TechmindfultechnologyAnderson Cooper

Why It's Harder Than Ever To Unplug From Our Devices

Why It's Harder Than Ever To Unplug From Our Devices
Open Image Modal
By 

Associate Third Metric Editor, The Huffington Post

|

We're living in a time when a seemingly endless number of devices and apps are demanding our attention, while claiming to make our lives better and easier. However, this overpowering presence of technology actually makes it harder than ever to achieve a healthy balance of connectivity and disconnection -- certainly harder than it was a generation ago.

"There are no contemplative times that are built into our day like they used to be," Wisdom 2.0 conference founder Soren Gordhamer told Anderson Cooper in a mindfulness-themed "60 Minutes" broadcast on Sunday night. "When I was a kid, my dad came home at 5, and I don't remember him getting work calls or checking his emails -- we didn't have email. There were naturally built-in contemplative moments. That doesn't exist anymore."

During this segment of the show, Cooper led a discussion with Gordhamer, Twitter manager Jana Friedman, University of Massachusetts neuroscientists Jean King and Carl Fulwiler, and Wisdom Labs founder Rich Fernandez about the challenges of making time for pauses and meditative moments in our technology-saturated lives.

"What people are realizing is that constant connectivity is great for part of the day, but if you do it your entire day, you're more stressed, you can't sleep, you're less present with your kids," said Gordhamer. "They're hungry for some way to say, 'I need time for myself and I need time for some kind of contemplative space in my day.'"

The broadcast also featured a crew of prominent mindfulness figures, including founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction Jon Kabat-Zinn, congressman Tim Ryan, engineer and mindfulness guru Chade-Meng Tan, Google vice president Karen May, and psychiatrist and neuroscientist Judson Brewer, M.D., from the University of Massachusetts.

Watch the clip from "60 Minutes" above (via CBS).

Before You Go

14 Mantras for Mindful Living in 2014
Self-Compassion: Self Care Is Not Selfish(01 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for self-compassion: Self care is not selfish. When we don't fill our own vessel, we give from a place of empty. When we give from a place of empty, we don't give of our best self. True acts of self care involve nurturing the heart and soul with activities that bring you sustained joy. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Compassion Towards Others: Share a Smile(02 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for compassion towards others: I share a smile. How can we show compassion for others? Share a smile, a warm embrace, or a kiss with a loved one. With human touch, a powerful hormone oxytocin is released which will elevate the mood and reduce stress hormones in our brains and body. Photo by B.C. Lorio
In Giving Forgiveness, I Am Healed (03 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for forgiveness: In giving forgiveness, I am healed. If we cannot forgive ourselves or another, we fuel negative emotions such as anger and resentment. Once we make a choice to forgive, our mind, heart, and soul is open for healing and love. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Disconnect to Reconnect (04 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra to reconnect: I disconnect to reconnect. Our digital devices can be a source of constant distractions and create an inability to focus. Make a commitment to power off for a minimum of 20 minutes daily in order to refocus, reconnect, and re-energize. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Attitude of Gratitude(05 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for gratitude: I choose an attitude of gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our life, our minds tune into a positive frequency attracting more blessings. Grateful people live happier and healthier lives. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Gracious Listening (06 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for listening: I practice gracious listening. To be truly present for another human being, just listen. Gracious listening is the ability to be present and listen without having judgment. Gracious listening is also hearing what another has to say without trying to formulate a response in your own mind. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Connect to Joy (07 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for happiness: I connect to joy. Happiness is transient when we look to external objects or circumstances for pleasure. To connect to inner joy, try to be present in the moment and take pleasure in the simple things in life. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Be One With Nature (08 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra to be present in the moment: I will be one with nature. When we feel like we can't slow down our hectic lives or our racing minds, stepping out into nature helps us to pause. When we are one with nature, we are one with ourselves. This is being present in the current moment. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Breathe (09 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for mindfulness: breathe. How can we remember to be present and pay attention to the current moment? All we need to do is remember to breathe. Inhale deeply. Exhale deeply. Repeat. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Be Still (10 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra to quiet the chaos: I allow myself to be still. External distractions always have the possibility to throw us off balance. We can choose to be still. When we choose to be still, we can connect to inner peace despite the external chaos. Photo by B.C. Lorio
One Step In a New Direction (11 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for moving forward: I take one step in a new direction. It is easy to feel overwhelmed if we want to make a change in our personal or professional lives. Instead of feeling fearful, stuck, or stagnant in a situation, ask yourself one question. What is one step you can take to move in a new direction? Photo by B.C. Lorio
How Can I Be of Service?(12 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra to create a difference: how can I be of service? We all want to spread good in the world. When you walk into a new situation, pause. Ask yourself, "How can I truly be of help or service?" Through a small action, we can make a big difference in another person's life. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Take a Leap of Faith (13 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra to overcome fear: I take a leap of faith. Let go of your fear and hold on to your dreams. This is how we can take that leap of faith. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Flow From a Place of Grace (14 of14)
Open Image Modal
Mantra for ease: I flow from a place of grace. It is difficult to be in the moment when we are worried about an outcome of a situation. If we allow life to unfold with trust that everything is occurring in perfect timing, we can then flow from a place of grace. Photo by B.C. Lorio
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip