The Thank You Note: Taking Mindful Action

The Story

My neighborhood has an Abitibi paper retriever. It is a large bin which allows us to dispose of paper for recycling, then providing the homeowners association with a modest monetary refund. I keep a bag near my desk to collect the plethora of junk items that appear in the daily mail to deposit in the bin.

Yesterday I received a thank you note which I may hang on to for a while. With email, texts, and Facebook, as my main modes of written communication, I was delighted to receive this personal correspondence. Far more interesting to me however, was the source of this letter.

The card, handwritten on recycled paper (I confirmed it by smudging the ink with my finger!) came from a CREDO wireless employee named Andrew W. In response to Verizon's recent actions to alter net neutrality regulations, I had decided to change my phone carrier. The handwritten note was sent to welcome me to CREDO, to thank me for my business, and describe the impact that the company has had in supporting non-profits worldwide.

The Technology

The story of Verizon and the US Court of Appeals has been in the news the past few weeks. On January 14th the court reversed its ruling on "net neutrality" - or the role that businesses may play in regulating the flow of information over the internet. There have been plenty of stories which portray the unfolding situation as yet another instance of big-brother or eventual doomsday, while others have compared it to the changes which occurred with cable TV when pay-per-view and premium channels were added. With all of the press it can be hard to know which way is up.

Certainly, as our technologies continue to evolve and change, so will business' responses to profit from them. While we may not yet know the full impact of the Court of Appeals' decision upon our freedoms in accessing the Internet, we can be sure that things will continue to change. In an era where many feel their voices cannot or are not being heard, it can be challenging to know how to respond mindfully to these sorts of global concerns.

The case of net neutrality is complex with no apparent "right or wrong" answers. I believe, however, that there are ways we each can respond mindfully to the litigation, helping the big Internet providers to understand our preferences for the web to remain open and free. They include: changing Internet and/or cell service providers, signing net-neutrality petitions online, sending our own hand-written notes to key players, or dreaming up new ways of doing things in an open source and humanistic manner.

Connections

One only has to look in the paper, turn on the TV or scan the Internet to see global stories of doom and gloom. From issues on wall street, to genetically modified food, from Obama care concerns, to women's reproductive rights, there are many areas for which we may have justified concern. How do we remain positive in the face of such challenges? And how might we make a difference as a single human being on a planet of over 7 billion?

Many of the great wisdom teachers remind us, "You are the only one who can do something.  Do that one thing that you can do." It is not always apparent what that one thing might be. I would suggest we consider utilizing our technologies to help us in that area.

Personally, I am choosing to work on becoming more mindful of my technology usage, and seeking out ways to support those who are finding their own particular gifts or ways to benefit the planet. I encourage you to think about how your technologies can impact the causes you care about - from blogging about your ideas or about how you are making changes, to seeking out new collaborations and diverse opinions, or signing petitions or making donations to non-profits working in the trenches. I urge you to choose something and to make a positive, mindful contribution. Good luck!

Images of the Internet and Earth courtesy of Pixabay:  www.pixabay.com 

Christmas Decorations: Is One Way the Best?

The Story

Its the week after Christmas and I've begun to think about taking down the holiday decorations. As I was out for a walk this morning, I decided to take a closer look at my neighbors' selections this year. Throughout the town home community there are still many remaining signs of the holiday.

Some of my neighbors appeared to favor the simple, adorning their decks with strings of white lights. Others displayed bows, flags, ornaments and wreaths. And a select few seem to love everything about the holiday, placing a wide variety of signs, symbols and colors around the perimeter of their dwellings.

In the habits of decorating I also noticed patterns related to individuality and collaboration. In some cases, the decorations were unique, individual and singular. Some neighbors appeared to have collaborated in color scheme or theme. In at least one case, an entire group of homes had created a unified display of bows and lights for their combined unit.

The Technology

In working in education for over twenty-five years, I have seen the many different ways that we engage with and utilize technology. Often times humans employ a large group mentality. We use the technologies that are given to us, in the ways that we are directed by those in leadership positions. This style of useage often creates results that are more uniform and predictable.

For many years, as a member of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), I saw another familiar pattern. At the annual convention, presentations often focused on creative uses of technology - on what was perceived as new or "hot." This stance had the impact of creating a group of users who based their practices on replicating the popular or innovative.

