Turn Off to Tune In

As a society, we gather information so quickly and are online everything.   We talk to our devices forming relationships with Siri and Alexa but miss moments of connection with those near and dear to us.  We are so connected that we are not.  Yogi Bhajan, who brought Kundalini Yoga & Meditation to the United States from India, called this age, the age of information.  He explained that during this time there would be so much access to information that people would start to go berserk.  He prophesized that truth would prevail since information would be so readily available however he also explained that the intake of so much information would create havoc for the human nervous system and we would start to feel heavy amounts of anxiety and disconnection from life.  Have you seen or experienced this?  Maybe you read an article online and then felt strong amounts of fear about how it will affect your family. Or you get anxiety if you don't check your Facebook feed every couple of hours.  Perhaps you can't do anything else until you respond to all your text messages. We have all fallen prey to this and as a result, I have developed techniques that allow us to embrace technology while creating deep meaningful relationships.

Slow Down
Slowing down.  It is easier said than done because one must be present and tuned into each task.  When I move slowly and with intention I create moments that matter for myself and those around me. I strive to turn tasks into experiences -- experiences that create deep connections.  As an example, I try to make dinner with my daughters helping once a week.  We find a recipe online together.  I engage them in different tasks and although it takes longer and can be messier we productively use technology, create a relationship with the food, learn how to serve one another and have fun.

Meditate
In the wee hours of the morning, doing the dishes, when the girls are at school anytime or anywhere I try to tune into myself by closing my eyes and listening to my breath.  I have found that mindfulness does not start and stop on a yoga mat, rather it is a way of being.  For me, taking a moment to close my eyes and breathe long and deep throughout the day brings me mental clarity and simplicity to the day's agenda.  It helps me to remember who I am before the needs of my family or schedule of the day take over.  I recommend starting with 3-5 minutes of pranayama for 14 days.  Journal about your experience and see how you feel.

Turn Off to Tune In
Have you tried technology free weekends?  No phones except for emergencies.  No i-pads, computers or TVs.  Invest the time you are spending without technology into your people and see how it feels.  Take a walk in nature with your partner.  Breathe in the fresh air and smell the flowers.  Go to the park with your children.   I recommend starting with a half day and eventually embracing a technology-free weekend once a month.  

The time we are living in is exciting and advanced.  Ignoring this technological world will not serve anyone, however, I do believe we must find a middle path around it. Turning off to tune in, meditating and simply slowing down helps us not miss the moments that matter.  These moments are what make up our life experience and humanity.  Please give 1 or all these techniques a try.  I would love to hear how it goes for you!

Love,

Jen