"Even before smartphones and the Internet, we had many ways to distract our selves. Now that's compounded by a factor of trillions." Jon Kabbat-Zinn
Thich Nhat Thahn says, "We are very good at preparing to live, but not very good at living. We know how to sacrifice ten years for a diploma, and we are willing to work very hard to get a job, a car, a house, and so on. But we have difficulty remembering that we are alive in the present moment, the only moment there is for us to be alive".
I’m always struck by how our devices have somehow crept in and often taken the place that should be held by an intimate other in our lives. Our phones live right next to our beds at night,get checked in with many, many times a day, and we miss them, sometimes desperately when they are not there.
Thich Nhat Thahn says, "We are very good at preparing to live, but not very good at living. We know how to sacrifice ten years for a diploma, and we are willing to work very hard to get a job, a car, a house, and so on. But we have difficulty remembering that we are alive in the present moment, the only moment there is for us to be alive".
I’m always struck by how our devices have somehow crept in and often taken the place that should be held by an intimate other in our lives. Our phones live right next to our beds at night,get checked in with many, many times a day, and we miss them, sometimes desperately when they are not there.
In Week 7 of an MBSR course we reflect on the habits we would like to change in our lives. The way that we habitually relate to our devices is always in the top 3 of the list.
And it's not just our devices that over-demand our attention. It can feel like our minds have a life of their own, they respond habitually, and our capacity to choose where we rest our attention can feel almost non-existent.
Our minds often seem overly busy, never switching off. The endless chatter can get in the way when we try to rest and sleep. We are so busy thinking that it can compromise our capacity to listen to others.
And it's not just our devices that over-demand our attention. It can feel like our minds have a life of their own, they respond habitually, and our capacity to choose where we rest our attention can feel almost non-existent.
Our minds often seem overly busy, never switching off. The endless chatter can get in the way when we try to rest and sleep. We are so busy thinking that it can compromise our capacity to listen to others.
This is not surprising. We live in a society that rewards complex thinking and planning. These valuable traits have contributed to incredible (and also problematic) developments in science, technology and the arts. While our education system helps train us in this way, there is very little focus on our capacity to pay attention and cultivate awareness. It is no wonder that our constant thinking process is often below the level of our conscious awareness.
If you're not aware that your mind frequently chatters try sitting quietly for 10 minutes focussing on your breath, a basic meditation practice. It's more than likely that you'll be distracted by thoughts many times. This automatic thinking is often the force that drives us through the day. It flavours much of what we do, what we react to, and how we feel.”
If you're not aware that your mind frequently chatters try sitting quietly for 10 minutes focussing on your breath, a basic meditation practice. It's more than likely that you'll be distracted by thoughts many times. This automatic thinking is often the force that drives us through the day. It flavours much of what we do, what we react to, and how we feel.”
Our busy minds, so full of 'important' thoughts, can start to feel more spacious. We may even begin to experience thoughts as thoughts, rather than as "reality". When we are aware of the thought, "I must check my phone as soon as I wake up" as a thought rather than a 'truth', we have some choice. We can choose to 'not act' on 'the thought" and roll over to give our partner a kiss, peek out at the sunrise or listen to the morning birds.
There are many ways to develop your mindfulness practice and a mindfulness-based stress reduction course is a good option. Much of the mindfulness research is based on this course. A certified MBSR teacher will be well trained, and the group will be supportive as you practice and reflect together. The 8- week time-frame will allow you to try it out, struggle, be frustrated, try again and change some habit. It's a serious course, you work hard, but it just might change your phone habits, your relationship with your thoughts and…ultimately your one precious life.
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