Technically Spiritual

Teens are primed to spend 30 years of their life online, and it's already been negatively impacting everyone's brain chemistry. In this ep we talk all things teen mental health and digital habits with Larz from #HalfTheStory– Plus, of course, how to make positive changes moving forward.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!About Larz: Larissa May (Larz) is a mental health advocate and founder of Half the Story - A globally recognized digital wellness nonprofit on a mission to empower the next generation's relationship with technology through advocacy, education, research, and international events like “The Global Day of Unplugging.”

Is a consumer-focused “zero waste lifestyle” the solution to environmental destruction? No… and yes. In this episode, Prerna interviews Anne-Marie Bonneau, sustainability activist and author of The Zero Waste Chef about environmental justice, realistic sustainability goals, and activist mental health.The two discuss who is truly responsible for saving the planet, and how corporations across industries (like Big Food AND Big Tech) have the same tendency to divert responsibility for collective well-being.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!About Anne-Marie: Cookbook author, blogger, fermenter and sourdough baker Anne-Marie Bonneau has lived plastic-free since 2011. Through social media, her blog and her book, The Zero-Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes and Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen and Planet, Anne-Marie shows others how reducing their trash not only benefits the planet but also satisfies their taste buds, improves their well-being and boosts their bank accounts. A Canadian transplant, she has two grown daughters and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and sourdough starter, Eleanor.

Prerna leads a mindfulness meditation practice to offer some peace, relaxation, and healing- something we could all benefit from in a week of so much devastating news and the unnatural urgency created by our feeds.  Give a moment back to yourself by listening; we cannot heal the world without also healing ourselves. This practice can be done seated or lying down. Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!

Unlike the mind, our bodies almost always exist in the present. This mini-episode discusses how to tune into our bodies in order to cultivate presence, why this is important when communicating and connecting with others.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!

Based on what your social and news feeds look like, Earth month (April) can conjure up tough emotions of distress and hopelessness. What else would we expect when the dates meant to honor the earth are swallowed up by the very true messaging that we're on course for climate disaster within our lifetime?But, without sweeping this crisis under the rug, without forgetting the scary things, like corporations' majority responsibility for Earth destruction, I'd like to create space to focus on the good. I want to focus on how wonderful it is to be able to love our Earth mother through small, sustainable acts of kindness, and feeling like we are enough so that we may be of better service to the outer world.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!

This episode, Prerna chats with spiritual activist Chelsea Macmillan about just that: activism as a spiritual act, and spiritual practice as a form of activism.The two discuss how to find hope during such tumultuous times, the connection between our inner and outer worlds, how technology and social media play a role in transformation, and so much more.Check out the show notes below for a synopsis, and tune in wherever you get your podcasts for the full episode. With our minds inundated with all the crises of the pandemic, the environment, social justice, Ukraine, and more, this is one episode worth allocating some of your energy.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!

The Joe Rogan // Free Speech headlines this month are just symptoms of a deeper issue – and Spotify (and other tech corporations) are thrilled we've taken the red herring bait...Drilling down to the root causes of our community's most controversial issues is not easy. But to address it, instead of putting our collective energy into battling the symptoms, is our best shot at finding new peace.In this ep, we talk about not only the Joe Rogan // Spotify news, but:The nitty gritty details of free speechThe psychological (manipulated, algorithmic) dependence on our devicesWhat responsibility lies in the for-profit hands of Big Techand more.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!

There's a reason “gratitude” is now one of the buzziest words around. At every corner of self-help books, mental health podcasts, journals, and social media, everyone is telling us to be grateful. The (often extremely shallow) wellness industry thrives on gratitude. And while there's good reason for this, our understanding of gratitude is turning out to be quite limited, especially when we look at the impact it has on non-white, non-North-American, and non-individualist (collectivist) cultures. In this episode, Prerna breaks down how to broaden our perspective & holistically practice gratitude.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!

Beyond doomscrolling, mental health, & how tech impacts you NOW, do you know how your tech continues to profit off you even after you die?If you haven't heard of data fetishization, then you definitely haven't heard about Big Tech's misuse of data of the deceased, deepfakes, or dead labor... and how we as users can fight it. In this week's episode of Technically Spiritual Prerna interviews Dr. Elaine Kasket, author of All the Ghosts in the Machine, to talk all about the data of the dead, how to reclaim your power, and how to think about  preparing for the inevitable...Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Please leave a rating & review! It really does help!

As important as mindfulness and meditation is to our well-being in our digital age, what we can also overlook is emptiness. This week, give yourself permission to be bored. Let your mind wander, explore your imagination… And see what just a little bit of empty space and time does for your brain.

Checking your phone while you work isn't just about personal willpower...The technology is designed to make you want it compulsively, PLUS everything it represents moves you out of the present moment. Why work when that little thing can take the form of literally ✨ anything ✨ else you want it to: a game, a chat with your bestie, your favorite store, an opportunity to stalk your ex…Listen to join Prerna in breaking down how the simple presence of your phone is killing your focus and productivity, how it quickly spirals from there, and the research behind it all.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Consider leaving a rating & review! It really does help!

Practice (not perfection) is the key to transformation.  Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Consider leaving a rating & review! It really does help!

In a world where misinformation is profitable, we face a great responsibility and burden to educate ourselves AND trust those that have done the real research (not just used Google, a for-profit search engine that serves advertisers, not people).We love information that fits our own worldview -- this is called cognitive bias. When you use Google, it serves up information and stories (humans love storytelling) that it believes you will enjoy. There is NO law saying the information it shows you must be true. The algorithm knows you personally, and will serve you the “answers” you want, whether or not that misinformation harms you.But there are ways to combat truth decay and misinformation. In our world where information has never been more accessible, it's a matter of choice -- choosing research and truth over blissful ignorance.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Consider leaving a rating & review! It really does help!

What does the path of awakening look like in a noisy technological world? With so many of us in our own bubbles, how do we shift the meaning of mindfulness to be more inclusive not only to other humans, but to all beings everywhere? Tune in to hear Adriana & Prerna discuss a modern and integrated Buddhist framework that supports our daily lives & helps us navigate our technology use. Learn about the power of sangha (community) and how this informs our path towards enlightenment.“We won't reach awakening if it only exists on our cushion” - Adriana DiFazio.Join us for Restart: An 8 Week Digital Pause Program.Visit www.technicallyspiritual.com/podcast for the show notes!

Confirmshaming, Sneak into Basket, Roach Motel… there are a million and 1 ways businesses manipulate humans online, and we promise, it's not with your best interest in mind.This episode, Prerna deconstructs the methods used on you (and everyone) to get and/or keep your money, time, and attention. It's a careful game of psychological manipulation for profit, and it happens more regularly than we all think. Tune in to learn how to defend ourselves against these tricks and what we as a collective can do about making our experiences online more ethical & honest. 

Seasoned meditation teacher Prerna Manchanda has heard all the reasons why you can't meditate. She's here to help you get through them, and realize how much power you have as you start your meditation journey.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Consider leaving a review! It really does help!

In this episode, Prerna Manchanda interviews Stephanie Schwartz. Stephanie is a Registered Dietitian living in Brooklyn, NY. She received her masters degree in clinical nutrition from New York University and completed her training to become a dietitian at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx. Stephanie currently works as a dietitian at an acute care hospital, providing nutrition care to oncology patients and patients with a variety of other medical conditions. In her spare time, Stephanie runs the dietitian meme account @thatdietitianlife where she posts memes commenting on life as a dietitian and is working on studying for an advanced credential in oncology nutrition.Visit our website for the show notes and more! Sign up for the Newsletter to join our community (and get a free meditation!).Follow Technically Spiritual on Instagram :)Consider leaving a review! It really does help!

Let us know your thoughts! Follow us on IG (@technically.spiritual) and send us a DM or visit our website (www.technicallyspiritual.com) to reach out. Sign up for the newsletter to get a free meditation, tech tips, and more! Consider supporting us on Patreon (www.patreon.com/technicallyspiritual). Grateful for you!

