Technology For Mindfulness

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 Website

Smiling Mind Meditation App

Dr. Richard Chambers’ TEDx Talk

Mindful Learning by Dr. Rich Chambers

Some 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)

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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 institutions

Resources: 

Teodora’s TedX Talk

Teodora’s Website

Teodora’s LinkedIn

Teodora’s Twitter

Teodora’s Facebook

Teodora’s email: [email protected]

Some 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)

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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 Website

World Class by Teru Clavel - out August 20th

Teru Clavel’s Twitter

Teru Clavel’s Facebook Page

Teru Clavel’s Instagram

Teru Clavel’s LinkedIn

Teru Clavel’s YouTube Channel

Some 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) 

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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 Artist

Corporate Escape Artist on Facebook

Corporate Escape Artist on Twitter

Corporate Escape Artist on Instagram

Caroline Castrillon on Forbes

Mute App Screen Time Tracker

Moment App

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport

LeechBlock

Some 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]

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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 Less

Talk More Meals

Detox Box

Smart Phone Ed

Talk More Tech Less - Facebook

Talk More Tech Less - Twitter

Talk More Tech Less - Instagram

Some 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]

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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]

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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

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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 - Website

Free First Session - Contact

Optimal Performance - Podcast

@realseanmccormick - Instagram

Tap into Mindfulness - Course

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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

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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 to

When 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

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