Technology For Mindfulness

Social media is an undeniable presence in everyone's lives nowadays; some kind of virtual connection touches even those who don't post every moment in their daily routines. And social media is not only omnipresent, but it also has a bad reputation for how it negatively influences kids, oppressed minorities, or people going through hard times in particular. Nevertheless, not everything is lost; we still have a lot of control over how we use technology and whether we decide to use social media for our own benefit or not. In this episode, we will focus on the benefits of using social media. We will list and explore five aspects that can be very beneficial not only for us but also for the community through the proper use of virtual connections. I invite you to discover how social media can strengthen relationships with friends and relatives, help us acquire better habits, assist introverts, reduce stigmas over diseases, leverage the students' experiences, and more. Tune in to Episode 95 of Technology for Mindfulness to view social media from a different perspective and perhaps give it a second chance. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Smartphones and advanced communication technology are not bad inherently; we choose what to do with them (1:25)Social media used as a means to connect with people we don't see very often or to seek support during challenging times (3:42) Social media and the creation of healthy and productive habits (6:07)How introverts can reduce their social anxiety in social media (10:18)Public figures showing up as mere humans and helping diminish the stigma over certain conditions, sexual orientation, and traumas (12:19)How students can use social media to make their learning process smooth and most effective (16:27)Resources:Pew Research Center - Demographics of Key Social Networking Platforms Pew Research Center - Teens' Social Media Habits and ExperiencesBook: Nicholas A. Christakis, James H. Fowler - Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives -- How Your Friends' Friends' Friends Affect Everything You Feel, Think, and DoUSA Today - Interview with James Fowler: Fee-fi-foe-friend: Smell the blood of a kindred spirit?The Stigma Project - FacebookNational School Board Association - Grunwald Associates LLC: CREATING & CONNECTING: Research and Guidelines on Online Social — and Educational — NetworkingConnect with Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedIn See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Many people believe that mindfulness meditation is about stopping thoughts from popping into our heads, which is, needless to say, impossible. As they can't prevent themselves from having thoughts, that belief makes them stop trying mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is not about preventing our minds from having thoughts but being aware of them. And being aware of those thoughts is different from knowing we have them; the difference might seem subtle but is massive. Today, my guest is the mindfulness teacher, Brother Dave Kenneally, former Sargeant in the US Marine Corps and former Buddhist Monk in the Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh tradition. He travels the world spreading his knowledge, teaching business leaders, yoga instructors, cancer patients and their families, teens, and military veterans, among many others. He is a Certified Teacher of the Search Inside Yourself Program and an Ordained member of the Order of Interbeing. We had a joyful conversation about his mentors and their teachings along his journey and how they impacted him, the meaning of mindfulness, and the gifts the Zen tradition has to offer. He explained the concept of "understanding is love," and he also talked about why he decided to become a monk. Tune in to Episode 93 of Technology for Mindfulness and listen to Dave's fascinating story about love, reaching mindfulness, and awareness.Some Questions I Ask: What's your story and how did you get started with mindfulness? (5:23)Can you talk about where gentleness and self-compassion fit your own development and in your own teaching? (12:34)You've been talking primarily about attitudes towards yourself, your own feelings, your own thoughts, and cultivating it from that direction. If I'd like to be more compassionate, how do I just go ahead? (18:08)Is there anything you can share about how you've been able to bring your own mindfulness practices to bear on this extremely challenging time? (22:23)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Dave's definition of mindfulness (6:03)Yoga as a raw concentration practice (10:48)Understanding is love (13:32)One of the Zen practice's gifts (19:00)The consequences of being at war with our thoughts (31:50)Resources:Dave Kenneally websiteConnect with Dave:LinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTubeConnect with Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedIn See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Most of the stress triggers that affect a teacher's routine can't be controlled by them—the parents' demands, budget cuts, and the difficulties that teaching in the virtual spectrum offers, to name a few. After a challenging 2020, it is not a surprise that educators deal with higher stress levels than any other profession. A recent study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation showed that nearly 70% of teachers reported a lack of engagement with their jobs and that 50% experience work-related stress daily. However, teachers can control something to reduce their stress levels inside and outside the classroom: their reaction to these stressors.In this episode, I want to share with you 5 mindfulness practices you can incorporate into your daily routine to empower yourself and manage your stress more efficiently. To hear more, tune in to Episode 93 of Technology for Mindfulness!In This Episode, You Will Learn:What a daily session of guided mindfulness meditation can do for us (2:37)The power of mindful walking (4:15)Deep breathing to exhale stress (7:54)Becoming aware of each part of our bodies (12:09)Writing about our sensations to learn from our emotions (13:49)Resources:Headspace appInsight Timer appCalm appMindful Teachers websiteMindful Schools websiteBook: Patricia Jennings - Mindfulness for Teachers: Skills for Peace and Productivity in the ClassroomConnect with Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedIn See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this day and age, we’re using technology for almost everything. Whether it’s for keeping notes, making to-do lists, planning your week, or simply sharing your thoughts, there’s an app for anything we need. But is using them always a good idea? Pen and paper have been used for centuries by people to keep track of their activities, come up with ideas, and organize their life. And there are certain benefits to using your hands to write things down - one of them being it allows your mind to focus on other things also. Today, I am joined by Ryder Carroll, the creator of the Bullet Journal Methodology – a mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity method, as he would call it. You will hear him talk about his method – how he came up with the idea, how it’s evolved over time, and how people are benefiting from it to keep track of tasks and manage a whole wide variety of life situations, by using just pen and paper. Ryder is also the author of the bestselling book The Bullet Journal Method, an essential guide to avoiding all-too-common beginner mistakes and building a core discipline from which you can personalize your practice. Tune in to Episode 92 of Technology for Mindfulness to learn how to focus your time and energy in pursuit of what’s truly meaningful to you and design your future in the process. Some Questions I Ask:What was the problem in your life that you didn’t see being solved by other types of task management, that caused you to come up with something new? (05:46)What are the key aspects of the Bullet Journal? (11:36)Are you encouraging people to explore what works for them individually? (18:29)Can you talk about how your active community uses the Bullet Journal Method? (19:49)Is there anything new that you’re coming up with for the Bullet Journal Method? (34:05)Do you have any advice for people on how they can benefit from the Bullet Journal? (35:15) In This Episode, You Will Learn:The beginnings of the Bullet Journal Method. (07:26)Why Bullet Journal is different from other productivity methods. (13:05)The powerful connection between your mind and your hand. (15:28)How to balance distractions. (16:49)How low-tech tools can sometimes be more useful than technology. (21:59)How pen and paper can help with using technology more intentionally. (25:24)The goal of the Bullet Journal Method. (27:27)How a notebook can become an extension of yourself. (32:20) Connect with Ryder:LinkedInInstagram Bullet Journal Resources:WebsiteBook: Ryder Carroll – The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the FutureInstagramFacebookYoutubePinterest See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Throughout the past year, we’ve experienced lots of changes with regard to our relationship with technology. Some of them are positive shifts, like using video conferencing platforms more, to stay in touch with our loved ones. But many changes may have been negative also, like spending more time than usual on social media or watching the news more than we should have. For everyone, the impact technology has had in 2020 is different, but it’s important to spend some time reflecting on those changes, and recognizing which ones benefit us and what are the habits we formed that can become detrimental to our wellbeing moving forward in 2021. In today’s episode, I share with you the three steps to mindfully enter into the new year, and how to tackle each one so that you can be more in control of your relationship with technology. To hear more, tune in to Episode 91 of Technology for Mindfulness! In This Episode, You Will Learn:The three steps to mindfully enter into 2021 (01:20)Some examples of how 2020 may have affected your technology habits (02:25)The importance of reflecting on the changes that happened without you noticing (04:02)How to properly set your intentions for 2021 (08:00)The advantage of having a plan of action set in place for your intentions (11:58) Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedIn See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When it comes to setting our own boundaries, the thought can sometimes be a little daunting. Joining me today is Celebrity Business and Boundary Coach and Founder of The Boundary Academy, Karlee Fain, who is here to share her personal expertise on this topic, as well as discuss why mindfulness is such a valuable tool in both our personal and professional lives.In this episode, I ask Karlee a few pressing questions on how she made her start within the personal development industry, why becoming aware of our technological habits can help us to set clear boundaries, and the effect that the Coronavirus has had on our productivity levels. To hear more, tune in to Episode 90 of Technology for Mindfulness!Some Questions I Ask:What motivated you to pursue the field of life coaching? (6:47)What advice can you give to those who may not have as much time to dedicate to changing their nightly routines? (10:18)What issues do your coaching clients generally encounter? (14:11)How do you help individuals who don’t have a regular mindfulness practice start to notice their behaviors? (17:06)How do you help those who are completely new to mindfulness and personal development? (21:38)What could your techniques look like to someone who may not have as much leniency with their work breaks? (26:49)In This Episode You Will Learn:Why I believe in setting boundaries on your technology use (0:57)Why setting a ‘conscious plan’ in regards to your technology is a form of self-care (2:22)How pausing and staying present helped me to manage my news intake (12:00)How mindfulness, meditation, and respite can be leveraged as a business tool (18:47)The difference that having a cultural, social, and communal awareness can make (31:43)Some background on Karlee’s work & How the pandemic has made boundary setting so much more challenging (39:12)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInConnect With Karlee Fain:Facebook Instagram Website See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Trauma is a sensitive subject. Today, I’m joined by Life Coach, sought-after entrepreneur and Host of The Truth Prescription Podcast, Dr. Seku Gathers, who specializes in trauma coaching and recovery through one to one client work. By intertwining his knowledge as a former emergency physician with his extensive personal development expertise, Dr. Seku has created a practice built on seven core principles, otherwise known as the ‘F.R.E.E.D.O.M’ Method. