I appreciate this piece. We ARE being entertained to death! I had the thought that infinite content leads to infinite discontent ultimately. Always on the run from going within..
This is great. Thank you. What does your one day/week look like then? Is that a day you write more?
I can go days with no tv or music, but cutting out reading will be a challenge. I feel like socializing is an equal distraction as tv/music that I have cut down extensively also. (Much more peaceful and able to hear myself think!) Again, thank you for this article.
Thanks! The day is standard, simply without the extra input. I definitely write on those days and notice a huge difference versus days I write after having soaked up podcasts and music.
Amazing message!!! My church group just discussed this concept last night and I’m learning to lean into sitting in silence and hear my own thoughts and feel my feelings without allowing someone else’s words dictate my next move or emotions on life . Very insightful!! Thank you for all your positive helpful words!!
That resonates with me so much. I have recently been on an off of social media and trying to delete the apps for longer periods of time. I notice myself “craving” them when I don’t give myself the attention or validation, that I seek for others to give me instead.
This is great practical advice. I unplug a lot and see the direct and indirect benefits of the practice. The awareness can be disorienting at first. Im trying to get used to it and reorient.
I garden and listen to natural garden sounds most of the time. I agree that we all seek distraction rather than get to root causes of the inner chatter and noises.
This tool reminds me of japan’s forest bathing techniques (prescribed by physicians there) of using all 5 senses. I find it very healing and centering.
I had an amazing experience of 10 day vipassana meditation a few weeks back. Now, I am starting to become mindful when using device whether it is for music, social, movie, or podcast. I notice I have many thoughts and ideas rise when I am not entertaining myself to death.
Now I setup some rules when using device for entertainment: no music during the day unless i’m in the gym (ambient is still okay), no music/podcast when walking/commuting (this is when thoughts and idea often arise), no device 1 hour before/after sleep, and i listen to podcast with more intention by taking some notes on important topics but I don’t do it while walking/driving. Lastly, limiting social media usage has been a game changer for me.
I started to pay more attention to the ways of how I am numbing my feelings and thoughts. Oh, what should I say? I am a world champion in being subtle about it. There are so many sneaky tiny action and their only purpose is distraction. I don't say that I will get rid of all here and now or every, but opening my eyes about this topic is humbling.
I like the idea of "no-input days", I will incorporate that in my life.
Over the last three years; I've found mindfulness to help with hearing yourself, I would argue its the best thing you can do for mental clarity. Mindfulness allows us to watch our thoughts, see how one thought leads to the next, decide if we're heading down an unhealthy path, and, if so, let go and change directions.
I would definitely consider doing this once a week! I'd never thought of that, and it seems so insightful (and I'm sure challenging at the befinning), but I am looking forward to trying this out. 🤞🏽
I appreciate the introspective approach you suggest in taking deliberate breaks from the noise. Thanks for inspiring a thoughtful reflection on the role of distraction in our lives and the importance of being present in our own existence.
This is really good. I have been taking days off from podcasts/music on occasion lately and notice a huge difference in the kinds of thoughts I generally have. Without those breaks, you forget who you are.
I appreciate this piece. We ARE being entertained to death! I had the thought that infinite content leads to infinite discontent ultimately. Always on the run from going within..
Wow, love that 🙏🏻
This is great. Thank you. What does your one day/week look like then? Is that a day you write more?
I can go days with no tv or music, but cutting out reading will be a challenge. I feel like socializing is an equal distraction as tv/music that I have cut down extensively also. (Much more peaceful and able to hear myself think!) Again, thank you for this article.
Thanks! The day is standard, simply without the extra input. I definitely write on those days and notice a huge difference versus days I write after having soaked up podcasts and music.
Amazing message!!! My church group just discussed this concept last night and I’m learning to lean into sitting in silence and hear my own thoughts and feel my feelings without allowing someone else’s words dictate my next move or emotions on life . Very insightful!! Thank you for all your positive helpful words!!
Cory, You are right! Life is not meant to be lived with constant avoiding. D
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
“The silence will feel loud”
That resonates with me so much. I have recently been on an off of social media and trying to delete the apps for longer periods of time. I notice myself “craving” them when I don’t give myself the attention or validation, that I seek for others to give me instead.
Thank you for this!
This is great practical advice. I unplug a lot and see the direct and indirect benefits of the practice. The awareness can be disorienting at first. Im trying to get used to it and reorient.
I garden and listen to natural garden sounds most of the time. I agree that we all seek distraction rather than get to root causes of the inner chatter and noises.
This tool reminds me of japan’s forest bathing techniques (prescribed by physicians there) of using all 5 senses. I find it very healing and centering.
Beautiful. Love the idea of forest bathing!
I love your gift for simplifying the complexities of knowing and being ourselves. You've become a craftsman of language, my man.
Appreciate you so much my brother 🖤
Love it!
I had an amazing experience of 10 day vipassana meditation a few weeks back. Now, I am starting to become mindful when using device whether it is for music, social, movie, or podcast. I notice I have many thoughts and ideas rise when I am not entertaining myself to death.
Now I setup some rules when using device for entertainment: no music during the day unless i’m in the gym (ambient is still okay), no music/podcast when walking/commuting (this is when thoughts and idea often arise), no device 1 hour before/after sleep, and i listen to podcast with more intention by taking some notes on important topics but I don’t do it while walking/driving. Lastly, limiting social media usage has been a game changer for me.
I love my life more with more solitude.
Digital detox also greatly improved my ADHD symptoms. Helps the mind in so many ways.
I started to pay more attention to the ways of how I am numbing my feelings and thoughts. Oh, what should I say? I am a world champion in being subtle about it. There are so many sneaky tiny action and their only purpose is distraction. I don't say that I will get rid of all here and now or every, but opening my eyes about this topic is humbling.
I like the idea of "no-input days", I will incorporate that in my life.
Very insightful article.
Over the last three years; I've found mindfulness to help with hearing yourself, I would argue its the best thing you can do for mental clarity. Mindfulness allows us to watch our thoughts, see how one thought leads to the next, decide if we're heading down an unhealthy path, and, if so, let go and change directions.
What a perfect small practice this is. I shall add it to my gifts for myself each week.
I can imagine on the quiet days, one would sleep more peacefully.
Definitely helps with sleep 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
dear cory,
thank you for this!
i'm happy to hear yourself talk about hearing myself!
much love,
myq
I would definitely consider doing this once a week! I'd never thought of that, and it seems so insightful (and I'm sure challenging at the befinning), but I am looking forward to trying this out. 🤞🏽
I appreciate the introspective approach you suggest in taking deliberate breaks from the noise. Thanks for inspiring a thoughtful reflection on the role of distraction in our lives and the importance of being present in our own existence.
This is really good. I have been taking days off from podcasts/music on occasion lately and notice a huge difference in the kinds of thoughts I generally have. Without those breaks, you forget who you are.