Disconnecting to Connect
I heard on the news recently that a major survey found most Americans are feeling overwhelmed by their smart devices and have downsized from an average of 25 per household to 21. Even so, the overwhelming feelings persist. There is a good reason for that! Technology has exploded over the last several years at an ever-increasing rate of change. Humans are amazingly adaptive creatures, yet I believe the rate of change in our individual lives and in society has outpaced our ability to adapt without stress and anxiety.
As I describe in my newest book, The Empowered Performer, the price we pay for connectivity is huge. We are frequently distracted, over-stimulated, stressed, anxious, and feeling like we’re “missing out” on fun things we see others doing.
During the last twenty years in my private and college studios, I have observed double and triple rates of clinical depression, crippling anxiety, attention difficulties, and chronic muscular tension.
Even more dangers face performers feeling overwhelmed and distracted. The inability to center oneself is a serious roadblock to resilience and focus while performing. My work with groups and individuals wishing to overcome performance anxiety and build performance confidence is built on learning laser-beam focus, developing centeredness, and exploring playfulness.
What can help? An effective way is taking time to un-plug. For one day a week, or just part of a day, put away all your devices. Go for a long reflective walk, get lost in a good book, or meet a friend for an actual person-to-person conversation. On that day, or half-day, experiment with doing one thing at a time in a meditative way, rather than multi-tasking. As a Zen master once said, “When you do the dishes, just do the dishes.”
Sometimes, it takes a little disconnection in order to gain reconnection to yourself.
It can be a bit scary, I know; we all rely so heavily on our phones and other devices. But, you might be surprised at what a “no tech sabbath” could do for you. A few years ago, I attended a weekend music conference in a remote location with no wi-fi. I’ll be honest - at first it freaked me out! But, as the weekend progressed, I found myself feeling more peaceful, intentional in what I did, and downright happy. There were lovely conversations, walks, communal meals, even singing with an old-time string band on the front porch in the evening. What a rare delight!
Slowing down and being intentional certainly bucks against our culture, one that honors endless multi-tasking and 50 hour plus workweeks. But…
Isn’t greater peace and tranquility worth it?
To borrow an old term: let’s be part of the counter-culture and encourage our friends to join! What do you think of unplugging for a bit? Let us know in the comments!