Technology: The Middle Way

It’s an awesome time to be a human being on planet earth, and technology is a huge part of that. At Headspace, that’s something we reflect on everyday, given that technology is such a big part of what we do. In the 3000 year history of meditation, there simply hasn’t been a way to offer the practice to so many people, in such a short period of time. It would have taken more than a lifetime to deliver guided meditations to all of our users one-on-one. And with Headspacers in more than 150 countries, it would have required a lot of travel too.

But we also recognise that technology presents one of the biggest challenges in society. In a world which is already running hard and fast, the digital chatter can often be overwhelming. And who can blame us? There seem to be more messages than ever to respond to, more emails to read, more videos to watch and more feeds to update than ever before. It’s almost as though it’s designed to keep us distracted. Maybe that’s why we find it so absorbing. So, no surprise that without the right care and attention, too much technology can leave us feeling worn-out and out of touch with the people we care about most.

If and when these conditions should arise, it can be tempting to reject technology altogether, to throw away our phone in an attempt to cut ourselves off from the noise of the world. But these ‘all or nothing’ approaches rarely work for long. Not to mention that if we are simply replacing being completely obsessed with using technology to being completely obsessed with not using technology, then we are quite likely to experience just as much noise and tension in the mind. After all, an obsession is an obsession and each requires just as much effort to maintain.

So, I’d suggest that it’s worth looking for a more balanced and sustainable approach. Sure it may not sound as radical or extreme as we think we might need, but it is likely to be far more effective. After all, it’s not technology or mindfulness, it’s simply mindful use of technology.

For the next few months, we’re going to be exploring this point of view. Ironically enough, we’ll be doing it on the blog, on Twitter, on Facebook and in even with some online events and podcasts. To give you a bit of a sneak-peek, here’s the framework of what we’re calling ‘Technology: the Middle Way’. I hope you can join us, it’s going to be great.
 

1. Choose Wisely
It is not what what technology does to us, but what we do to technology. Get smart with technology and use it in a way which benefits both you and those around you.

2. Prioritise Daily
Life is short. There are only so many moments to enjoy. So prioritize what’s most important and cultivate technology habits which make you feel happy, healthy, content and connected.

3. Respond Calmly
A reactive mind is an unpredictable mind, easily agitated and often overwhelmed. Learn how to train the mind to be calmer, clearer and less reactive before each interaction online.

4. Live Skillfully
Weren’t all these devices meant to save us time? So perhaps it’s worth spending the time we save on something other than technology, something which makes us feel a little more alive.

5. Breathe Deeply
How often have you sent an email to the wrong person or said something online you later regret? Take time to pause, to breathe, to check, before posting or sending into the world.

6. Engage Socially
The digital age has the potential to break down barriers, to bring us closer together, allowing us to shape and define the values by which we live. Support that which makes a difference.

7. Reflect Continually
The risk with technology is that we get lost in it. Maybe that’s even part of its appeal. But just checking in with our intention beforehand can help us to do less of what we might later regret.

8. Communicate Kindly
The digital space allows us to say what we want, how we want and when we want to say it. So play nice, understanding that feelings are every bit as real online as they are are offline.

 

Blog by Headspace, source: https://www.headspace.com/blog/view