Month: April 2023

Much of what we see presently was incomprehensible for most people just forty years ago. The average person then could not likely have imagined what the average person now has access to. The idea of so many people walking around today with personal, portable hand-held computers was inconceivable.

Think about the amazing blessings of technology. The ability to access information in mere seconds can be both convenient and wonderful. Reaching nearly anyone at any time expedites solutions to problems and brings loved ones together sooner. Unprecedented advances in a wide range of fields such as medicine are taking place due to technology. So why are timeouts needed for users?

Human beings are not machines. We are mental, emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual beings. Technology is not a human being. As complex beings with emotions, we must rest. That includes the brain. If you operate as a machine, you invite suffering. Mentally and emotionally, you can become consumed with personal technology to the point of burnout and other major health issues such as severe insomnia and brain dysregulation. In everyday life, obsession with the cell phone can be a real impediment in relationships. The next time you go to a restaurant or public place, observe the engagement people have with their phones versus each other.

Here is where the idea of balance can help. Only the user can decide when enough is enough. Utilize these steps to move toward a sense of balance:

• Monitor how often you are engaged with technology, particularly your cell phone.
• Put your phone and laptop away completely for an hour, maybe longer, unless you are on call in your work. Notice your thoughts and how you react during that timeout.
• Consider how you may be using your phone and technology as an escape from resolving problems or engaging with loved ones. Reflect on any physical consequences you may be experiencing from lack of sleep, poor diet, or lack of motivation and its possible connection to technological overuse.
• Challenge yourself to put your phone away at meals with others.

 

 

What do you wish you could undo from the past?

Former actions or inactions can plague you. Many people want to somehow rewrite their history in specific ways. Have you ever remarked that you wished you could go back to a previous time to correct something or perhaps do it differently altogether?

Unfortunately, you cannot. What’s done, is done. So many people struggle with that. However, letting go of the regret associated with the past is paramount to moving forward.

First, know that no amount of regret or guilt will change what has already happened. Can you accept that fact? If so, there’s a good chance you can shift. The reason that acceptance is fundamental in relinquishing regret is that amplifying your mistakes will only perpetuate negative feelings which keeps you stuck. If you’ve been doing this for awhile in your life, it may take a bit of practice over time to naturally access acceptance.

Secondly, you don’t want to overemphasize your shortcomings at the expense of staying balanced. Embrace the idea that it’s time to let go, forgive yourself, and stop punishing yourself over and over for the same mistake. Punishing yourself merely reinforces a self-defeating pattern and does nothing to alter the past. Living in the past thwarts your enjoyment of the present moment. When you halt your mental chastising, you free up energy to feel good and make desired changes for your future.

Realize that you’re not alone. Every human being has made mistakes in their lives. It’s simply a part of the human condition. Instead of resenting yourself for your missteps, commit to creating better responses in the future. Take responsibility for the past, but focus more on the present moment and the future. Take a breath. Literally shake off the energy when you catch yourself feeling regretful again and consciously let it loose. That is where your true power resides.