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Jenny Melo is an applied scholar from Colombia with training in business, social sciences, and sociology. She had devoted her professional life to better understand the social implications of business, particularly in rural settings. Currently and through a Fulbright Scholarship,  she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Rural Sociology at the University of Missouri - Columbia, where is researching the socio-ethical implications that digital agricultural technologies pose for small farmers in the Latin American context. Connect with Jenny-Website: https://jennymelo.comTwitter: @labuenaempresa

Visit www.technicallyspiritual.com for more meditations & to join the community!

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Visit www.technicallyspiritual.com for the show notes, offerings, and more!Scholars Referenced:Roger McNameeRenee DiRestaGuillaume ChaslotYaël Eisenstat 

Visit www.technicallyspiritual.com for meditation classes, community gatherings, the show notes, and more. Learn more about booking a private event or corporate wellness seminar. Sign up for our newsletter & receive a free mediation!Maya’s Bio: An experienced Executive Coach, who transitioned from Consulting and Economist roles at Goldman Sachs, PwC and KPMG, to Coaching and Learning Advisor Roles. Maya spent 4 years designing, developing & delivering a portfolio of Executive Education Leadership & Strategy programmes at London Business School, before joining their contributor pool and commencing research into Executive Development with Julian Birkinshaw. Maya’s current MSc in Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology informs her coaching work and her YourPlate Podcast, as well as various other research and writing topics.Follow Maya: Instagram, Twitter, Website

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Eric Tyrone is a Dream-Time and Mindfulness coach, and the creator of the "Get Woke In Your Dream-Time" Masterclass. Prior to this, Eric ran a non-profit called "Awakening Through Art", founded a mindfulness App, and was a co-facilitator of a nationwide meetup called EcoTuesday. Eric has 15+ years of studies in yoga, meditation, mindfulness, energy medicine and shamanism, and now teaches students around the world to use their dreams as a healing and transformational tool.Visit our website to access the show notes (including 50% off Eric's Masterclass), to sign up for the newsletter, and to join an upcoming event!Follow us on social:InstagramTwitter

After years of being consumed, annoyed, and confused due to the platform, our host Prerna decided to take a one year break from her personal Instagram account. In this episode she shares the reasons behind her decision.

In this episode, Prerna speaks to Laura Sniderman, a spiritual entrepreneur who creates opportunities for people to connect authentically. Well known for public speaking at popular wellness and technology conferences globally, Laura has devoted her life to educating individuals and organizations on the neuroscience of contemplative practice and the role that technology can play in enhancing wellbeing. In this conversation, Prerna and Laura discuss transformative technologies, enough-ness, and what it means to be empowered in a digital age. With a BA in Humanistic Psychology from McGill University Laura is the Founder of The Get Together, a large annual women’s festival based around knowledge, skill, and passion exchange. She recently completed her Masters at Columbia University in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Mind Body Spirituality. Laura was the Co-Founder of The Aerie Collective for five years, an internationally renowned, women's empowerment initiative, and was the Head of Educational Programming and a Major Accounts Executive at InteraXon Inc., one of Toronto's most successful tech start-ups. Laura is an expert in the fields of 'wisdomsharing' and transformative technology. Visit www.technicallyspiritual.com for the full show notes. Connect with us us on social media: www.instagram.com/technically.spiritual www.twitter.com/techspiritpod

