Inside Yoga 55 (28/5/12)
Last week I came across a newspaper article, in the Observer, “Want to improve your efficiency? Try switching off”. It was a thought-provoking article, which highlighted that some businesses had come to the conclusion that if staff all switched off their Smart phones, Blackberries etc at a selected time, they would have a break and come back “on” with more enthusiasm for their work and more efficiency.
This article highlighted how our modern society has become addicted to the latest technology – and although these hi-tech gadgets have improved our lives they also come with potential risks. For example, in philosophical terms, using money as a comparison, having a lot of money is not a problem in itself, it depends upon our relationship and level of attachment to the money we might have or not have, and how we use it – which also relates to our intentions behind our actions, that might cause suffering and problems.
In our current modern way of living many of us use mobile technology to stay connected, with emails on our Blackberries, iPhones and Smart phones, texts and even the conventional ringing tone that means we have an actual phone call! The latest mobiles do not switch off, or so I am told – as I am sticking to my basic Nokia for calls and texts. I can, apparently email with it, but that function is never used and the first thing I did when I got this phone was to remove the internet short-cut from my phone!! I use the email when at home in my little office.
The advertisements highlight and rejoice with the fact that we are always connected – our phone will always be on!!! Everyone and anyone can get hold of us almost anywhere depending upon coverage and reception etc, but this is where our relationship with technology can bring adverse affects.
Simply put, if we are aware that our phone is on, we do not switch off and relax, and take a break. Any time, night or day, some people can expect to be contacted. There have been numerous reports highlighting how stressed some people can get over being connected, from the anxiety when the coverage is lost, to anxiety when the coverage is there but stress of waiting and expecting an email or text!!! We hate waiting TOO LONG! This addiction to being connected means we are becoming increasingly impatient and stressed. We hate it when our mobile has remained inactive for too long. We might fear our business deal has failed or perhaps, “no one likes me” when our inbox remains empty for a few minutes.
Being connected can leave us disconnected!
My concern here is that in our efforts to be connected and switched on, we have become disconnected from our own needs, both physically and mentally. Ironically being connected can result in disconnection – in other places. Our mind and body can be harmed by the addiction to being connected and switched on all the time. Simply put, all of us need breaks.
We do not have to reject these technological wonders of our modern world, but it would be wise to be more aware of them and our relationship with them. As pointed out above, it’s our relationship and intentions which are important in our actions.
Finding time to switch off our smart phone, iPads, iPhones and Blackberries – and I am sure they can be turned off or should I say disarmed – will make a difference, as this Observer article reported.
Furthermore, it is important to connect with our body and mind, to give it what it needs, which usually means some quiet time – whether that is on the garden or going for a walk. Practising yoga or simply sitting to meditate can act as the therapeutic remedy for the sickness of being always “on”. Remember though to turn the phone off when practising if you want to guarantee some space and quiet.
If you are just about the say “I cannot turn it off”, even if you are a “doctor on call”, there will be times when you are able to turn it off, but this can be the hardest part. Having the courage and strength to turn it off, and keep it off for the allotted time, can be a very hard act.
Being connected to how we feel, how we think and our whole inner being is important. Taking care of this will help us to have the energy to work, rest and play in a healthier way.
But we can do it. Think about it like an addiction, to smoking for example. It’s a habit and breaking habits can be harder, and the first step is the self-awareness of our habits and patterns, as we might not even realise the cause of our stress is being “switched on 24/7”. Be connected with ourselves at the same time as being connected with the world beyond.
Have a go, and switch everything off for a little bit. You might enjoy it.
The Observer article, May 20 can be found at http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/may/20/smartphone-email-switch-off-productivity
