Glenda and Buster: Learn to Read the Signs

The Story

There were some obvious signs that "Glenda the Good Fish" needed a larger home. First we noticed a few missing scales on her side. Glenda had apparently been scraping up against the plants and her rock sculpture as she swam back and forth. Then came some mysterious disease of her tail and fin.  Those proved a bit challenging to diagnose and cure, but finally she was on the mend. And then there was just the plain and obvious fact that Glenda was at least twice the size she'd been when we purchased her as our first family pet. I hesitated in purchasing a new tank for Glenda  "Did she really need a bigger tank?"I asked myself.

"Glenda the Good Fish" in her new home

Being mainly responsible for maintaining Glenda's watery environment, I had instituted a regular monthly schedule of tank cleaning. Because her tank was smaller, just 5 gallons, I often shunned the traditional wisdom of vacuuming and water change, moving the entire setup to the sink for deep cleaning.

One evening, in a bit of a hurry to prepare for an out of town trip, Glenda's tank slipped in my wet hands. The side tapped the edge of the kitchen sink, cracking slightly on the corner. I sighed, somewhat disappointed and frustrated by this new challenge to my already tight schedule.  I relaxed my shoulders and took a few deep breaths. Then I fetched Glenda's original bowl - way too small anything other than a temporary home. Early the next morning I headed out to the local aquarium shop for a new tank. Soon Glenda was ensconced in her new home, a much larger and better illuminated 10 gallon tank!

The Technology

This summer I noticed that my iMac "Buster" was running a bit slowly. At nearly 6 years old, he would sometimes freeze on the spinning pinwheel, forcing me to restart the computer manually. Having worked with computers for so many years I knew the tell-tale signs that Buster was aging and would soon need to be upgraded.

Working to ease the strains on Buster, I eliminated many of the no longer utilized programs, freeing up memory.  I carefully backed up important documents on an external hard drive, again creating more room for Buster to do his processing.  When the day came that Buster finally stopped working, I was disappointed but not surprised.  I was as prepared as I could be to handle the possible end of his life cycle.

"a newer refurbished laptop"

A trip to the Mac store did not clearly diagnose the issues with Buster's hard drive so I took him to MacOutfitters, a repair service and certified reseller in my area, for a second opinion. I left Buster for several days. It was determined that it was not the hard drive, but rather that the graphics card that had failed. The cost for replacement parts and the labor to fix Buster would be more than purchasing a refurbished unit. After taking another day to think through options, I chose to remove Buster's hard drive (for security purposes), have him recycled, and to bring home a newer refurbished laptop. With a solid backup of the work I'd done stored on an external hard drive, I have now moved on to a simpler laptop workspace. However, I haven't brought all of that old work backed-up over to the new computer's hard drive - I've chosen to start fresh, only fetching the old work files when they are needed.

Connections

It seems to me that these two stories run parallel, pointing to the importance of recognizing the signs that it is time to move on, time to upgrade, time to change the way things are done.  In so many places in our lives, technological and otherwise, we can often sense that something has changed or should change.  Sometimes we can fix the item or situation, and other times it just makes sense to move on. Knowing when to make the move and being prepared is key.

In the case of Glenda, the signs were clear that she needed a larger tank - yet I waited until I was forced to purchase her a new one.  In the case of Buster, while I was prepared to make an upgrade, I also held off until it was absolutely necessary.  In both cases the choice to bring in the new was mindful: including a careful purchase and had a plan for recycling of the old equipment.

"clearly recognize the warning signs"

I think the lessons to be learned in waiting to upgrade technology are many.  First, the discipline teaches us to recognize warning signs and be prepared.  With our technologies, we can no longer assume that they will last.  With the notion of "planned obsolescence"  a key element in the creation of consumer goods, its important to work cleanly, carefully, keeping backups of critical items.  Planning ahead also helps to avoid the potential drama that can accompany a computer failure during a key times - such as during writing a dissertation, taking an online exam, or during cycles when taxes or invoicing  are due.  In our current throw away economy, recognizing the warning signs, having a plan, and waiting, also benefits the planet in keeping yet one more piece of equipment from the landfill. So does purchasing a refurbished computer.  I recycled Buster, so what will I do with Glenda's cracked tank? I've heard that old tanks make a great terrariums!  Have another great recycling or "reading the signs" story to tell - please share your ideas in the comments section below.

Warning sign image courtesy of Pixabay: http://pixabay.com

Three Little Birds: What is the Focus?

