Today’s my 35th birthday (this calculation is based upon going back in time) and as I was fishing through my files to send yet another book off to be published, I found the following magazine column I wrote back in 2006 – a scant ten years ago.
You’re going to enjoy reading this article, especially in light of recent surveys and tests, wherein you will find the MAJORITY of our population, both children and adults, are addicted to their “smart phones.”
Here ’tis:
Just got back from a walk along the beach with a couple clients. While trapsing across the sand and shells – and avoiding the jelly fish that are in the shallow waters, I explained to them the importance of “taking a pause” from technology.
As great as our computers, cell phones and other gadgets are – I believe they can also be a curse.
People today are MORE mesmerized by their gadgets than anything else. And with this techno-hypnosis comes amnesia for WHO and WHAT created the technology.
People created these gadgets with the power of thought.
But those who use the gadgets forget that YOU are the owner of the greatest Super Computer in the Universe. YOU are both a broadcasting and receiving station.
YOU are the one who creates – not the other way around.
In my seminars I don’t allow any techno gadgets of any kind. At first, the techno-addicts are irritated. But, if they’re open, they soon realize I’m doing them a favor.
Some cannot stand it so they have attempted to go unnoticed,
sitting in the back row with their smart
device on their lap, under the table, scrolling
emails when they could be listening to a riveting message. Even if the person gets away with it, temporarily, what has he gained?
Nothing.
I carry a cell phone with me much of the time – yet I rarely answer it unless it is family or someone I am expecting a call from. I have no problem pausing and letting the thing ring without answering. Doesn’t bother me if someone is angry about this either.
The other day I was talking to a guy who said, “You know, remember when we didn’t have voice mail, email or FAX. If you weren’t home and the phone rang – you still managed to go on living. Now with all the technology, people feel they can’t get anything done even though they are “on call” all the time.”
Good point.
Use technology to enhance your life – but don’t let it control you. Know when to say no.
Take a pause. It’s good to give yourself space.
Take time to sit quietly and breathe. Breathe into the Super Computer within. Delete the garbage. Make space for new information.
Picture the aspects of your life you’re grateful for. Remember your happiest moments. Relive them and rejuvenate yourself.
And for heaven’s sake – do not sleep with your phone next to you. Put it in another room and take a pause.
Do the above and I guarantee you’ll get more fulfillment out of life.
Matt Furey
Psycho-Cyb.com