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Seku’s philosophies on mindfulness, feeling ‘stuck’, and how the Coronavirus has impacted his clients. We also break down each of the main principles that make up Dr. Seku’s ‘F.R.E.E.D.O.M’ Method, Tune in to Episode 89 of Technology for Mindfulness to hear more! Some Questions I Ask:What are the most common things you see in your clients in regards to trauma? (9:43)How do you help people make the initial leap out of feeling ‘stuck?’ (17:14)Do you have any insights or words of encouragement for people on how to handle the current pandemic? (31:31)What are you seeing in your Coaching practice in relation to COVID-19? (33:23)How do you incorporate holistic wellness into your sessions? (40:27)What piece of advice can you leave my listeners with today? (45:00)In This Episode You Will Learn:A breakdown of my personal ‘order method’ & How it compliments Dr. Seku’s ‘freedom method’ (1:03)Some background on Dr. Seku Gathers (7:43)Dr. Seku’s perspective on optimism and maintaining a positive outlook (12:01)The difference between therapy and life coaching (14:28)How Dr. Seku builds strong client relationships & Why we need to stay objective when addressing our own ‘blind spots’ (22:48)Why detaching from our ego is so beneficial (28:04)Dr. Seku’s perspective on addiction and mindfulness (37:58)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInConnect With Dr Seku. Gathers:Website: The Truth PrescriptionWebsite: Reshaping TraumaInstagram Facebook TwitterResources:Book: Total Body Wellness: The Truth About Your Health - Author, Dr. Sekuleo Gathers M.D. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Whilst the holidays won’t be going ahead the way we’d all initially hoped, there are still plenty of ways we can enjoy this season together and make a few socially distanced memories to solidify the year we’ve all collectively gone through. I won’t sugar coat it, 2020 has been rough for a lot of us. Many out there are still recovering from the ongoing grief that this pandemic has brought with it and this time of year will be particularly difficult for those who have been directly affected by the virus. So, I wanted to take this episode as an opportunity to share my tips on how we can all make these upcoming months a little brighter. It won’t be an easy feat, but I believe that with an optimistic outlook and an open mind, we can make the end of this year one to remember. To hear more, tune in to Episode 88 of Technology for Mindfulness!What You’ll Learn:My advice on addressing the pressures COVID-19 has put on the holiday season (2:11)Why it’s important to practice gratitude during challenging times (3:19)How technology has allowed us to stay connected this year (7:10)Why I want to carry on the feeling of optimism beyond Thanksgiving (10:31)Why moderating our technology use during the holidays helps us to stay present (11:58)Ways to approach your virtual family gatherings (14:48)The benefits of getting together virtually (22:44)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedIn See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of Technology for Mindfulness, I wanted to bring attention to the types of grief that this pandemic has brought upon so many of us. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, a job, or a relationship, this year has definitely taken its toll and it will take time before a lot of us are ready to heal.I’m going to be sharing a few of the strategies that have helped me throughout the course of isolation and take a deep dive on how and why we respond to loss in the ways that we do. I’ll also be discussing the many benefits that mindfulness brings into our lives and how utilizing these tools can aid us in overcoming bouts of personal grief. Tune in to Episode 87 to hear more! What You’ll Learn:The different types of loss that Covid-19 has brought (1:14)How we usually tend to respond to loss (7:28)Where addictive, habitual and often unhealthy routines stem from (9:22)The benefits that mindfulness brings into our lives & How people are leveraging technology to stay connected during the pandemic (11:42)My tips for dealing with loss in ways that aren’t aversive (15:38)Ways to stay social while physically distancing (18:20)Why taking breaks from technology is so important (26:24)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInResources:Website: ‘JamKazam’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How we perceive information is majorly affected in the midst of a crisis. It impacts our ability to process news in a rational way and our response is often heavily influenced by our emotions. This makes us vulnerable to false and harmful information that sways public opinion and leads people to make uninformed decisions regarding such serious issues. Learning to be mindfully aware of what is happening around us is a skill that takes time to master so obtaining the facts has never been more important. Joining me on the podcast today to discuss the science behind Covid-19 and share his tips on how we can safely control the spread, is world-renowned ‘National Geographic’ photographer and board-certified emergency physician, Dr. Jeff Gusky!In this episode, Jeff shares his insights into how humidity has played a key role in the increase of Coronavirus cases globally, how each individual immune system in our body functions, and the truth about herd immunity. To learn more, tune in to Episode 86 of Technology for Mindfulness!Some Questions I Ask:Could you talk about the work you do surrounding Covid-19? (6:42)What does aerosol refer to? (17:25)What can people be doing to quell their anxieties at the moment? (36:20)What You’ll Learn:Why mindfulness helps us absorb information calmly and objectively (3:19)How the pandemic has affected each sector of the world (9:57)Jeff’s breakdown on each of the immune systems that function in our body (11:19)The difference between the aerosol and microdroplet model (14:03)How humidity plays a key role in controlling the spread of the Coronavirus (18:37)Why Vitamin D mitigates long term complications with Covid-19 (22:11)Dr. Jeff’s two tips for controlling the temperature in your environment (26:19)The effect humidity has had on our air quality (28:35)A glimpse into how humidity contributed to the Coronavirus outbreak in Paris (32:14)How crisis affects our perception & Why it’s important to stay properly informed (39:22)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInConnect With Dr. Jeff Gusky:WebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagramLinkedInResources:Website: ‘CDC’ - Coronavirus InformationWebsite: ‘ZRT Laboratory’ Profile: Jeffrey Shaman The Viral Safety Index. The humidifier Jeff is using. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing a few of the strategies that I use in my everyday life which help me to reduce distractions and improve my overall sense of productivity. There are so many factors that influence our ability to cultivate a healthy work-life balance and so many of them are within our control and are easily accessible to us. I’ll be diving into how you can best manage your notifications to quell anxieties that present themselves when given too much information, why practicing time management skills, and prioritizing a structure can improve our productivity, and how micro rewards can yield positive results in relation to our own motivations. If you’re curious to learn more, then tune in to Episode 85 of Technology For Mindfulness!What you’ll learn:An introduction to today’s topic (0:42)Why it’s important to pre-plan your day (1:17)Tips to best manage your notifications (4:12)How to transform your desktop into a productive sanctuary (6:49)How to use micro rewards as a motivational system (8:43)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInResources:Book: ‘The 12 Week Year’ Author, Brian P. MoranWebsite - ‘FocusMe’ Website - ‘Freedom’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As someone who has worked in the field of law for a number of years now, I have seen first hand how prevalent stress is within this industry and the effect that it has had on the individuals who are practicing professionally. Joining me today is someone who is combating that issue through specialized coaching and consulting, Sarah Tetlow! Sarah is a Legal Productivity Consultant at ‘Firm Focus’, a company dedicated to helping legal professionals streamline their workflow, better utilize their time management skills, and reduce the stress that many within the industry have suffered from throughout their careers. Through her work, Sarah has successfully assisted clients in managing their stress levels through productivity-based solutions that cater to each individual's needs. In this episode, Sarah shares her perspective on some of the common behaviors she’s seen within the lawyers she’s worked with and how her coaching methods have helped those clients create balance and efficiency in their work life. We also talk about the need to set realistic and measurable goals, particularly in this line of work, how technology can be utilized to amplify productivity, as well as how communication is such a vital step to ensuring a team is working efficiently and coherently. To learn more, tune in to Episode 84 of Technology for Mindfulness! Some Questions I Ask:How did you get started in a field that is so specialized? (5:30)What practical skills do you use when helping your clients? (12:19)How do you respond to lawyers who have a tendency to catastrophize urgent tasks and overwork themselves? (14:07)When your clients have a genuine emergency in their work, how do you set up a process that addresses and resolves that? (18:43)What could a client expect from working with you? (21:22)What do you take into account when interviewing new clients to work with? (29:56)Could you talk about how you help your clients’ reduce stress in their lives? (38:43)What You’ll Learn:What Sarah’s ‘legal eagle’ system aims to achieve (9:44)How technology has permeated the legal profession & Created a sense of urgency around small tasks (11:19)What I’ve noticed about how lawyers respond to deadlines (25:50)Sarah’s take on using productivity apps and technology to help streamline legal processes and offload stress (27:18)How ‘proactive communication’ helps reduce the need to cram in work at the last minute (32:33)Why communication is so important, particularly now as most people have shifted to working remotely (37:21)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInConnect With Sarah Tetlow:Website - ‘Firm Focus’ LinkedInEmail: sarah@firm-focus.