The Story
One morning last week I was having coffee and reading before jumping into work on my computer. Having just made the bold leap into launching my technology consulting business, I noticed some sensations of anxiety and anxiousness in my torso. As I probed the feelings I was able to identify the tell-tale signs of fear.  I noticed my inner voice saying things like, "What are you doing? Why don't you just get a job? This is never going to work. You'll have to get a job at some point anyway." As I sat there bringing presence to these negative thoughts, trying to turn them into positive statements, I heard some stirrings on the deck below.

"singing a sweet song, a melody pure and true..."

Moving over to the window, I looked down find three little birds on my porch. They were singing back and forth to one another. The three house wrens, as I quickly identified them, were plump, chipper, and joyfully greeting one another.  They hopped back and forth, singing their song in a continuous stream, welcoming each other and the morning. Their brightness and and authenticity was so forceful that my mood immediately began to improve. I began to smile, then giggle. Soon I was actually laughing at their silly merry making on my doorstep!

Still basking in the joy of that moment I thought, "Well, now what shall I do with my day?" With a feeling of lightness in my heart, I immediately heard the response, "Perhaps I'll go to that business marketing meeting I read about in the paper last week!" For a brief moment, the feeling of doubt crept into my mind again. And, as if on cue, I heard the wren's song again. I looked out of the window. This time one of the three house wrens had flown up into the tree directly across from my window. It was as though she had flown up specifically to remind me to stay up and joyful. Her contagious song inspired me to quickly shower, dress, and head out to the early morning meeting with a positive outlook and skip to my step.

The Technology
A friend sent me an email recently telling me how depressing he finds the state of the world - he had been watching the local evening news on TV that night. His note, combined with the experience of the three wrens, got me thinking about the ways in which our technologies have the potential to profoundly influence our view of the world, our outlook on life, and even our feelings and moods.

What is the focus?

Personally, I have been exploring the impact of not watching TV at home for some time now.  In our house we have only the basic cable and generally only watch movies on the weekend.  As a family, we make art together, read together, take walks, go to the museum or playground together.  When we use our individual technologies, we are mindful of the amount of time we spend on our devices, choosing the duration together and then sticking to our plans to unplug.

I've also started to think about my choices and use of social media in this same light. Having given up TV for the most part, I recognize the same potential stream of energetically charged stories and ideas coming from sources such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. While I may not turn on the TV often, I do look at the news in print form on the internet, and I do connect with others through email, chat, texting, and sharing ideas through social media channels.  I do feel that similarly, some messages promote feelings of spaciousness, joy and love in my body, while others create fear, doubt, and anger.  So I've begun to ask myself, "What is the focus?" I then make my choices from a place of awareness.

Connections
Can you identify the ways in which technology influences your thoughts, your mood, or even your actions?  Have you ever found yourself upset after watching a TV show or news report for no apparent reason?  Do you sometimes feel irritation over the volume of texts and emails you receive? Do you sometimes become annoyed with trivial nature of your friends' Facebook and Twitter posts?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, then perhaps you've identified a way in which the focus of the message being sent is impacting your lived experience in less than positive ways.

So many of us are already hard on ourselves, questioning our actions, our words, our choices.  Then we also unknowingly allow the messages that come in our devices to intensify feelings of fear, anger, guilt.   Its no wonder so many of us are depressed, anxious, and even sick.  The interesting thing though is - we've all experienced ways in which our technologies can just as easily create feelings of love, joy, and acceptance.  In beginning to notice the physical sensations and thoughts that follow our use of technology, perhaps we can begin to make more thoughtful choices about what to view, when to use our technologies, and when to unplug for the sake of our personal happiness and that of others.  Perhaps we can all learn to look for the three little birds in our daily use of technology.

As I began to write this post and work on its title, I was reminded of Bob Marley's famous song, "Three Little Birds." I searched for a recording of the song online.  As it began to play on the tab I'd opened in my browser to YouTube and I was reminded of Bob's wisdom about the message that his three little birds have to share with us all:

"Don't worry 'bout a thing, 'Cause every little thing gonna be all right." 

Thanks Bob.  Thank you to those who have chosen to utilize technology to share uplifting messages with the world.  And most especially, thank you three little wrens - for coming to my doorstep that morning to lift my spirits - and for then inspiring this post.


Images:  wren and social media pictures courtesy of http://pixabay.com
Video:  Bob Marley video courtesy of http://www.youtube.com

Red Dog White Dog: A Story of Perspective

The Story
As I was taking a morning walk in my neighborhood few weeks ago, I came upon a woman walking her two dogs. One was a long-haired red Dachshund, the other a white Westie.  As true dog lover, I approached the owner to ask if I might pet her dogs.

the "white dog"

She replied to me, "The white one is a lover, the red one - she has a serious complex!"  I chuckled and bent down to pet the little white dog who had already appeared by my side as if to say, "I'm happy, good morning!"  The red dog, true to her master's judgement, began to bark, as if to say "Look at me, look at me! I'm here too!  Hey, what about me?"  I responded to the red dog's lament with a thought - (not voiced) "Yes I see you little red dog!  You are so cute, why don't you come over here and get a pet with your friend as well?"

