Live Talks LA is a great place for talks and conversations (livetalksla.org). From their website: “A series of on-stage conversations featuring writers, actors, musicians, humorists, artists, chefs, scientists and thought leaders in business.”
Yesterday I listened to the conversation between Judd Apatow and Yuval Harari (ynharari.com). It was a great hour of conversation. Yuval’s answer to a question about time spent and being addicted to our “devices” was insightful.
One part of the answer that stuck out was, “… you can spend an hour scrolling through Twitter being controlled by other people’s thoughts, reactions and influence. OR you can spend an hour meditating and be happier” (paraphrasing there, but not by much).
We can regain control of ours minds, our body, and our time. First, we must acknowledge we have lost control. It is not easy to admit. We must first be willing to say we are not in control. Which is in part how we lose control. It’s a vicious cycle.
Cal Newport (calnewport.com) was asked recently on his podcast how to not end up in a “YouTube rabbit hole” when you log on for a specific reason. Cal complimented YouTube for all it has to offer. He also acknowledged it addictive nature through “recommendations” and “auto play”. Apparently, there are blocks to stop showing the “recommendations” on the right (there is no link, because I cannot speak to any of them, but a quick search showed they do exist).
The point it, we have choice. It is our life after all. We need to be aware of when those choices are being made for us. And actively pull ourselves out. There are tools available if we need the help.
When it comes to our children? We can keep them from getting addicted in the first place. Teach them computers help with distance learning. They have helped keep us safe during a pandemic. They are a tool to use and put down and put away when done. We control them. We use them. We say, “thank you”. Then put away until needed again.
We are the example.
Posted. Not Perfect.
A Vegan Father, navigating a non-vegan world.
A Better Father 