Comments on: The Quest for a Quiet Mind

By: Paul MacKenzie

Paul MacKenzie — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:35:37 +0000

Hi Chris! I enjoyed your post on how the use of technology and machines impacts the way we are able to think. A number of years back I too came to this same realization that the more we work with machines / technology the more our way of thinking is altered. Suffice to say that realization was very important in finding a balance; I found the technology impacted how I was thinking and the effect was not always positive. I too cherish the quiet mind and have found each and every moment offers infinite opportunities for reclaiming or discovering anew the peaceful way of being.

By: mssanderson_ITS

mssanderson_ITS — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:20:41 +0000

I feel like we need to form a support group! I’m glad I’m not the only one…
The other night, I was watching T.V. and there was a commercial for being able to access your Facebook through the cable service (or something… I honestly was on my laptop with email, Twitter, blogs going… attention divided). My husband made a comment: “How connected do we really need to be?” That made me actually stop for a minute and really think… is this obsession? Compulsion? Addiction? Do I have a problem?
I am really considering having “unplugged” days… who am I kidding? Let’s start with designated “unplugged” hours.
Thanks for post and letting me know that I’m not alone!

By: Kathleen McGeady

Kathleen McGeady — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:29:51 +0000

What a fantastic post! Like you, this is something I have been thinking about for quite a while too!
I am getting worse at focussing on one task and you have pinpointed the reasons why – so much input from so many different sources these days.
I used to enjoy certain tv shows but now struggle to sit there and watch a show without being on my laptop or doing something else at the same time….and let’s not talk about trying to watch movies at home!
I really think it’s important that we do talk about these issues with our students.
I’m not sure what the answer to all this but it is certainly something I will keep pondering! I look forward to hearing about your research and techniques too!

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:00:51 +0000

Thanks for the comment Kelly. I have been giving this a lot of thought lately. I am going to look for some research and maybe some actionable techniques to help with focus. I will let everyone know how it goes.

By: ktenkely

ktenkely — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:04:51 +0000

I have been noticing the same pattern in myself in the past few weeks. I can’t even get through reading an email without getting bored and opening up my Twitter feed on my desktop and Facebook feed on my phone. I think that having a quite mind is something that we are going to have to purposefully teach. No matter where I am I feel like I need to be connected, need to be reading a blog, a book, or browsing new websites. At any given time I have 5 web browsers going, with at least 30 tabs opened in each. I have my IM running, my Twitter feed up, and multiple projects that I am in the middle of. The other night, we had new parent enrollment night as school. This meant a 14 hour day. I had 45 min to go home and eat dinner before I had to be back. I picked up dinner on my way home and spent the entire 45 min. just relaxing. No computer, no phone, no books, just my husband and I talking and enjoying dinner. I had forgotten how restful of a feeling that is. It is one that I need to focus on more in my own life. I need to take the time to turn it all off and just enjoy the break.
It was interesting watching the release of the iPad today. Everyone kept complaining about how they wish it would multitask. I am secretly glad that it doesn’t…maybe it will keep my mind more focused on what I am engaged in!

By: Todd Wandio

Todd Wandio — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:16:30 +0000

Chris! That’s it! You’ve nailed what I’ve been struggling with since last week. I consider myself a masterful multitasker, but I don’t think our success necessarily depends upon it, rather upon the time we focus on what is important right now. I’m going to check out those like and see if I can’t improve my focus in the moment.