Plugged in: Time well spent?

With all of the different tech gadgets we have in the modern era, it’s easy to be connected. Computers, smart-phones, and most new TVs are all “plugged in” to the world wide web for easy access to whatever your heart desires.

The tech we have is an amazing resource that I myself haven’t been all that great of taking advantage of in past years. Most times, I used it as a distraction. I would play multiplayer video games for hours on end, get lost in a rabbit hole of mindless YouTube videos, and scroll through an endless feed of social media.

I finally realized that I spent too much time on things that didn’t add any value to my life. For me, it was empty and unfulfilling stimulation. I began to ask myself, “Is what I am doing now going to matter tomorrow? Is it going to matter a few hours or even a few minutes from now?” It usually didn’t.

So I changed what type of media I consumed to benefit my life. I started to pick and choose what apps I used on my phone. I learned how to meditate through different apps. My commute to work became a classroom by listening to various podcasts on self development. My phone even became my personal trainer with all the different apps to guide me through my workout.

YouTube became my own personal university. In my hobby of Photography, I learned all the basics of how to shoot and edit photos using YouTube. I even learned how to start this website by using tutorials on YouTube.

Another platform I began to use differently was Netflix. Instead of binge watching the entire series like Parks and Rec or The Office, my wife and I watched documentaries. We found so many interesting documentaries that challenged our perception of things and taught us something new. Films like Cowspiracy, The True Cost, and Chasing Coral even changed the way we eat and how we consume goods.

Now it’s not to say that I don’t ever play video games or get stuck on YouTube. Sometimes you just need to decompress and that’s okay. The real problem for me was what I consumed and how much I consumed it. There was no balance for me.At the end of the day, it wasn’t making me happy.

So here’s something to ask yourself: Do you enjoy how you spend your time with your phone, computer, or TV? Does it align with how you want to live your life? Does it support your life’s passions?

How daily meditation is changing my life

“People suffer because they are caught in their views. As soon as we release those views, we are free and we don’t suffer anymore.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh

A month ago, I began meditating for 15 minutes every single morning. In just a little over a month, the results I have achieved thus far have had a positive effect on my everyday life. I would highly recommend meditating to anyone.

Since I began meditating I have definitely been more aware of my thoughts and how they affect me. There has been less resistance and judgement in my thoughts overall. If I am experiencing negative thoughts, I am able to process and recognize them more easily and act in a more meaningful way.

I find it easier to recognize and let go of any negative emotions from my thought process. Cutting out these negative emotions and reactions leads me to being more present in the moment and happier.

Being present allows me to worry less and essentially decreases the amount of anxiety I experience during stressful times. Meditation has given me a greater sense of self-awareness, decreased stress and increased happiness. My thoughts flow easier with less friction and resistance.

However, not every meditation is great and some are a little more trying than others, but the results have been worth it. Through consistent meditation, I will continue to grow my self-awareness.

How you can start meditating

I thought meditation was going to require some extreme discipline and effort, but it was really easy considering there are many great smartphone apps to help guide you in the process. I would say the most difficult part is just taking action.

I began meditating with meditation apps on my smartphone and that is how I meditate today. There are a handful of apps out there that are free and some that require subscription fees. The use of meditation apps lets you begin meditating immediately and are great guides to learning and understanding meditation. Here are a few great apps that I have tried and recommend.

1 Giant Mind

Headspace

Calm

I have no plans to stop meditating, as the benefits have been invaluable in my day to day life. With tools like our smartphone to help us, it’s easier than ever. I hope this inspires you to try meditating for yourself.

Thanks for reading, until next time!

Recognizing that you’re never going to feel like it.

Getting up when your alarm goes off…

Going to the gym…

That project you’ve been meaning to get to…

That book you’ve been meaning to read…

Having the talk you need to have…

The list goes on.

Whatever is on your list, most of the time you probably won’t feel like doing it. In fact, its usually the things we need to do most that we put off the most. It is easy to dismiss getting things done because we don’t feel motivated, but waiting for that motivation can create unwanted repercussions.

Let’s paint a story. Let’s say your alarm goes off in the morning. You decide to hit snooze a few times because you don’t feel like getting up and now you’re running late for work. Breakfast becomes an afterthought and now you’re hurrying to get dressed and on the road. Traffic isn’t moving fast enough so you’re wondering if you’ll make it on time the whole way to work. You get to work and now your day starts.

Doesn’t sound too fun right? The following series of events could have been easily prevented. If we learn to recognize when we don’t feel like it, we can begin to take action and change the habit. It is important to understand that most of the time we are never going to feel like it.

So start small and try and recognize when you don’t feel like it. Remind yourself why you need to do something, and the outcome if you do or don’t.

I personally enjoy my free time a great deal more knowing I took care of any priorities first. I am more present with the people around me, and free of worry. Be proactive so you don’t have to be reactive.

If you can recognize when you “don’t feel like it” and create a habit of being proactive, you create the habit of getting it done. Once you develop this habit of discipline, it has the potential to help change your life in a positive way.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
-Mark Twain

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