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Continuing on from last week’s episode, today’s focus is all about maintaining productivity within your workspace while working remotely! I’m going to be discussing my key strategies and tips for conducting yourself effectively while operating from home, the nuances that come with communicating virtually with your team members, as well as how the very real effects of isolation must be taken into account by leaders in business. Now more than ever, our mental wellbeing needs to be prioritized within the workplace, and managing the complex and often overwhelming feelings that come with our new working arrangements is going to be a team effort. While this period has been and is going to be difficult for many of us, there is solace in knowing that there are ways to cope and that we are not alone. Join me on Episode 83 of Technology For Mindfulness to learn more!In This Episode You Will Learn:Statistics showing that remote work was already on the rise before Covid-19 (1:23)My four key tips for Managers to help their teams work effectively in a remote environment (2:47)Why sticking to a daily routine is so imperative for workplaces right now & The power that our triggers have over us creating habits (2:55)Examples of positive triggers that can help to simulate a work day (6:17)Understanding how intentions and perceptions can affect virtual communication between co-workers (10:51)What you can do to rectify a miscommunication or potential negative interaction with someone you work with (15:07)Why we should stay aware of the effects that isolation can have on us while working remotely & Why leaders in business should be understanding of this and offer assistance to employees where needed (16:22)What I think the workplace will look like after Covid-19 (22:17)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInResources:Book: ‘Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones’ Author, James Clear See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are many critical aspects to creating a space within our home environment that is conducive to productivity. Not only can this mental boundary assist in efficiency and boosting our motivations professionally, it can also be a healthy bridge for us to open communication between ourselves and those of us who we’re sharing space with. Particularly now in the midst of this global pandemic, learning strategies that help alleviate some of these stressors has never been more important. In today’s episode, I share a few mechanisms that I use to schedule my work day effectively while working remotely, as well as discuss why having honest expectations with ourselves towards our productivity at the moment is so vital to our well being. To learn more, tune in to Episode 82 of Technology For Mindfulness! In This Episode You Will Learn:An introduction to today’s topic on productivity and remote work environments during Covid-19 (0:50)A few things that will factor into each individual’s capability to work remotely (3:33)Why it’s important to remind ourselves that we’re going to be less productive during this period of time (4:52)The practical benefits of bringing our attention towards the drop in productivity (7:05)How we can establish clear mental boundaries between our home and work environments (10:00)A breakdown of ‘physical boundaries’ (11:32)A breakdown of ‘temporal boundaries’ (15:46)A breakdown of ‘personal boundaries’ (18:25)How we can effectively manage external interruptions and improve focus while working from home (24:15)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInResources:Book: ‘Your Brain At Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long’ Author, David Rock See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’ve now entered our fourth month living in the midst of Covid-19. As all of us have begun to adjust to life in isolation and become accustomed to an ever increasing sense of uncertainty, the need for anxiety management tools have never been more pressing. There are so many benefits to practicing and implementing mindfulness into our routines, especially right now. In this episode, I share a few techniques that I’ve used to put difficult circumstances into perspective, why we tend to avoid accepting traumatic events, and how mindfulness allows us to build resilience and manage our anxieties in a healthy way. I also share some insights I’ve gained from others who have experienced bouts of stress during this pandemic and how their ways of thinking have helped me. To learn more, tune in to Episode 81 of Technology For Mindfulness! What You’ll Learn:An introduction to today’s topic on how Coronavirus is impacting our mental health (0:47)My first tip on using mindfulness to help you see things as they are (2:41)How mindfulness helps us decrease avoidance towards difficult circumstances (4:48)A mental exercise you can practice in your everyday life (5:37)Why mindfulness allows us to put our circumstances into perspective (7:40)Ways that mindfulness increases our resilience (10:01)What the ‘anxiety cycle’ is & The role fear plays in how we respond to crisis (11:31)The definition of ‘social contagion’ (13:58)How we can beat a negative feedback loop (14:56)The benefits of practicing ‘basic awareness training’ (18:23)Why we should engage in some form of ‘digital fasting’ during Covid-19 (18:46)Connect With Me:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInResources:Academic Journal: ‘Personality and Individual Differences’ Article: ‘A Brain Hack To Break The Coronavirus Anxiety Cycle’, Juddson BrewerBook: ‘24/6: The Power Of Unplugging One Day A Week’, Tiffany Shlain See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mindfulness has become such a huge part of the world we live in and has integrated into mainstream culture. There are a vast number of traditional and spiritual practices that date back hundreds of years and span across cultures far outside of what we’re exposed to in the West and it’s important we educate ourselves on the origin of these methods. Today, I’m joined by thought leader and established teacher, Ron Purser. Ron is a Professor of Management at San Francisco State University, and Published Author of the best selling book, ‘McMindfulness’. He shares a unique perspective, having integrated traditional Buddhist practices into his life, he does a brilliant job of challenging the ideals that are emphasized through modern mindfulness tools. To hear more insights from Ron Purser and learn more about his personal approach to this topic, tune in to Episode 80 of Technology for Mindfulness!Some of the questions I ask:Could you talk about your personal background with mindfulness? (4:08)What are your concerns now that mindfulness is such a mainstream ideology? (9:17)What does mindfulness mean for you in a broader sense and in relation to traditional Buddhist teachings? (14:41)Could you elaborate on how you believe mindfulness apps are being used as overtly solitary experiences (30:22)From your experience, what is mindfulness other than a self-help technique? (37:10)Would you agree that a lot of self-help apps are too introductory and don’t cover mindfulness in a broader sense? (40:19)What would you recommend to those wanting to learn more about mindfulness? (43:09)What you’ll learn in this episode:The history of Martial Arts and Shotokan Karate (1:20)How Buddhism has become synonymous with mindfulness (7:44)How mindfulness ideologies have become part of the mainstream and integrated into Western culture (18:40)The commoditization behind mindfulness in corporate environments (23:44)A brief excerpt from ‘McMindfulness’ - How the US Army have militarized the clinical application of mindfulness (27:24)The privatization of stress and the connection that has to our bodies (33:16)The political ideologies and connotations behind fanatic mindfulness (35:23)Connect with Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Ron Purser:WebsiteThe Mindful Cranks - Podcast McMindfulness - Book See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today I’ve repurposed an old episode of ‘The Paul Minor’s Podcast’ which I was fortunate enough to be a guest on, to share with all of you! Paul is a Productivity, Business and Self Improvement Consultant who has helped over four hundred clients reach peak efficiency in their line of work. In this interview, we discuss how the consumer's relationship with technology has evolved, how we can incorporate mindfulness into our daily practices, and more on my personal journey intertwining Japanese martial arts techniques with technology use.We also dive into the importance of understanding your responses towards notifications. For us to respond efficiently, we first have to draw our attention to internal solutions and focus on how we can catch bad habits before they become a part of our norm. If you’re interested to learn more, then have a listen to episode 120 of The Paul Minors Podcast!What You’ll Learn:A brief background on myself (1:46)My journey shifting into japanese martial arts from a computer science background (3:28)How to respond internally to an ‘attack’ from the technology around us (4:45)The neuroscience behind responding to notifications (7:01)How I’ve integrated martial arts practices into my use of technology (8:50)The contrast between notifications feeling overwhelming or something that makes us feel good (9:49)The consumer issue I’m trying to solve through my work (12:40)Key points in the evolution of technology and the way users interact with it (14:34)The challenges of working with algorithms that are designed to keep us engaged (19:46) How we can catch bad habits within our device usage (26:34)Tips for practicing mindfulness in a team environment (28:34)Meditation techniques that aren’t time consuming & How we can be mindful when we’re busy (35:01)Apps I use to practice mindfulness and relieve my anxiety (42:51)Connect With Paul Minors:WebsiteYoutube Channel Twitter InstagramFacebook Resources:Book: “Digital Minimalism” Author, Cal NewportBook: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” Author, Stephen R. CoveyBook: “It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work” Authors, Jason Fried & David Heinemeier HanssonBook: “Sleeping With Your Smartphone” Author, Leslie A. PerlowBook: “Deep Work” Author, Cal Newport See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Corporate Meditation Teacher and CEO of Peak Wellness Co, Kayla Kozan!After experiencing a sudden onslaught of issues surrounding her mental health and observing how many workplaces were in need of wellness resources, she was inspired to launch her company and influence businesses to prioritize the wellbeing of their employees. By implementing strategies into her programs that have benefited her own life, she has successfully helped businesses across all different fields create a solid wellness structure and received many outstanding reviews.For many leaders, particularly in corporate offices, the idea of adopting a mindful mentality can feel foreign or intimidating to approach. However, providing a safe space for workers to treat their mental needs has been proven to not only increase morale and reduce stress, but also improve productivity and performance within the workplace. The time for these services has never been more needed, especially now as we have entered such unprecedented times and have had to adapt to new ways of working. For more information on Kayla and the incredible work she does, tune in to Episode 78 of Technology for Mindfulness.Some of the questions I ask:What motivated you to launch Peak Wellness? (5:39)How did mindfulness help you during a period in your life when you knew your mental health was suffering? (8:09)What specifically have you found in corporate work environments that showed you there was a need for your service? (9:46)What are some new challenges you’ve noticed people facing in terms of their mental health since working from home? (12:47)How have you helped your clients with staying connected while apart? (15:05)What work have you done to help teams adapt to working remotely? (20:29)Have there been any other unexpected challenges that you have faced? (21:32)What would a company in need of your services expect from a Peak Wellness introduction? (23:26)How would you suggest ways to integrate a mindful work environment in corporate companies from a business standpoint? (26:03)Can you share any projects you’re working on at the moment? (28:16)What you’ll learn:My take on mindfulness during the pandemic (1:34)How you can apply mindfulness practices in your home workspace (4:21)An introduction on Kayla Kozan (5:24)Kayla’s experience with formal education to becoming a Corporate Mindfulness Trainer (9:04)The challenges and opportunities Kayla has encountered in transitioning her business online in the wake of Covid-19 (10:37)Techniques and strategies Kayla promotes in her Peak Wellness seminars (14:10)Kayla’s advice for setting boundaries while working at home and why you should be implementing breaks for yourself (17:19)Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedInConnect With Kayla Kozan:LinkedInTwitterInstagramPeak Wellness WebsiteResources:Wellness Tool: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today’s focus on Technology for Mindfulness is all about productivity and social connections! In this episode, I discuss some creative ways we can connect with each other using technology, how to effectively set boundaries in your home, as well as sharing some personal insights from the years I’ve spent working remotely. Now more than ever, dividing time between our work and personal lives has never been more essential. We’re all finding our own ways to adjust to this new norm and work efficiently, but we also need to remember to make time for the things we enjoy too. Whilst there is a lot of change going on, there’s always a silver lining that can be taken out of the situation, even if it is hard to see. If you’re looking for advice on how to improve your own productivity, then join me on episode 77 of Technology for Mindfulness! In This Episode You Will Learn:How to set clear boundaries in your home to improve productivity (5:02)What my listener’s greatest challenges have been working from home (10:13)Ways to shift your thinking around boundary setting and structure (12:37)Strategies I learned from the early years of working remotely (13:46)How to deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation (18:05)Creative ways of using technology to connect and engage with each other (18:36)Why I’ve been actively communicating through video calls (23:39)How changing your physical appearance and workspace affects your productivity when working from home (24:53)How people in supervising positions should approach their work environment remotely (26:29) Tips on how to adjust to your technological needs at home (29:04) Connect With Robert Plotkin:Technology for Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 76, Mitra Manesh joins us for a conversation around the powers of storytelling, binaural beats, and integrating them into mindfulness practices. Mitra is a mindfulness thought leader, storyteller, educator, and founder of Innermap. She has over 3 decades of experience helping people develop a more mindful mindset at home and at work. Throughout our conversation, Mitra shares about her product Innermap and how it offers support for living a mindful life. She also offers advice on staying present, how to interact with both the past and future, and practices to help you and your loved ones feel heard every day. