Volume 12, Issue 2 | February 2023 | |
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Hi! Technology is a mixed blessing—and I say that as someone who works in the field!
It’s wonderful that we can connect with folks on the other side of the globe, work remotely from the comfort of our home, have access to more information than contained in the Encyclopedia Britannica, get travel directions by asking our GPS app, and send a text message from our smartphone wherever we are to tell a friend we’ve been delayed but are on our way. And, surely what a blessing it was at the height of the pandemic that the technology was already in place in the business world so family and friends could connect via video meetings in their personal life and not feel so isolated!
While I love working remotely from home, which affords me the “luxury” of living anywhere there is a good Internet connection and not lose time or energy stuck in commuter traffic twice each day, I will admit there is something about being in an office and interacting live with people, even if they are not even part of my team. Not only do I find the amount of information available electronically these days overwhelming, I’m also forced to expend quite a bit of energy to weed out to the best of my ability far more misinformation than seemed to exist in the past. While trying to deal with a paper map can be messy, dangerous, and not always up-to-date, GPS is not foolproof and takes away my brain getting some exercise when figuring out how to get from Point A to Point B.
With the myriad of ways people are able to access people these days thanks to technology, something is lost in translation. We can’t really feel the energy or accurately gauge the emotion of someone on the other side of an email, text, or social media post or message. And, so many of us have gotten into the habit of interacting primarily through those media, that we rarely engage in live conversation. If we do make plans to meet in person, so many people pay more attention to their phone than the people they’re with! I think we are more isolated in some ways than connected due to our reliance on these tools.
What happened to voice calls, ya know, using a telephone as a telephone?! We are losing touch with one another, we are losing the intimacy of hearing the human voice and how the vibrations resonate and connect us to one another. No doubt it’s convenient to send an email or text message after hours at times, but I feel that sometimes I am hiding out and not sharing my self truly when my main mode of communication is texting.
In my quest to make new friends and cultivate meaningful relationships, especially since I’m still relatively new to my locale, I’ve recently resolved to call people on the phone to foster connections. There is just something about hearing a person’s voice and interacting live with them, exchanging ideas, sharing feelings, all in the present moment. I’ve observed that even after the phone call has ended, I feel more energized and a bit closer to a deepening relationship.
Of course, I’m not giving up texting and emailing, as they are valuable tools and certainly have their place. But to slow down, to take time out to make a phone call, to be present, and to be a good listener connects me heart-to-heart more fully. It allows budding personal relationships, and business ones too, a better chance to blossom and be authentic.
What about you? Do you notice a difference in your relationships due to the increased emphasis on electronic communication? How are you compensating for that lost intimacy… for keeping the relationship alive, vibrant, and deepening? I’d love to hear your thoughts—email is fine, but remember, the telephone is a great option!
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And, when we're feeling overwhelmed due to technology, as Daniel Nahmod suggests, we can simply Unplug.
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It is most unfortunate and heartbreaking that Ukraine is now engaged in the second year of an unprovoked invasion by Russia. When Putin launched his attack on February 24, 2022 it ended decades of relative stability in Europe.
During a surprise visit to the Ukraine around the first year anniversary, American President Joseph Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to pledge support in-person.
“One year later, Kyiv stands. And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands.” — U. S. President Joseph Biden
I pray that this situation ends well before another anniversary rolls around and that the Ukrainian people keep up their strength, resolve, and courage to end this crisis victoriously. Their win for Ukraine is a win for democracy throughout the world.
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Blessings to you and all beings, | |
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Inspiration and Contemplation
Rumi
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Spirituality
Nonviolent Communication
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It is my belief that the increase in violence in this world is due, in part, to individuals estranged from themselves and others, not having even their basic emotional and mental needs met. Unfortunately, excessive reliance, interaction, and communication electronically creates a distance between humans contributing to those needs going unmet. There is no substitute for direct human interaction, conducted with compassion, honesty, and non-judgment.
About ten years ago I was introduced to Nonviolent Communication as a way to enhance relationships. We humans share the same, basic human needs, and all actions are a strategy to meet one or more of these needs.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) was created by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D. and is founded on language and communication skills that strengthen our ability to remain human, even under trying conditions. Its intent is to remind us about what we already know—about how we humans were meant to relate to one another—and to assist us in living in a way that concretely manifests this knowledge.
The process or practice is intended to create a more compassionate and peaceful culture in one’s life at home, at work, and in one’s community by learning how to:
- Speak from the heart
- Practice deep, non-judgmental listening
- Build self-empowerment from the inside out
“I think it’s important that people see that spirituality is at the base of Nonviolent Communication... It’s really a spiritual practice that I am trying to show as a way of life.”
— Practical Spirituality: Reflections on the Spiritual Basis of Nonviolent Communication. A Q&A Session with Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., page 2
Dr. Rosenberg served hundreds of organizations, groups, businesses, non-profits, governments, individuals, and educational institutions over the years, offering Nonviolent Communication training to promote reconciliation and peaceful resolution of differences.
Learn more about Dr. Rosenberg and The Center for Nonviolent Communication.
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People Making a Difference
There is a Lot of Goodness in this Troubled World
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What a treat it is to read these short stories of inspiring acts of kindness and people making a difference! They were shared on social media, one of the positive aspects of Facebook, Instagram, etc.
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The last time we were in a metro, I stood up and gave my seat to an old lady. My eight-year-old boy observed this and kept quiet. A few weeks later, we were on a bus that carries people to the plane from the airport, and my boy stood up even before me to help an aged uncle with his bag and offered him his seat. He looked at me and winked like “I got this.” I felt so proud!—@thearistochique
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My landlord recently put a lock on the outside faucet so that I had to trek up and down the stairs from my apartment to water the few plants in the garden. The old lady downstairs noticed, filled eight one-gallon water bottles, and left them for me on the front steps. The plants were delighted, and so was I!—@avabearbooks
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As a voluntary support person for refugees, I have been amazed at people's heartfelt willingness to help those arriving from war zones. Recently a woman—a single parent on a very basic income herself—donated a pram, highchair, toys, and clothes to the point that my car could not have held any more. The refugee family were in awe, and so was I. There is a lot of goodness in this troubled world.—@Päivi Kinnunen
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Despite the regularity of snow here this month, the fact that the calendar will soon be flipping over to March, inspires me to look ahead to spring, rebirth, and warmer weather.
Until we meet again...
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e-newsletter designed, developed, written, and published by Joyce S. Kaye | |
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You, Me, and Spirit
I was a devout atheist until 32 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God—and name too (Spirit, The Great Mystery, All That Is, etc.)—and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.
Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do—including working with clients in my own business, academia, and the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.
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