The third means of engaging with technology might be defined as highly individualized. In this stance, technology users are more intuitive, unique, and less status driven. These sorts of individuals engage with the technologies of their choosing in the manner which best fits their lived situation.

Connections

The two examples this week have many similarities. They both contain clues into understanding ourselves and the ways in which use experiences to relate to one another as human beings.  Each example illustrates how we each choose to collaborate with a group, replicating the ideas of others, or maintain our individuality.

In thinking about these three categories, I began to think about why we seek to describe and compare our lived situations in the first place. I believe one of the reasons is a common desire to understand and make sense of our world. Creating categories supports our understanding in the same way that metaphors provide us cognitive frameworks to connect to our prior knowledge to new and novel situations. 

I believe, however, that there is a potential challenge to consider in our over use of categories and descriptors.  So often I see myself becomming trapped in a particular way of seeing, being and knowing - of assuming that the way in which I perceive or "decorate" my world is the only or best way to do things.  As we each begin the process of taking down Christmas decorations, I invite us to examine the motivations behind our particular way of doing things. In this New Year, may we each find ways to become more mindful of our use of technology to connect with others and retain our individuality.

2014 image courtesy of Pixabay: www.pixabay.com

Spider & Yellow Jacket: Sharing Creativity vs. Spreading Pain

The Story

As I have started framing the shape of my new business venture, Mindful Technology Consultants, I have enjoyed talking with those I meet along the way. A few weeks ago I had coffee with a business coach I'd met at a regional networking lunch. Just setting out on her own journey, we shared the joys and challenges in getting clear about our individual paths. We also talked about our personal vision, mission, and the potentials for earning a living doing what calls our hearts.

We also shared bits of individual lives, our past experiences, and the challenges which had propelled us both into finding a new way of working. I shared a bit about my technology use and explorations with devices, utilizing my iPhone to capture her business card and my iPad to take notes about our chat. Our conversation, while touching on difficult lessons learned, remained very positive - aiming at a sharing of our solutions rather than descending into a complaint-and-blame-fest.

As we sat outdoors enjoying our drinks in the late autumn sunshine (we both noted the rare gift), we were visited by two insects. A yellow jacket appeared and buzzed back and forth between us, eventually leaving us alone, flying away as we did nothing to aggravate it. At one point my companion also noticed a small spider crawling up the lapel of my jacket. I gently lifted the spider down to the ground, releasing it to go about its business of adventure - perhaps to the task of creating a new web.

The Technology 

I've been thinking a lot about the way we use technology to communicate in written form. In particular, I've looked at the way in which the immediacy of technological tools makes it so easy to send off messages and responses without fully thinking through the situation or about an appropriate response.  The advent of email, texting, Facebook and Twitter have offered us the two-edged-sword-opportunity to communicate in written form in both positive and negative ways.

I'm sure we've all had the experience of receiving an email written in all capital letters, which according to "nettiquite" guides is considered to be yelling.  Whether intentional or accidental, these communications do have the tendency to to put us on the defensive - to prompt hasty and sometimes negative responses in return.  Perhaps you've also had the experience of reading a Tweet or Facebook post where someone shares a brief snippet about a global violation of civil liberties, the impact of a natural disaster, or a story of personal tragedy.  Are you aware of the ways that those communications made you feel?  What was your response?

In exploring technology with teachers for the past ten years, I have sometimes charged full steam ahead with my recommendations on tools and methods.  In the past few years, however, I've found myself slowing down.  As I've come to recognize the potential of technology to help or harm, I've become more cautious about how I use technology, looking at my purpose and motivation.  As often as I can, I now seek to use technology as a means to create possibility, to share potential, to increase positive outcomes in the world.

Connections

Seeing the yellow jacket and the spider helped me to remember the two sides of the technology coin.  In many mindfulness circles, awareness of breath is used to help quiet the mind.  Slowing down, quieting the inner dialogue, and breathing have helped me to become more aware of what I am doing and saying with technology - creating more positive webs of influence.  Breathing has also allowed me to become more reflective - to notice when I've stung someone, spreading anger or pain, allowing me to take responsibility for my actions.