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Innermap helps people develop mindfulness practices. (3:37)How telling stories help transfer wisdom. (6:16)How binaural beats condition your brain to lead you into a meditative state. (16:50)How disconnecting from the present moment can lead to learning, lamenting, or anxiety. (27:43)Practices to help you and your loved ones feel heard. (31:57)Connect with Mitra Manesh: InnermapLights On Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 75, Nadja Streiter joins us for a conversation around navigating our tech habits and the potential surge of tech use while practicing self-isolation during the COVID-19 epidemic. Nadja is a psychotherapist, speaker and coach that helps people with digital addictions, including video game addiction. Throughout the conversation, Nadja shares the story of how she became a psychotherapist that works in the niche of tech addiction, along with some immediately practical strategies for parents and families to incorporate immediately – including giving ourselves some grace during these unprecedented times. Some Questions I Ask: How did you first begin helping people with digital addictions? (6:04)What does addictive VS non-addictive tech use look like? (10:18)What are some of the challenges of helping people with technology use when it’s not an option to stop using it completely? (11:49)Can you talk a bit about the relationship between parental tech use and kids’ tech use? (17:03)What are some basic red flags that parents should watch out for? (20:15)How can people get in touch with you? (28:49)In This Episode, You Will Learn: Tips for balancing tech use during self-quarantine. (1:05)How technology addition is similar to substance abuse. (8:39)How to tech like you eat. (11:58)How parents can model healthy technology habits to their children. (17:17)How to navigate and balance tech use in a healthy way while self-quarantining. (23:55)Connect with Nadja Streiter: EmailInstagramTwitter See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 74, Caroline Welch joins us for a conversation about cultivating and pursuing a mindfulness practice. Caroline is the Co-founder and CEO of the Mindsight Institute and author of The Gift of Presence: A Mindfulness Guide for Women. Throughout the conversation, Caroline shares her personal stories about how her mindfulness journey began 40 years ago in Japan, what she’s learned through her practices, and how women can cultivate their own practices as well. She also shares about how mindfulness practices infiltrate technology habits and help establish healthy tech use over time. Some Questions I Ask: How did you get started practicing mindfulness? (4:02)Why did you decide to focus on presence in your book? (7:36)What are the Three P’s? (8:28)What do women specifically gain from practicing mindfulness? (17:23)How does changing your pacing make you more effective? (22:09)Why did you decide to focus on writing a book that’s a guide for women? (29:06)In This Episode, You Will Learn: What practicing Zen looked like in Japan for Caroline. (4:15)What the difference between presence and mindfulness is. (8:01)Why mindfulness practice is not the same thing as taking time to relax. (13:22)How having a strong sense of purpose provides a sense of direction, presence, and resilience. (20:30)How setting an intention can change your technology use. (28:35)Connect with Caroline Welch: Mindsight InstituteFacebookLinkedInTwitterYouTubeResources: The Gift of Presence by Caroline Welch See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 73, Jeremy Edge joins us for a conversation about breaking video game addiction. Jeremy is the founder of Escaping the.Com, a counseling practice for those struggling with an internet addiction or problematic screen use. Jeremy helps his clients strengthen relationships, manage stress, stop problematic screen use, and improve tech life balance overall. Throughout our conversation, Jeremy explains what the spectrum of video game addiction looks like, and what signs to mindfully watch for. He also shares strategies for seeking support and how teenagers and families can help each other overcome screen misuse. Some Questions I Ask: What motivated you to start working with people on video game addiction? (5:07)What does a video game addiction look like? (6:56)What are the consequences of video game addiction? (11:39)How can people reach out for support? (16:44)How can friends help one another in changing unhealthy gaming habits? (25:33)In This Episode, You Will Learn: Robert’s tip on applying mindfulness to your technology use and misuse. (0:48)How Jeremy overcame his personal video game addiction. (5:25)What to do if you suspect you have a video game addiction. (10:26)How Jeremy incorporates mindfulness into his practice. (15:32)How parents need to address their own screen use. (22:46)Resources: Escaping the .ComAddictive Screen UseComputer Gaming Addicts Anonymous See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 72, David Klein joins us for a conversation about America Offline, which aims to create transformational offline experiences for teens and their families. David is passionate about reconnecting through various learning and development programs. Throughout our conversation, David explains how today’s teenagers are a product of how society has developed. He’s witnessed the side effects of technology overuse, and it’s impacting their personalities and how they relate to one another. David continues by sharing some strategies for creating more connection-focused spaces at home. Some Questions I Ask: What motivated you to start America Offline? (4:18)What are the key additional factors other than technology that drive the changes in teenagers today? (11:58)How can people take part in America Offline? (21:50)In This Episode, You Will Learn: Robert’s weekly tip for staying connected and present. (0:48)What’s driving anxiety and depression in kids. (12:36)How America Offline retreats help participants authentically connect with others. (15:32)How David reintegrates smartphones at the end of America Offline retreats to teach kids how to continue to reap the benefits of mindful tech use. (23:27)Resources: America OfflineiGen by Jean Twenge See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 71, Ashley Sumner joins us for a conversation about how to connect more with people throughout the world, face-to-face. Ashley is the CEO and Co-Founder of Quilt, an app that allows women anywhere to spark offline conversations that bring community together in a fun, safe, and intimate way. Throughout our conversation, you’re going to learn a lot about how she and her organization helps people to use technology to connect with each other. Quilt goes a step further, finding ways to create spaces to raise social awareness and lift up one another’s voices. Some Questions I Ask: What motivated you to start Quilt? (4:08)What has surprised you about how discussion groups have developed organically? (15:03)What role does technology play in Quilt? (18:58)How does Quilt handle online conflicts? (24:58)What’s included in the conversation guidelines? How do you facilitate a conversation with Quilt? (30:48)In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to find new, meaningful ways to connect with others face-to-face. (1:14)How Quilt facilitates welcoming environments to have meaningful conversations. (9:11)What is Quilt’s philosophy on community. (13:05)How Quilt creates social awareness and raises up women’s voices. (25:52)How Quilt creates safe environments for socializing. (26:30)Resources: QuiltInstagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 70, Charlie Hartwell joins us for a conversation about scaling mindfulness technologies. Charlie is the managing partner of Bridge Builders Collaborative. He’s part of a group of successful investors who have invested in startup companies in the mental wellness, consciousness, and spirituality spaces. Throughout our conversation, Charlie Hartwell shares about how the mental wellness space has grown and shifted over the years, and where it’s at today. He shares about the limitations of the industry, how it’s become secularized over time, and other challenges these startups face in today’s society. Some Questions I Ask: What changes have you seen in the mindfulness industry? (7:06)How are mindfulness technologies being tailored to meet customer needs? (10:36)What limitations does the mental wellness industry have? (19:14)Are you working with any companies that help people meet in person? (30:18)In This Episode, You Will Learn: How letting go can help you become more successful. (3:57)What challenges health & wellness apps face when scaling up. (9:32)How mindfulness practices have been secularized. (18:17)How companies help support consumers’ going deeper into themselves. (27:55)What Charlie looks for when investing in a startup. (34:06)Resources: InstagramMediumRocket Fuel by Gino WickmanFull Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 69, Dr. Wayne Pernell joins us to talk about realigning actions with intent. As a Global Executive Coach, Wayne brings a suite of resources, training and coaching to lift people up to reach their highest potential of productivity, personal effectiveness, and fulfillment. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Wayne Pernell shares his story for how he entered into the executive coaching world, how to follow through on goals, and what people can do to become more focused and productive overall. He also dives into the idea of becoming more human in a world that’s increasingly dehumanized. Some Questions I Ask: How did you start coaching people for leadership, focus, and productivity? (3:41)How can people realign their actions with their intent? (7:27)Why are we becoming dehumanized? (29:53)In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to take small steps to change your relationship with technology. (0:59)The 4-step process for following through on your goals. (8:43)How to find meaning in your life. (19:06)How to practice being more deeply human. (27:50)How technology dehumanizes us. (30:01)Resources: WebsiteBooks by Dr. Wayne Pernell#StartsWithOneStuck at the TopFacebookInstagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 68, Marygrace Sexton, Natalie Sexton & Bethany Baker join us to talk about their organization: A-GAP. This nonprofit organization hosts events called reprieves, where people learn to recalibrate their relationships with technology in both their work lives and personal lives. Throughout our conversation, the A-GAP team shares their origin story and all about how they have dedicated their lives and careers to helping young adults reconnect with themselves, loved ones, and the world around them. The three of them share various tips for changing your own technology habits, how to inspire your family to change their habits, and why living a life with boundaries around technology ultimately leads to a life of success and fulfillment. Some Questions I Ask: What inspired you to start an organization to help people learn to be more mindful of their technology use? (4:14)What are the reprieves at A-GAP like? (9:03)How can people bring their family into a lifestyle of mindful technology use? (15:55)What developments do you see over the span of a single reprieve? (27:28)How can people sign up for the A-GAP reprieves? (38:53)In This Episode, You Will Learn: Tips for leading by example in your technology habits. (0:51)How A-GAP helps young adults learn to live intentionally. (6:48)What tools young adults can use to solidify what they learned from the reprieve as they enter back into their day-to-day lives? (12:40)Why going cold turkey with unhealthy technology habits is ineffective. (22:41)Tips for changing your technology habits to make you a happier and more successful person. (40:59)Resources: A-GAPJoin the A-GAP ExperienceInstagramFacebook See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this special episode, Robert Plotkin closes out 2019 by unpacking some helpful tips for developing healthy digital habits that you can cultivate in the coming year and decade. He provides strategies and tips for engaging in deeply reflective practices to assess your relationship with technology and how to break free from the unhealthy technology habits that carry you from day to day. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to reflect on your relationship with technology throughout 2019. (0:58)How to determine what types of interactions with technology you’d like to remove from your life. (7:52)Why evaluating habits is essential to developing a healthy relationship with technology. (11:41)How to come up with your own 2020 intention plan. (14:13)Strategies to remind you of your intentions throughout the new year. (16:17) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 66, Amy Giddon, Co-Founder and CEO of Daily Haloha, joins us for a conversation about her app that functions as an alternative to existing social media platforms. It provides a structure within to engage in social networking more mindfully. Throughout our conversation, Amy shares her personal story about what inspired her app. It all started in the fall of 2016 around the Presidential Election and all that unfolded. She felt disheartened by how the process created such a stark divide between people. With these circumstances, Amy was determined to find a way to find connection again in the wake of division and create a collective experience of expression and sharing. Some Questions I Ask: What inspired you to create Daily Haloha? (4:31)What went through your mind as you developed Daily Haloha? (12:42)How does Daily Haloha help promote a new way of connecting with others? (22:13)What’s the plan for giving people a channel for expression without the opportunity to seek popularity and status? (41:04)How can people learn more about Daily Haloha? (49:18)In This Episode, you Will Learn: How to break the cycle of compulsively checking social media to seek out a “reward.” (2:03)How the Subway Therapy project transformed Amy’s perception of connection. (6:46)What 4 core attributes of a project unite anonymous strangers in a moment of shared humanity. (14:25)How perpetual feedback and judgment impacts our wellbeing and connection to others. (19:19)What role empathy plays in Daily Haloha. (30:51)Connect with Amy Giddon: LinkedInTwitterResources: Daily HalohaSubway Therapy See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Ariel Garten joins us for a conversation about how her company’s device, Muse, provides you with real-time feedback about your own internal state while you meditate. Muse is a brain-sensing headband that tracks your brain activity and uses sound as a stimulus to get your brain back to focusing on your breath. Throughout the conversation, Ariel begins by talking extensively about the benefits that Muse provides and how it actively helps people develop their meditation skills. She also discusses how to determine the age of the brain, how meditation benefits everyone, and the direction that Muse is headed. Some Questions I Ask: What benefits does Muse provide? (4:54)How do the charts help with reflection post-meditation? (12:00)Tell me about your background. (15:41)What has surprised you from your research? (19:53)Where is Muse headed? (24:22)In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Muse helps with meditation. (4:03)How Ariel and her team created an algorithm that identifies focused attention vs mind wandering. (18:10)How alpha peak frequency changes with the decade of the user’s age. (20:14)How your mind is like the weather. (27:46)Tips for beginners. (30:40)Connect with Ariel Garten: Muse WebsiteInstagramTwitterLinkedInFacebook See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 64, Jay Vidyarthi joins us for a conversation centered around attention activism, including the value of just paying attention to your repetitive habits with technology. Jay Vidyarthi is a frequent speaker and educator on the topic of attention activism and mindfulness, with specific expertise on the user-experience and design aspects of technology. In this episode, Jay begins with explaining what exactly attention activism is, and how people can start reclaiming their ability to make a choice of where to direct their attention. Jay explains how technology is used to choreograph people’s attention, especially over time, and how developing mindfulness practices around technology use can change the routines in your brain. In other words, when you make intentional decisions with your technology use, you can start to see a big change in your overall lifestyle. Some Questions I Ask: What does “attention activism” mean? (5:01)How does attention activism help with resisting the influence that technology has over our brains? (15:50)What trends in design promote mindfulness in technology? (33:28)How can people get involved in attention activism? (45:44)In this Episode, You Will Learn: How to become aware of your habits with technology & how to improve them. (0:58)How people are reclaiming their choice of where to direct their attention. (5:35)How the design of technology is used to choreograph people’s attention. (9:16)How mindfulness is infiltrating various industries. (16:19)About the ethics of technology design. (33:45)What steps people can take to make positive changes in their lives. (42:48)Connect with Jay Vidyarthi: WebsiteTwitterLinkedInResources:Attention Activist See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 63, Christina Crook joins us for a conversation about how to savor the experience of disconnecting from technology. Christina is the founder of JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out, where she helps people find balance in the digital world and connect with others again – outside of technology. In this episode, Christina starts by telling us the story of her digital detox, where she disconnected completely from technology for 31 days. This is where her story begins. Since then, she’s learned that restricting technology use actually enhances her experience of freedom in her life, helps relationships bloom, and ultimately brings more joy into life itself. Some Questions I Ask: What motivated you to pursue the Joy of Missing Out? (4:20)How does restricting technology use help you experience more freedom? (10:58)How did you get focused on joy? (19:35)How can people navigate the demands of technology to experience joy? (24:42)In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to cultivate the joy of missing out. (0:56)Why people experience fear around potentially missing out. (7:15)Why technology cannot bring joy into life. (23:29)The benefits of making a decision on how much you use technology. (33:01)Connect with Christina Crook: WebsiteInstagramJOMO PodcastThe Joy of Missing Out by Christina Crook See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Over the years through Technology for Mindfulness and as a teacher, martial artist, and technology developer, we’ve helped countless people learn how to become aware of, confront, and ultimately win their invisible wars with technology. We’ve worked with people from all walks of life. And from professionals to college students, the one group that I’ve found having the most difficulty with technology is parents.Parents are in a particularly tricky position when it comes to dealing with tech. They have all the individual struggles as adults in a technology-driven world. Constant distractions at work and home, the incessant feeling of needing to be “on” at all times, creating an ever increasing dependence on their smartphones to manage their lives. And at the very moment they are dealing with their own obstacles with managing tech, they look up from their phone and see their children mindlessly scrolling social media or glued to their tablet watching who knows what on YouTube. Parents feel doubly responsible - like they’re fighting their war on multiple fronts.On one hand, parents tell me they are really concerned. They are wondering what the effects of so much screen-time will have over time, they are concerned about their children’s social skills (and possibly the lack thereof), and they are fearful about the unknown dangers lurking online. On the other hand, they can’t imagine life without technology, and to be honest, they don’t necessarily want to. Besides, in truth, it plays a major role in their own lives, and it is increasingly embedded into their children’s world as well. Teachers are using Google Classroom for assignments, their schoolwork is all done on tablets, the internet is a key research tool, email is used for communication, all their friends are online, and social media is often their only social interaction. Parents get that technology is here to stay and they’re ultimately okay with that. The problem, however, is not knowing how to use tech in a way that is healthy rather than destructive, disruptive, or toxic. Specifically they’re asking how do they allow their kids to enjoy technology without letting it consume them? How to encourage healthy behaviors? How to instill boundaries?At the end of the day, what I hear from parents is the same thing all parents have wanted for ages. To raise healthy, well-adjusted kids that will grow into healthy, successful adults. In order to do that in our modern world, it means understanding how to take control of technology, instead of letting it be in control of them. The questions sound simple enough, but you’d be surprised to know how many parents simply don’t know where to start. The idea of balance sounds great, but how to get there seems impossible. They see the opposite ends of the spectrum: take their phones and tablets! Cut off the wifi! Or let them use tech like every other child, cross their fingers, and hope for the best.What I teach is the how. And what I’ve learned through my own personal experiences and training as a martial artist, is that it’s not about removing technology or even managing your children’s screens. You see, I have come to agree that tech has a use and place in our world. But, if we’re not aware of how we’re using it, why we’re interacting with it they way we are, it controls us. So again, the answer isn’t limiting screen time - it’s managing HOW and WHY it’s used.That’s where mindfulness comes into play. While it may seem like an unrelated concept, at its core, mindfulness is simply about becoming aware of your behaviors, thoughts, and habits in the moment and without judgment. As you become more aware of yourself, you can start to make wider choices about how to act. Or, as I learned in my martial arts training, you can train yourself to do something different. And you can pass on that wisdom to your children, whether by example through your actions or through explanation or both. Here’s an example between you and me:Take a moment and think about how you’ve witnessed your children use and interact with technology. Try to remove judgment and simply recall your observations. Chances are you’ll see a lot of their behavior is reactive. Your child gets a YouTube notification, suddenly they’re lost on their phone for hours. They get an alert from Instagram and they abruptly stop mid-conversation with you to text their friends. That familiar ping has become almost like a remote control, directing your child’s behavior with every notification. As you look back, you can agree