: Big Cocoon :
Posted: June 10, 2014 Filed under: Meditation, Yoga | Tags: Arts, Authenticity, blogging, Commuting, compassion, cycling, David Foster Wallace, family, freshly pressed, friends, Gadgets, lululemon, marathon, meditation, motivation, musings, natural, nature, NPR, Omaha, passion, pilates, running, trail running, whole foods, writing, yoga 15 CommentsThe parts of me that used to think I was different or smarter or whatever, almost made me die-
Nineteen powerful words by David Foster Wallace that truly defined who I used to be.
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Last night, while making pizza with my Son, I missed an entire meaningful conversation about the new Star Wars movie he was trying to have with me. I was completely tuned out, and not because I was engrossed in making pizza and snacking on tortilla chips, but because I was engrossed in a NPR news story being played through a small speaker attached to my gadget-thing.
Side Note: Men reading this morning, and ladies alike – because as cunning and sly as you may be … I enjoy taking an extra-long time in the bathroom with my iThingy, I use my small arsenal of “mindless” apps as a means to escape the stress and chaos that often seems to accompany me throughout the day.
These periods of mindless isolation normally do not last very long, usually until one leg falls asleep or NPR news starts getting all high-minded and political while preparing dinner. I genuinely welcome these temporary escapes from the daily grind, although, how much is too much? Honestly, I don’t have an answer to give you and I’d be surprised if anyone else does either.
Daily Meditation:
Perhaps, maybe, it would be ideal if we reintroduced “intention” and “purpose” to our gadget use, even during the times when we are not using them. How cool would it be if we motivated each other to unplug at a time we are normally plugged in? Raise your hand if you are on your gadget minutes after finishing yoga class, in the restroom or making dinner?!? – notice my hands waving in the breeze – Just imagine the new sounds, the new encounters that awaken when we expose our true selves, to the very real world we call home …
CultFit 
I have started taking my cell phone to the rest room to look at email. I figure i’m just sitting there. Who knows, maybe sitting there for an extra minute is healthier.
I think my phone could use a clorox wipe down!
Ha! Same here, I do get a fair amount of work done during these breaks.
I hope you are having a great day, take it easy!
For the past 6 months I have had a position where I-phones, thingies, internet,webs, space book, etc are forbidden ( I love that word, it’s so biblical and official). Lock electronic devices in our lockers and check them on your lunch break. This has been fantastic. I am now in a (forced) habit to check phone messages and texts and everything else at lunch. I then tend to let it go until after dinner. I am also trying to maintain device check in time to morning/ noon/ night everyday, and am trying (so hard) to not check anything on weekends. Try to make posts, phone calls, and text during set times whenever possible. Not a perfect system, devices are very addicting, aren’t they? This is an interesting topic, this device desire…thanks, as always for sharing. Have a great day!
Its truly a pleasure when you stop on over to pay a visit and honestly, I would love to sit down to discuss this topic with you further, in person – not online 😉 Chances are though I’ll start chatting about my perceived best prog rock bands of the early 70’s … Anyways, the turning point for me personally in regards to gadget use was when I was overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Basically I went cold turkey, although there are times where I find myself fully enamored with them …
Be well today and please take care!
Interesting, indeed. I’m addicted. Working on changing that 🙂
Its all about balance, and seeing that we are all unique – cool – folks? It may take some time to fall into a nice comfy spot in regards to technology. As crazy as I may be at times, we need technology in our lives, we do. Work, life, connecting with others … It helps – a ton! When it bleeds over into “other activities” …. Thais when it becomes an issue. I hope this comment finds you in good spirits on this lovely Wednesday morning – take care!
I don’t have a smart phone or i-pad or i-pod, don’t bring gadgets in when I’m in the bathroom or making meals, however, being on the road for so long I have to wave my hand and admit I’ve spent more time than I’d like on the computer. Many of my friends are online friends and even when I was in Seattle for 14 years, it seemed that many friends only connected online.
I don’t talk on the phone when I’m with someone else but am guilty of taking it on walks, as I sometimes like to talk with a friend while walking. I’d prefer them walking next to me but that doesn’t happen much.
When I envision the future life I desire though, it involves more human contact, in person.
I think I will not buy an i-pad and stay way from smart phones as long as possible 🙂
I love what you added to this conversation. We can, and should envision a world with more human contact. Love is the way.
I have thought deeply about your comment during my morning walk, and how I would honestly love to share my reply in person, rather than typing away on a keyboard. But we make do don’t we, with what we have … Moments such as these, between you and I on this beautiful morning, are real, dense with meaning and purpose. This is where technology is pretty cool, cool in the sense that it can add purpose to our lives, when used appropriately. There is a balance to be found that’s for sure. 🙂
Thank you once again for your thoughts and kindness, in a cosmic sort-of-way, your energy and passion for life, moves me and I can’t thank you enough!
Thanks for your comment “in the stillness of willow hill”.
And “cult fit”, would love to meet you someday and share in person. I feel we’d have great conversations. I followed my reading of the Nebraska novel with a Garrison Keilor novel about Lake Wobegon, thus staying in the mid-west culture 🙂
And I agree about technology because i have formed deep friendships online and been able to stay in touch with many friends via email. I’d still prefer to be able to play music with my friends in person, go for walks, make meals and share them, just hang out through life’s mundane moments made magical by sharing them with friends!
I read to my son most every night (or he read to me) and I played guitar and sang to him, until he went to college. I wouldn’t have missed those special moments for anything.
My husband and I made the decision to get rid of our smartphones about two years ago. Not only did it save us money, but it has forced us to engage with one another (as well as our children) with more purpose. This was such an excellent read; thanks for sharing! 🙂
Stories like the one you so kindly shared – are amazing!
I’m more addicted to NPR than my smartphone lol
Same here mate, and the when the two get mixed up for me? Trouble and chaos ensues! I sincerely hope you are having a great week so far, take care and be well.
You as well!