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Here at Technically Spiritual we stand in solidarity with the Black community and support Black Lives Matter. We are working on educating ourselves and are hosting loving-kindness meditations to support Black Visions Collective. Please see our offerings page for the details.In this episode Prerna interviews Susanne Banahan. Susanne is a Neurofeedback Clinician within the field of Biofeedback. She is also a Mentor in HeartMath Institute’s Building Resilience program which utilizes heart-rate variability biofeedback. Susanne received a Master of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Hartford where she focused her studies on stress and the neurological benefits of mindfulness. She just completed a Master of Arts in Psychology in Education, at Teachers College, Columbia University, concentrating her studies within TC’s Spirituality Mind Body Institute.More info on the topics discussed:Biofeedback: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664Neurofeedback: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/neurofeedbackMuse Headband Meditation Technology: https://choosemuse.com/how-it-works/ & https://www.myndlift.com/Brain Waves and Meditation: https://choosemuse.com/blog/a-deep-dive-into-brainwaves-brainwave-frequencies-explained-2/HeartMath Institute: https://www.heartmath.org/HeartMath Heart Coherence Meditation: https://youtu.be/KZmVP9tcqfESchumann's Constant: https://www.sedonanomalies.com/schumann-resonance.htmlHeart Rate Variability: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/heart-rate-variability-new-way-track-well-2017112212789*Please note: This episode was recorded in Feb 2020, before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the USA.*

Here at Technically Spiritual, we stand in solidarity with the Black community and support #BlackLivesMatter. To generate love and compassion, host Prerna will be holding loving-kindness meditations on IG live, @technically.spiritual, at 3:30pm EST every Thursday in June. These will be donation based and all the proceeds from these classes will be going to @blackvisionscollective. Visit www.technically.spiritual/offerings for more information.

What does it really mean to “send good vibes”? Deeply impacted by the work of Dr. Larry Dossey, Prerna reflects on the healing power of intentional prayer. Prayer is now widely accepted in the medical community as a powerful healing modality, after hundreds of research studies have proven its efficacy. What is the key to unlock the magic of prayer? How do we approach praying in an authentic way that can not only help us through suffering, but deeply impact the well-being of others, even when we can’t be physically close to them. Join Prerna for a loving-kindness meditation on Thursday May 21st, 2020 EST via Instagram Live @technically.spiritual.

Prerna leads a 15-minute guided mindfulness practice for relaxation. In this meditation, we allow our nervous system to relax by taking full conscious breaths into the whole body. Then, we rest with the breath, focusing on the present moment, gently guiding our attention back if we wander. We close with setting intentions for ourselves and share the positive vibrations out into our world.

In this episode, Prerna and Lauren discuss the psychological implications of social media. Social media is a complex mechanism that can greatly influence our well-being. How can we use it to promote equality, social justice, and elevate humanity without getting caught up in misinformation, deep division, and disconnection to our own selves? How can school systems implement media literacy to inform the next generation about how to maintain well-being and safety on the internet? How can we as adults use our technology mindfully to not only honor our own needs, but serve as role models for the kids in our life that look up to us? Lauren Ross is a school psychologist and yoga teacher in Brooklyn, NY and a PhD candidate in school psychology at Fordham University. Born of a conviction that mindfulness should be accessible to everyone, as well as a possible tool for social justice, Lauren is currently researching mindfulness and restorative justice practices in schools.

Communication is the key channel through which we connect and develop relationships. In this episode, Prerna discusses how being deliberate about our daily communication can be a powerful spiritual practice that fosters compassion, presence, and awakening. She offers tools to approach speaking, listening, and digital communication through the lens of Buddhist philosophy.

Prerna interviews Mara Bishop (www.wholespirit.com) a shamanic practitioner, intuitive consultant, and teacher for over 20 years. They discuss Mara’s integrated approach to spiritual healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being. They talk about how to understand personal boundaries, how to strengthen our intuitive sense, and protect ourselves from compassion fatigue both in real life and virtually. Finally, they contemplate our relationship with nature and how we can use technology to awaken and heal our world.

Prerna discusses digital wellness and spirituality during the global coronavirus pandemic. She offers a spiritual response: the call to awaken. How do we navigate this time emotionally, preserve our attention, stay connected to others, and foster compassion?

An introduction to the mission of Technically Spiritual and an opportunity to meet your host, Prerna Manchanda. For more, visit www.technicallyspiritual.com or follow @techspiritpod on Twitter and @technically.spiritual on Instagram.