that eventually their behavior moves from reactive to habitual. Suddenly, it’s not just about responding to notifications, but it has evolved into a (subconscious) attachment to their phones. The phone comes to the dinner table, to the bathroom, to the family meeting, to the car, to the grocery store. You notice them absent-mindedly picking up and mindlessly scrolling when they’re bored, have a moment of quiet, or even in the middle of a conversation. Oftentimes, it seems as if they don’t notice or even have a true purpose for picking up and checking their phones.So what usually happens when you notice this behavior? You move into a reactive state yourself. When you hear the notification, you tell them not to pick up their phone. You find yourself saying “put your phone away” or “leave your phone in the house/car” when you see them reaching for it. You’re reacting to their behavior and they in turn start reacting to you. You’re suddenly the villain because you’re not just fighting your child, you’re fighting the habit your child doesn’t even recognize. If you want to see real change and improvement in your child’s relationship with technology, you must first help them to become aware of their behaviors, just as you are. They need to learn to recognize their own behaviors, and take stock of their own interactions. And this isn’t accomplished when emotions are high and everyone is responding to each other’s actions. It’s done in the calm, in between moments.In these moments you have the power to help your child develop self-awareness. You have the opportunity, not to restrict and demand, but to open a dialogue, to care and teach the principles so they are able to develop their own ability to act on their own. In doing so, you’re providing more than behavior change, you’re setting the foundation for success throughout their lives.You can’t force someone into mindfulness, it is a practice they must develop on their own, but as a parent, At its core, mindfulness is power. Those who practice it have a unique advantage above the rest. And while you can’t force someone to become more mindful, as a parent, you can help guide your children to a place where they become consciously aware of how they are using technology which is the first step to change.If you were to take a moment and think about the way you use and interact with technology and the way you’ve witnessed your children do the same, you’d noticed most of it is reactive. You get a notification for a work email and you immediately pick up your phone. Your child gets a DM from a friend on Instagram, they pick up their phone. Subtly, and oftentimes not so subtly, people become a puppet to their phone’s demands.If you watch long enough, you’ll eventually notice that behavior moves from a reactive state to a habitual one. The phone comes to the dinner table, to the bathroom, to the family meeting. You absent-mindedly pick up your phone when your bored, have a moment of quiet, are in the middle of a conversation. You end up on an app and don’t know why you’re on it or even how you got there. So you see, it’s not necessarily that technology is bad. We’ve just let it get to a point where it controls us. And we see that control manifesting the most in our children.If you want to take control of your technology, you want your kids to have boundaries, and you want to reap the potential benefits that technology can provide, it starts with taking a really hard look at how you’re using it. You’ve got to be real and honest so you train your mind to perform differently. That’s how you begin to set a better example for your children and help them develop their own awareness as well. Once your child begins to change their behaviors, your family will begin to change for the better.Parents tell me that they feel like they have their children back, that they see healthier technology use, and most importantly, they see increasing moments of connection where they are focused and more present. The best part of all is, mindfulness has a trickle effect. As you encourage, guide, and help your children become more mindful of their technology use, ultimately you become more aware of your own. It becomes a goal that you’re not just pursuing for your children, but that you are all working together as a family. Parents have shared the feeling of joy that comes along with family meals together, pockets of time without screens, and a new-found sense of security that they’ve provided their children with the tools to manage their own screens and behaviors. When it comes down to it, love it or hate, technology is here to stay. We must co-exist with it and beyond that, use it to our advantage in service of ourselves and our lives. We’re not after a world without technology. We’re determined on creating one where we can use technology mindfully. My work is centered on helping parents bring that awareness and mindfulness to their families. Through sharing exercises and practical tactics, I aim to give both parents and their children a way to hold their technology use up to the light, examine where they can improve, and make a plan of action to change for the better. So I’d like to ask for your help. After more than 50 episodes, we’re launching a new product! But we want to make sure we give our listeners best value possible. If you go to askmindful.com, we have a short questionnaire that will help us build the best product possible for you. Plus, when you answer, you’ll get a free guided meditation exercise to help you stay focused and avoid distractions when using your smartphone. Just go to askmindful.com now and thank you in advance! That’s askmindful.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 62, Nina Hersher joins us for a conversation about finding a community focused on digital wellness. Nina is a co-founder of Digital Wellness Collective, a unique organization where people working together on digital health and wellbeing can collaborate with each other, meet one another, share experience, support each other, promote one another’s work, and so much more. Nina Hersher is the co-founder of the Digital Wellness Collective. She holds her Master of Social Work with an individualized degree in Digital Culture and Program Development. She’s also an international speaker and meditation teacher. She is a digital wellness expert working with individuals and companies on technology usage to increase productivity, efficiency, and self-care. Some Questions I Ask: What is the Digital Wellness Collective? How did it get started? (5:24)Why are some places more interested in digital wellness than others? (11:06)What is National Day of Unplugging? When is it? (18:09)Are there any trends that you’re seeing for the digital wellness movement? (27:31)In This Episode, You Will Learn: Robert’s weekly tip. (3:40)How Digital Wellness Collective is spreading across the world. (9:46)The top 3 benefits of becoming a member of Digital Wellness Collective. (13:19)How unplugging can lead to inner peace. (21:31)What the difference is between “healthy tech” and “anti-tech.” (34:40)Resources:Digital Wellness CollectiveDigital Wellness Collective - TFMDigital Wellness Collective – Get InvolvedDigital Wellness Collective – InstagramDigital Wellness Collective - FacebookNational Day of Unplugging See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 61, Christina Malecka joins us for a conversation around how to implement a digital mindfulness retreat into your life, and why this will positively transform your relationship with technology. AS a Seattle-based psychotherapist, Christina has had a front-row seat to the emotional impact smartphones and social media have had on her clients, including loneliness, anxiety, and alienation. To combat this epidemic, Christina Melecka has created a series of digital mindfulness retreats, which can be done at home or within a beautiful, nature-focused location with Christina. These retreats will transform your relationship with technology, connect with others, and connect back to yourself, too. Christina Malecka earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington. She works with adults, children, and adolescents of all cultures and orientations to help people find relief from the emotional suffering they’ve experienced in life. Some Questions I Ask: What got you motivated to work in the digital mindfulness space? (4:20)What are digital mindfulness retreats like? (10:36)How do people’s expectations and experiences differ on the retreats? (16:19)How can people learn more about your work and get in touch with you? (31:34)In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to take a micro-retreat from technology. (1:19)How social media can be both beneficial and destructive. (5:43)What attention restoration theory is. (10:51)How to have an at-home digital mindfulness retreat. (26:05)Why a gratitude practice is essential to combating our natural negativity bias. (29:57)Resources:Christina Malecka’s WebsiteInformation on Upcoming RetreatsChristina’s Email: christina@dmret.comDMRET Mexico RetreatThe Joy of Missing Out by Christina CrookChristina's upcoming retreat on October 17-21 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of the Technology for Mindfulness Podcast, I wanted to cover some simple steps you can take in how you interact with technology to create positive change in your life. I've had other experiences in life where I had changed my own habitsI had control of myself and knew that it came down to how my mind and body reacted to the phone ringing. I used a combination of my experience of mindfulness meditation and martial arts training to train myself to respond to the phone ringing and the phone vibrating. The challenge was how to adapt that to my interaction with my phone. Here are some of the steps I applied to alter my habits and responses to technology disruption:Manage and monitor your triggers: Practice a different response to your phone or device ringing. Follow the same training plan: Through practicing pausing and waiting before interacting with your phone, this will help with anxiety management. Replace with a habit of discipline: You'll replace your habit of how you respond to technology with a new, controlled habit. This will still require you to practice these habits for maintenance. Replace your ringtone to encourage Affirmative Relaxation: Create a different experience and response to your phone ringing.Now that I've shared some of my journey with you, I'd like to ask for your help. After more than 50 episodes of the Technology For Mindfulness, we’re releasing a new product that will help with this very issue to help build a habit around our responses to our smartphones. I’d like to ask for your help. If you go to askmindful.com, we have a short questionnaire that you can fill out that will help us to build the best product possible for you. When you answer, you’ll get 50% off that product. Go to askmindful.com now and receive 50% of our new product! