Beware of distractions

We now live in a world where we are attached to our cellphones, PDF's, computers, etc. The technology allowing us to be connected and accessible all the time is actually not healthy. A little silence once in a while isn't a bad idea. No TV in the background, no music... just good, old-fashioned silence. The BBC did a special on how the pressure to always be available has added great stress to our lives and the long term effects have yet to show themselves, but I think it's obvious. We are expected to be available all the time. If we don't answer our cell phones or instantly reply to an email, people get upset. We've got to chill.

It's also somehow become socially acceptable to text, talk on the phone or email when you're out with other people and that's just rude. If there is a specific situation, sure, that's what the convenience is there for, but overall it shows how detached and impersonal we are becoming with each other. We're addicted to gadgets. Just say no, let it go, turn it off and tune in. Set yourself a curfew for when the day or night becomes yours. If you're on call for a specific business event, try to at least turn it off for a few hours a day and let that be your private time to connect to yourself, get centered and come back energetically refresh. You'll feel better and be a better worker for it. Our energy systems are so overloaded all the time, we've got to start giving ourselves a break. And, if you have the authority in your workplace to help this situation, it's your responsibility to make your staff take a break - and don't make it just a nice suggestion, but insist. This is about health and a healthier person is a happier person, which leads to more productivity in everything you do. Europe really has a better understanding of this and they're happier and healthier for it. Americans have got to slow down and refocus on creating a better quality of life for themselves and their communities. A great way to start is with the grounding and centering visualization.