Prior musings have outlined a method of optimizing physical, mental and spiritual health by focusing on self-care and embracing the mindful attitudes of non-judgmental acceptance, patience, curiosity, trust, non-striving,letting go and kindness
I am using my iPad keyboard to write about mindful unplugging from electronics! These ubiquitous devices can be a tremendous benefit, or if overused, a detriment to living mindfully. As our devices become more pervasive and sophisticated they increasingly occupy our time. The tempations are huge,resistance almost futile. This became apparent as I write this on a holiday where there is no WiFi and very limited computer access. This forced “unplugging” has freed up time to meditate,exercise, read, write,connect with fellow travellers and generally “recharge” MY batteries,instead of my devices.
It is somewhat alarming to witness and experience the disconnect that device overuse is causing. Who is in the driver’s seat-your device or you?? Face to face social interaction is increasingly interrupted by the compulsion to answer every ping of incoming email, texts, Facebook updates,etc. I am concerned that the generation raised in the electronic virtual world will have enormous thumbs but very limited social skills and life experience.
The many benefits of shared knowledge, improved information gathering and timely communication provided by our devices needs to tempered with balanced, mindful living beyond the virtual world.
Mindfulness is the purposeful paying attention to our life moment by moment as we are experiencing it. Mindful awareness may allow us to notice when we are overly caught up in the captivating world wide “web” that has been weaved. This noticing allows us to make choices–stay in the virtual world or take a break and experience the real world for a while. Perhaps a healthier balance of device time versus real-world time will emerge. I will shortly turn off my iPad , recharge it and then head outdoors for my own recharge!
Mindful Home Practice:
Mindfully reflect on the following questions:
How much “screen time” occupies you daily or weekly? How much is useful,nourishing activity,how much “zoning out” by aimlessly trolling the internet,YouTube, Facebook, sending Tweets, texting, gaming,etc?
Are you experiencing a healthy balance of screen time vs face-to-face socializing,creative hobbies,exercise,nature,etc? See if you can improve this balance over the next few months and continue to monitor yourself using mindfulness skills and journaling.
Please visit www.managestress.ca for further mindfulness resources.