Interestingly, with just the turn of my body in her direction and the welcoming thought - the little red dog turned her shoulder to me and stopped barking.  I bid the owner and her dogs a good morning and headed on my way - one dog shy of a full morning greeting!

The Technology
As I walked back to my house from the red dog/white dog encounter I found myself thinking about how technology impacts our behavior, causing us to demand attention in ways similar to the two dogs. I wondered about whether or not we might see ourselves mirrored in the behavior of the red dog, white dog, or both.

the "red dog"

The red dog, for me, represents an oh-my-god-i-must-check-my-text-mail-voicemail-right-now technology mentality.  In my estimation, "red dogs" seek to grab our attention, to get us to notice, and then they ignore us in favor of their technology of choice.  Can you think of a time where you've been guilty of "red dog" behavior?  Do you sometimes pull out your cell phone, forgetting that the person you are with is even there at the dinner table?  Have you ever been asked to put your device away?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, perhaps you were indulging a bit of "red dog" behavior.

I believe the white dog is representative of a i-am-glad-to-be-here-with-you-in-this-present-moment technology mentality.   "White dogs" not only notice we are with them, they are happy we are there, giving us their full attention.  Taking on a "white dog" mentality can also mean rising to a higher vision of what technology's purpose and promise are.  Have you ever been the "white dog," literally forgetting about your phone-computer-iPad because you were so lost in conversation with someone?  Have you ever been so caught up by the beauty of nature or a musical performance that you later were sorry you didn't capture the moment digitally?  If you answered yes to any of these questions take heart, then perhaps you also have a bit of "white dog" in you as well.

Connections
I am currently interested in exploring when-where-how particular devices are most useful.  Sometimes when I'm heading out to meet a prospective client I take just my iPhone and an iPad.  Sometimes I haul my laptop along too.  I am enjoying the inquiry into which tool can best support the kinds of activities that I will be engaged in.

 a "mix of the two dogs"

Taking it a step further though, I have begun to work on being more present in the moment, beyond the technology that fits the situation.  I've intentionally gone to places with no technology at all, I've turned off my technology in favor of eye contact, and I've even been on retreat where I had no technology (or conversation for that matter) for several days.  The results have been interesting and quite enlightening!

I can identify times when I have been the red dog, the white dog, and a more mixed-breed of the two. I don't think there is one way to look at the red-dog/white-dog story.  There is no moral - no satisfying this-is-how-it-should-be-done type of ending.  There is just the noticing of two types of personalities presented by the dogs, their particular characteristics, and the impact they have on the others who share the morning air with them.  I believe the two dogs provide us with the opportunity to see them as ourselves in each moment, and to make a choice from that place of knowing, about how to use our technologies in each moment.  Mindfully.

Red Dog, White Dog images courtesy of Pixabay: http://pixabay.com
Sheltie image courtesy of "Doolan" himself!

"The Call to Adventure"

"We must let go of the life we have planned,

so as to accept the one that is waiting for us."

- Joseph Campbell

Today is the first day of a new adventure for me. As a career educator and life-long computer user, I have been engaged in the use of technology for teaching and learning for quite some time. I've waited until now, however, to create a blog. Why have I held off for so long? Until now, I didn't feel that I had a reason to write, a story to share, or a useful purpose to support all of the effort that would be involved in offering my thoughts with the world in this type of ongoing, linear, and personal format.

Now at turning point in my career, taking a giant leap into the world of adult learning as an independent consultant, writer, and artist, I feel I have uncovered a personal purpose worthy of blogging - sharing a chronicle of some of the lessons I have learned along the way. I believe I have also found my authentic voice - offering my personal wisdom about technology use, in a creative way. My purpose for writing here will be to explore the intersection between technology and mindfulness through employing the mediums of image, story, and metaphor.  I hope that these offerings will engage us all in thinking deeply about, more intentionally utilizing, and revising our sometimes solid conceptions, as we begin view technology in a different light.  It is my hope that we each, as Joseph Campbell has written, may then return to our lives changed, sharing "the lessons we have learned of life renewed."

As we start out on this journey together, you may also be interested in the new line of professional work I am launching. Please visit the online home of Mindful Technology Consultants by clicking on the linked name.   Thank you for joining me on the adventure!