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 60, David Ryan Polgar joins us for an engaging conversation around the history of digital wellbeing and what it means to be human in the digital age. David takes a different approach to how people should combat oversharing personal data and addiction to technology. Instead of focusing on what we, as end-users, need to do to combat overuse or misuse of technology, David focuses on transforming the ways that technology itself is deployed. David Ryan Polgar is a 3-time TEDx speaker and tech writer. He’s known for his work in exploring the impact of tech from an ethical, legal, and emotional perspective. He’s been featured on CMS This Morning, USA Today, AP, LA Times, CNN, BBC, and more. David is also the founder of All Tech Is Human, which is an initiative to align the purpose of technology with what the end-users need to create a more human-centered society. Some Questions I Ask: What motivated your work around digital wellness? What challenges did you face? (5:08)What organizations are you involved in? (34:35)How can people reach you and get involved with everything you’re doing? (44:47)In This Episode, You Will Learn: Robert’s tip for mindfully granting access to applications. (0:58What a “mental food plate” is. (8:41)What prompted Robert to be mindful around granting apps permissions to his data. (17:32)Why advertisers’ targeting strategy became a massive collision course. (32:29)About David’s work with mental wellbeing with tech use. (39:22)Connect with David Ryan Polgar: WebsiteFacebookTwitterAll Tech is HumanResources: “Is Google Making us Stupid?” by Nicholas CarrHeadspaceCalmThe Center for Internet and Technology Addiction See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On today’s episode of the Technology For Mindfulness podcast, I’m going to share with you some of my own journey in grappling with stress and distraction from technology. In this episode, you will learn:How I’ve developed techniques and habits that I use to stay grounded and focused with my smartphone and other devices and how you can tooHow I deal with distraction in my work and professional lifeAn experience I had during my karate black belt test and how that mindset can relate to dealing with digital distractionIf you’re feeling controlled by technology or that you don’t have any options for relating to your devices differently, the way things in your life now isn’t the way things have to be. How the average person interacts with their phones 2,617 times a day when our instincts drive our phone. This is what can lead us to be more anxious and unproductive. A mindfulness exercise around using your smartphoneAfter more than 50 episodes of the Technology For Mindfulness, we’re releasing a new product that will help with this very issue to help build a habit around our responses to our smartphones. I’d like to ask for your help. If you go to askmindful.com, we have a short questionnaire that you can fill out that will help us to build the best product possible for you. When you answer, you’ll get 50% off that product. Go to askmindful.com now and receive 50% of our new product! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 59, Tracy Dennis-Tiwary joins us for a thoughtful discussion around how parent-child relationships are impacted by technology use. She dives into the details of how the human eyes have evolved to function in social settings, tracking eye movements and sharing gaze with others—and how technology can disrupt that communication.Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary is a professor of psychology, clinical psychologist, and digital mental health expert. She was recently featured on ABC’s Screentime, looking at the proliferation and consequences that mobile devices have on daily life. Her research mainly focuses on teen and adolescent wellness and what role technology plays in the struggles that today’s youth face.Some Questions I Ask: · How does your work relate to technology? (3:59)· What are some examples of the productive ways that young people can use technology to ameliorate the problem? (9:58)· What impact does guilt around technology use have on parent-child relationships? (18:17)· How can parents repair their relationship with technology use? (24:44)· What suggestions do you have for parents to start managing their technology use? (34:29)In This Episode, You Will Learn: · Strategies for answering your phone while talking with someone face-to-face. (1:11)· How research supports the notion that technology contributes to stress and anxiety in youth. (7:08)· How to create a path for youth to change unhealthy technology habits. (10:48)· How to navigate the space between reaction and action when it comes to combating automatic habits around technology. (14:08)· About an experiment used to study how technology impacts parent-child relationships. (21:01)· How humans’ eyes have evolved to highlight the importance of shared gaze as part of communication. (30:19)Connect with Tracy Dennis-Tiwary: WebsiteTwitterPersonal Zen See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 58, Dr. Richard Chambers joins us for an engaging discussion about how he encourages and teaches people to experiment with their use of technology. In particular, he prompts them to pay attention to both how they feel subjectively when they are using technology in different ways, in different situations, and also how they feel when not using it at all.Dr. Richard Chambers is a clinical psychologist and leading mindfulness expert. He feels his calling is working with and teaching mindfulness, focus, and distraction control in schools and universities. For Richard, mindfulness provides him with the experience of freedom from all the rumination and worry that clouds his mind, and he strives to share that with others, too.Resources:Richard Chamber’s WebsiteSmiling Mind Meditation AppDr. Richard Chambers’ TEDx TalkMindful Learning by Dr. Rich ChambersSome Questions I Ask: · How did you get into mindfulness? (4:03)· What is your philosophy about mindfulness fits into a curriculum? (9:03)· What are the most common serious issues around technology that your students? (13:16)· What challenges do you experience when working with people who never experienced life before smartphones and technology? (15:33)· How is Smiling Mind different from other meditation apps? (29:09)What You’ll Learn: · How to measure your technology use and how it affects your experience with technology. (0:50)· How technology use negatively impacts learning outcomes and mental health. (13:34)· How everyday technology and social media exacerbates cyberbullying, depression, and narcissism. (15:43)· How Richard teaches mindfulness through experiments. (18:24)· The difference between multi-tasking and attention-switching. (24:54)· Why technology is addicting. (34:34) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 57, Teodora Pavkovic—psychologist and parent coach focused on parenting in the age of technology—joins us for a discussion about how technology has impacted the relationship between parents and their children. Specifically, she talks about how, as children grow up, there’s a discrepancy between what mentoring and monitoring technology looks like, and how parents and children relate to one another. Teodora Pavkovic is a New York City-based psychologist, international speaker and parenting coach in private practice with over 10 years of international experience working with children and parents with emotional and behavioral difficulties, as well as adults with mood and anxiety problems. Her expertise is in the fields of emotional intelligence, digital wellness and parenting in the age of technology. She is invited to speak, train and facilitate frequently at diverse venues such as schools, workplaces, and cultural institutionsResources: Teodora’s TedX TalkTeodora’s WebsiteTeodora’s LinkedInTeodora’s TwitterTeodora’s FacebookTeodora’s email: teodora.pavkovic@gmail.comSome Questions I Ask: What are some common challenges that parents and children face with technology use? (5:52)How can parents navigate the shifting of gears around interacting with infants versus teens when it comes to technology use? (16:48)How is technology changing the way that parents and children relate to each other? (26:25)How can people contact you? (38:10)What You’ll Learn: How to become more aware of how your technology use impacts your relationships. (1:01)How Teodora incorporates digital wellness into her work as a psychotherapist. (4:18)How the generational divide causes issues with technology use between parents and children. (6:25)What the difference is between mentoring and monitoring. (13:12)Why it’s important to include children in your everyday activities, including tech-related activities. (35:37) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 56, Teru Clavel—author, speaker, and global mom—joins us for a discussion about world-class education for kids and the role that technology plays in the classroom. Together, we discuss the difference between learning with and without computers, tablets, and other forms of technology, and how that affects kids’ retention rates. Teru Clavel’s upcoming book World Class which is set for release on August 20, is a mix of a memoir, research, and takeaways. In this book, she takes us on the journey of raising her kids in 3 different countries. She explains how every education system (and it’s technology use) is very different based on its history and culture. What’s most important is that we all learn from one another, and grow in ways that will benefit kids in the school system. Resources: Teru Clavel’s WebsiteWorld Class by Teru Clavel - out August 20thTeru Clavel’s TwitterTeru Clavel’s Facebook PageTeru Clavel’s InstagramTeru Clavel’s LinkedInTeru Clavel’s YouTube ChannelSome Questions I Ask: What have you learned from kids around the world? (4:48)How do cultures around the world handle kids’ use of technology? (9:51)How is technology introduced to children in schools? (11:41)What can teachers do at school to help with technology use in the classroom? (30:11)What key things have you learned from your experiences around the world? (37:54)What You’ll Learn: What strategies help mindfully separate your work-life from your home-life. (0:54)Examples of how culture affects education systems around the world. (5:38)What the US could learn from other countries. (15:01)What “personalized learning” really means in the classroom. (18:10)About the correlation between children’s technology use, learning outcomes, and overall development. (21:47)How using technology to learn impacts long-term retention. (36:44) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 55, Caroline Castrillon, business coach and Forbes contributor, joins us for a discussion about how entrepreneurs can become more focused and productive through being mindful and disciplined with technology use. Caroline founded Corporate Escape Artist for both solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and those dreaming of running their own business. The mission of Corporate Escape Artist is to inspire and empower corporate professionals to take the leap into entrepreneurship and fully experience the flexibility, freedom, and joy that comes with being your own boss. Caroline believes that everyone deserves to experience the liberating feeling of leaving the corporate world and diving into a career that’s truly meaningful. Resources: Corporate Escape ArtistCorporate Escape Artist on FacebookCorporate Escape Artist on TwitterCorporate Escape Artist on InstagramCaroline Castrillon on ForbesMute App Screen Time TrackerMoment AppDigital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal NewportLeechBlockSome Questions I Ask: What are some of the most common stressors for entrepreneurs related to technology? [05:49]What are some examples of boundaries to set with technology? [08:56]How do you help entrepreneurs avoid multitasking? [13:42]What are your own struggles with technology use? [21:50]What are the underlying drivers for entrepreneurs to constantly be attached to technology? [27:17]What You’ll Learn: How to take some time for yourself during the day. [01:15]Why it’s important to establish boundaries with technology as an entrepreneur. [08:30]How setting aside specific time to check and respond to email can boost productivity and focus. [16:06]Why substituting time spent on technology with other positive activities [19:49]How stillness benefits your mind and provides space to have an “ah-ha!” moment. [23:56]How to begin setting boundaries for disciplined technology use. [29:03] See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 54, Dawn Wible, the Founder of Talk More Tech Less joins us for a discussion about various ways that we can re-introduce in-person, non-tech related, communication back into our lives. Dawn founded Talk More Tech Less in an effort to provide support, resources and education to help, both, adults and children “prioritize relationships over technology.”Talk More Tech Less is committed to the work of deeper, more connected communication and provides, what they call, the “Facts and Stats” that support how important it is for us to strike a healthy balance among ourselves, our relationships and technology. Resources:Talk More Tech LessTalk More MealsDetox BoxSmart Phone EdTalk More Tech Less - FacebookTalk More Tech Less - TwitterTalk More Tech Less - InstagramSome of the questions I ask:What is the motivation behind the concept of Talk More and Tech Less? [4:22]What are some examples of what a more balanced, and more healthy, life with the people in your life looks like? [6:28]What kind of changes has Dawn’s work resulted in and what challenges should people expect with implementing them? [14:17]Do the children, who aren’t having the experiences of going outside and playing, feel or know that something is missing in that? [20:43]What guidance would Dawn like to offer parents, children, and teachers? [32:58]What You’ll Learn:About’s Robert’s Tip for a Digital Detox [1:06]About Dawn’s 2 Hour