I learned this awareness practice most profoundly from observing the lived embodiment of the principles in an accomplished mentor.  She had the unique ability to share her wisdom and learning about difficult situations in ways that offered only the nugget of the story, minus the pain and drama of her past lived situations.  She was so effective at sharing only her positive learning outcomes, that for a time I mistakenly thought she actually never had any pain, challenge, or difficulty come into her life!  I can still recall her method of picking out the high points and positives from my long complaining emails  - urging me to focus on what was good, what I could accomplish, and where I was growing.

My mentor's simple modeling of what Buddhists call "right speech" and "right action" have had a tremendous impact on me, my learning, and the path of work I aim to follow.  In showing me how to share my stories in positive ways through her right use of email, she has inspired me to do the same with all my uses of technology.  Engaging the metaphor of yellow-jacket and spider is a potent reminder for me - a call to creating possibility (as in the spider who weaves its web) as opposed to spreading pain (as in the yellow-jacket stinks those who irritate it).

Who has shown you the best ways to utilize your technologies to create possibility?  What lessons have you learned that we all could benefit from hearing?  Can you share the nugget of your story minus the pain?  We all look forward to your responses, your wisdom, and the ensuing discussion!

Images courtesy of Pixabay: http://pixabay.com

Story of the Worms: Questioning Our Motivations

The Story

After a long period of rain in my area, I noticed that many worms had found their way into the road.  This isn't a particularly unusual phenomena, as worms often vacate their holes when they become flooded with water.  The rain has the effect of push worms to move beyond their comfort zone into new territory.

I've noticed that several things happened to the worms who left the safety of their holes. Some were picked off right away by the early birds while others headed out across sidewalks and roads, searching for higher and drier ground. In both cases, the worms moved beyond their burrows into unknown territory.

Of those who ventured forth, some ultimately made it safely to a new destination - others were not so fortunate. Some got stranded in the road or walkways and were crushed by cars or human feet. While a few got stuck where they were, drying out when the sun came out, eliminating the moisture they needed to move forward.

The Technology

I stopped at a local restaurant the other evening to have some dinner. As I waited for my meal to arrive I noticed two gentlemen sitting together at the bar talking technology over a beer. The younger man was emphatically describing to the older  man why he needed to open a Twitter account. The bartender also jumped into the conversation, sharing his understanding of the tool and how it could help the older man to be on top all sorts of details before they even made it into the news headlines. A couple of times the older gentleman looked in my general direction. His eyes seemed to be pleading for someone to rescue him from what appeared to be an uncomfortable situation.

I don't know what ended up happening to the older man - whether he went home and created a Twitter account for himself or not.  However, I have spent some time thinking about the various potential directions he could have taken.  I imagine he may end up like any one of the worms I've seen in the road lately, as a direct result of the younger men pushing him so strenuously to move beyond his comfort zone.

If the older gentleman just goes ahead and sets up an account because the younger men said he needed to, he may end up getting picked off, stranded, run over, or even dried out.  Those technological outcomes may come as a result of setting up an account and doing nothing with it, using it to share random facts that merely consume time and energy, using it in ways that diminish his ability to think for himself, or even encouraging the narrowing of his current belief systems.

Connections

Seeing the worms in their various stages and then the older gentleman being pressured to use a popular technology have gotten me thinking about mindful influence when it comes to technology. In our own excitement about a new tool or technology I believe we may share in ways that make others feel as though they should want to use the technologies too. I believe it is important to question our motivations as well.

The young men, in their exuberance about Twitter and its ability to provide instantaneous connection appeared to need validation of their own skill while missing the needs of older man unaware of his discomfort. Certainly the older man was also part of the equation.  He is just as responsible for stating clearly what he cares about, what he's interested in, and what he will and will not do. I suggest, however, that in our sharing technology we act more mindfully, asking questions of ourselves and those we seek to support.

Perhaps we might begin by asking:

• Why am I offering this particular tool?
• What are its strengths and weaknesses?
• Have I asked questions of the person I am helping?
• What does the person I am helping want or need? 
• Do they actually want my help?
• What is my personal motivation?
• What responsibility do I have beyond sharing the tool?

Can you think of any other questions we might ask to help us keep from stranding those we seek to support - like the worms on a rainy day?  How else might you determine how best to help, and then continue to support those whom you feel called to lead?  

Question mark image courtesy of Pixabay: http://pixabay.com

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!