| Do you Feel That Technology is Training You To Multi-Task? Let me know if these question ring true for you: do you have a hard time focusing on a single task? Do you have difficulty listening when one person is talking to you? Are you often distracted by peripheral stimuli, like a text message or social network alert? Does this distract you from what you are trying to focus on in the first place? Most of us would answer yes to these questions, wouldn’t we? These questions are the crux of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This diagnosis once applied to a few and has now become so commonplace, that the criteria seem to describe pretty much everyone. Your ability to focus, be still, have moments of boredom and moments of solitude are tied to your ability to perform optimally at a single task, and it is also crucial to your health and happiness. I think we can all agree how wonderfully effective meditation is at teaching stillness and quieting the mind. This mindfulness practice does not teach you how to bounce your attention around like a Ping-Pong ball on table. The health benefits come from this learned ability to be present, without distractions. How is it then that most of us answer yes to the questions regarding distraction? This culture of distraction did not happen overnight. This has become engrained in each of us as we have ridden the technology wave becoming more and more connected and distracted by technology and shifted away from interrupted quiet time and less and less connected to other people. YOUR GOAL THIS WEEKEND IS TO UNPLUG FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS! Here is what you need to know to prepare for the weekend: It is highly likely that you will go through a bit of withdrawal from technology. You may feel your hand twitch to check a phone that isn’t there. You may hear a phantom phone alert that never went off. Embrace this discomfort. This is simply a sign of just how physically connected you have become to technology. This shift is part of the process. This usually dissipates within the first day. Yes, you want to be in the moment and yes it is a good idea to plan a few Zen moments as well. Go for a walk with friends, take a bath, read a book (paperback, not on a device), journal, write, meditate and spend some time with family and friends. See if you notice how much more complete the conversations are without the constant interruption of checking a device. Let everyone know that you are going to do a digital detox so they can give you some space and they don’t worry when they don’t see you chime in on a post. You might even see if they will join you in the process! The goal is to simply have an experience, to slow down, recharge and reconnect with yourself and others. Watch: Unplug! Let’s Do A Digital Detox! 
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