Technology Limit for her children [7:55]About Talk More Meals [15:00]About the benefits of adults/elders teaching children about what their childhood was like and vice versa [22:59]About a personal experience Dawn had with her son that required her to take a moment and step back from technology [34:25] See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In each Technology for Mindfulness episode, we usually interview an expert (from various industries) who’s made incredible strides in creating more mindfulness in their life, the lives of others and who use/create various techniques to build a better relationship with technology.This week, Episode 53, brings a direct conversation with Robert. He shares his insights and the success strategies that he’s learned over the years as a patent lawyer, from having his own law firm, and from running Technology for Mindfulness.If you’re interested in learning how Robert created more balance, became more productive, creative and focused while mindfully utilizing technology and still accessing its amazing benefits, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:Suggestions for how to start your day mindfully and with a technology balance. [2:30]Not ready to completely remove technology from your mornings? A suggestion for how to ease more balance into your day. [8:38]About the “Urgent” v. the “Important.” [10:15]Tips on how to keep you reminded of and guided towards doing the things that are important to you. [15:28] See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 52, we speak with Michael Jacobus - the Founder of Reset Summer Camp; a 4-week clinical summer program for, mostly, teenagers who are suffering from technology addiction. The camp treats addiction to video games, social media, excessive screen time and provides assistance with poor technology habits. Michael has worked in the Summer Camp space for over 30 years and believed that the camp experience could create an environment that provides both the campers and, their families, with the tools needed to build a healthy relationship with technology and help rebuild any strained relationships at home.The program begins with a technology detox (one that most of the participants are not big fans of) and then moves into exposing new ways of having technology be properly present and absent in their lives. It also provides guidance to parents, both, during and after the program.Some of the questions I ask:What is Reset Summer Camp and what motivated Michael to launch it? [4:41]There was a concern in the 60 and 70s about TV being addictive, what makes the current technology any different? [10:10]What type of progress does Michael see in a camper after the first week? [24:10]What role does being outside play at the camp? [33:27]What You’ll Learn:Options for managing boredom instead of reaching for technology. [0:55]About the types of kids that attend Reset Summer Camp. [7:22]About some of the resources that are provided to teach, guide and train parents on how to change the way they act with technology or the way they interact with their kids. [13:41]What Michael says to the parents to help them navigate their relationship with their child and the technology. [27:43]About the breakthrough moments for some of the campers. [32:15]Resources:ResetSummerCamp.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 51, Sean McCormick, high-performance coach and host of Optimal Performance Podcast, discusses how he successfully incorporates mindfulness and meditation into his coaching practices to help his clients make great strides in the areas of productivity and performance. Sean also discusses the role that technology plays in our world, and shares techniques for how we can create more balance and better manage our usage.Some of the questions I ask:About Sean’s background in meditation. How he got started with meditation and what are some of the benefits it’s had in his life? [4:00]What kept Sean practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM)? Why might someone try it and what are the differences between TM and Mindfulness? [7:17]What role does meditation play in Sean’s coaching techniques? [10:44]How does technology play into the culture of business and how does Sean work with his clients to manage those stresses? [19:44]Advice for someone going full steam ahead and is hitting their productivity limit - what can they do to pivot their performance tactic? [29:50]Where can we learn more about Sean’s work, his coaching, and his podcast? [40:04]What you’ll learn:Robert’s Tip on having a coach. [0:35]The different practices that Sean tried and how they lead to his calling. [6:14]How people evolve with meditation over time. [10:03]The benefits of time blocking. [20:24]About our social medial pixel. [28:36]The benefits of a Social Media Fast. [30:46]Resources:Sean McCormick - WebsiteFree First Session - ContactOptimal Performance - Podcast@realseanmccormick - InstagramTap into Mindfulness - Course See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 50, Brand Strategist, Rebecca Horan, discusses how she strikes a balance between running a business from home and managing screentime for herself and her family. She shares the 5 Strategies that she uses to help create clear boundaries for family time and technology usage.Some of the questions I ask:What were some of the challenges Rebecca experienced early on with striking that balance between screen time and family time? [3:45]What strategies does Rebecca find work best for striking that balance? [9:26]What she has found valuable and challenging about setting up the cell phone contract with her teenage daughter? [22:56]What simple first step can people take, with their kids, to have healthier and more balanced interactions with technology? [29:29]What you’ll learn:Robert’s mindfulness tip [0:52]How working from home can blur the lines with technology usage and how Rebecca manages that [5:04]Rebecca’s most important tip [10:28]Rebecca’s trick for weekend correspondence [18:54]Understanding how kids communicate today [28:12]Resources:Rebecca Horan - Website See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rachel & Kyle Wright, who are relationship coaches and fellow podcasters and have a series of programs and coaching packages for couples through the Wright Wellness Centre.Tip of the Day: Have a designated documentor at a party or gathering you are going toWhen you’re attending a party or a gathering with friends and you’d like to take photos or videos of the party, pick one person at that event who is going to be the “designator documentor.” Much like a designated driver, this is one person at that gathering who will be the only one who is documenting and posting. You could have a single person or rotate it every hour. Whichever way you structure it, it helps everyone there be present, experience the gathering and connect with the people there.Some of the questions I ask:From your personal and professional experience, what are some of the key issues or challenges that people face in their relationships in relation to social media and the online world? [3:07]What do you suggest for people to do to break out of projecting and comparing themselves and their relationships to what they see on Reality TV and Social Media? [7:50]How do you shift the time and the place in how you use your technology so you don’t feel like you’re giving it all up? [12:08]How do you balance some of the things you post about yourself? [14:48]What harm can come when you’re not being mindful when you’re posting or sharing on social media? [18:07]So you shared an argument that you had via a Facebook live, can you tell me about that experience? [19:29]What feedback did you receive from posting your video about the fight you had? [23:09]What you’ll learn:How couples go through “Comparisonitis” - where Instagram and social media platforms show highlights or posts and our minds want to believe that it is the norm and that’s the lives that people are leading. People take that to heart and compare and ask “Why are we not like them?” [3:35]When other couples post about their relationship, a comparison is also made about how frequently you should be posting [4:18]Technology is moving faster than our brains our evolving [5:58]People view Reality TV and project their life and relationship onto it [7:24]Try to delete your apps for a day. It’s the weirdest, most confusing freedom but it will train you to stop yourself [8:15]When you’ve taken a photo or video with someone, stay in the moment. Share it with your audience at another time. Don’t take yourself out of the moment to share on social media. [9:27]Put your phone in airplane mode so you can use it strictly as a camera without being taken out of the moment. [11:16]The All or Nothing state when it comes to using your technology: we rebound and rebel back so hard. Find that middle ground that helps you be more consistent. [13:03]There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to posting - it comes to what your intention is. Is it for validation? To share a lesson? Or is it related to your work? [15:40]Being mindful about what you share about your relationship on social media. Ensure that you have your partner’s consent [18:25]Resources:Wright Wellness Centre See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nick Wolny is a marketing and media strategist for coaches, consultants and entrepreneurs and has been featured on a variety of publications including The Wall Street Journal, Elephant Journal and Mens Health for his expertise on productivity, automation and self improvement. Recently, he’s been featured on FOX discussing Digital Decluttering and how to curb your smartphone addiction.Tip of the Day: Monitor How Much time you actually use your smartphone and other devices.There are ways to do this now with apps like Moment and the Screen Time Feature on iOS. If you spend one minute a day at the beginning or end of the day to see what apps your time has been spent on and how much you’re actually using your phone. Many people find that getting into this empirical data and being able to know exactly where your time is being spent, can motivate you to change your behaviour. See if monitoring your device time can help you introduce some changes!Some of the questions I ask:When was it that you became concerned about smartphone addiction? [2:44]What were some of the first things that you started to try to do to address it? [5:42]What would you say to people who have concerns about not being able to implement a series of steps or protocols to be mindful with technology and use technology less? [12:20]Our culture has come to value the autonomy in working conditions that technology has bought us. How can we make our time use more intentional? [14:12]Are there any new techniques or ways of thinking that are now emerging that go in a different direction from amping up the level more and more? [18:16]From the point of view of consumers, what else can we do in addition to the protocols to take that awareness of how the marketing landscape is changing so that we can be protective of ourselves? [20:45]Do you have any motivation or small steps that you could recommend for people to try to be more mindful with their smartphone use? [23:16]What you’ll learn:How Nick came to be passionate about smartphone addiction by observing his own behavioural patterns around technology [2:51]Ways to be more diligent with your time [6:02]How flexible hours can actually be working against us [6:23]Some tips if you’re an entrepreneur in a client service based industry and a lot of your deliverables rely on being connected [7:12]The Wake Up protocol [7:38]A Warm Up protocol [8:27]The Completion protocol [10:03]Have a night time protocol [10:59]How our perception is that we have less time than we actually have available [12:58]The ubiquity of information and how people consume social media in a mindless state of scrolling [15:10]The game is changing on how to make people aware of brands and business’ because people’s attention is totally fried [17:58]How attention is currency and some of the ways you can get people into your corner from a marketing perspective [19:44]When everything is getting faster, it comes down to you and taking personal responsibility for your smartphone use and consumption [21:28]Take one of the four protocols and take the smaller steps to implement them into your life [23:41]Resources:Nick Wolny WebsiteMoment AppScreen Time AppGary Vaynerchuk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.