Description
The Buddha fully recognized the momentum and force of our human conditioning: how we find ourselves caught in the painful, exhausting grip of entrenched habits, distractions, worries, compulsive thoughts and behaviors, over and over again. For 2,600 years Buddhist teaching and practice has served to help us understand how we are gripped. Significantly, our learning and practice also lead to freedom.   Â
Today we live in a world where technology can enhance productivity, creativity, and communication – but can also intensify the grip of ingrained habits, distractions, and worries. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, screens and devices dominate our attention and can bring with them the risks of digital addiction, anxiety, sleep disruption, and a constant sense of urgency.
The idea of using technology mindfully has gone from luxury to necessity. To see our situation clearly and meet it with wisdom, we are invited to return to the refuge of our meditation practice.  In this practice group, we will learn ways to use technology intentionally and consciously, rather than automatically or reactively. This involves:
- Being aware of how, when, and why we are using digital devicesÂ
- Setting boundaries that align with personal goals and valuesÂ
- Creating tech habits that support – not sabotage – mental and emotional well-beingÂ
Mindful technology use aims to cultivate long-term awareness and sustainable change to our thoughts, words, and actions, for the benefit of all. We will meditate together, engage in peer learning and sharing, and have opportunities for home practice, questions, and reflections.
Attending an online practice group
- Sitting a practice group from home online differs greatly from coming to a meditation center. Tending to your comfort and giving yourself a quiet, private sitting and walking space (if possible, in your environment) will help keep your attention focused and support your practice and learning. Plan to bring as much simplicity and ease to your day as possible. The schedule of the practice group is structured to support your well-being and practice with regular breaks and time for mindful movement.
- We use Zoom for online practice groups. Before your practice group begins, be sure to download Zoom and familiarize yourself with using the program, including the chat feature. Specifics about how we use Zoom during your practice group will be covered initially; however, we cannot provide technical support during the group.
- We ask that you treat our virtual meditation hall as if we were together in person, in the same room. The teachers and other yogis benefit greatly from your full presence and careful attention.
- Join each session of the practice group a few minutes early. This will support the teachers and your fellow attendees.
- Please maintain noble silence as much as possible for the duration of the practice group and take any necessary steps to limit external distractions such as incoming emails, texts, or other interruptions to maintain the integrity of our practice together. Close all programs on your computer other than Zoom and turn off all notifications on your devices.
- Power off your phones and smartwatches for the entire practice group. Please don’t check your devices during breaks. We suggest you put an “away” message on your email and voicemail and leave your devices in another room during the practice group.
- Please keep your video on during our time together as much as possible. This supports a sense of connectedness and sangha.
- You will receive a welcome email from CIMC a day or two before your program, including the Zoom link, practice group schedule, and further information.
- Practice groups will often have home practices in between sessions.