm very thankful for that app.
Instapaper is fantastic, but focusing on an article has nothing to do with meditation. An article is someone else's thoughts. Meditation is stilling one's thoughts.
I use Instapaper religiously (hah!). The bad thing is how it became a graveyard of oh-so-awesome-must-read articles and less a queue of stuff I do read. :)
As to the "emptying your mind", all I said was that if you're focused on "emptying" you might miss what goes on to "fill" it. If your focus is on what you're filling it with, you'll automatically start "emptying" it of what shouldn't be there. :)
Also check out "The Way of the Warrior" classes on meditation for different methods. You don't always have to focus on the breath or try to empty your mind.
I've found that one of the best things for "unplugging" is actually Instapaper and other readers. Instead of flitting from link to link and doing shallow reading on HN or Reddit, I tend to send a few things a day to Instapaper so I can focus on them in a better context for reading. I absorb a lot more, and I am less distracted by articles while I'm trying to work, and less distracted by work while I'm trying to read! I'm very thankful for that app.