The presence of technology in our lives is ubiquitous. It’s always buzzing in your pocket, it’s in your home answering your questions, it’s your navigator in your car, and it’s on your desk at work. It’s a distraction from the peace we crave, but what if technology could assist us in being more attuned instead of tuned-out?
Thanks to a growing number of mindful companies, the overlap between mindfulness and technology is steadily expanding. Here are 3 ways that technology can assist in meeting your mindfulness goals in the new year.
VIDEO GAME FLOW STATES
Yes, that’s right, video games. A growing catalog of games are being created to reward players with real-life points. Video games like SoundSelf, Deep VR, Playne, and Guided Tai Chi are digitally simulated experiences that teach players mindfulness skills.
What these four titles all have in common is the presentation of ancient techniques in a package made for modern minds. A toning exercise, a breathing exercise, a practice of sitting in stillness, and one of moving with crisp intention – all made to be fun. Players return to practice for two reasons, they enjoy the process and they see the impact of the practices in their lives.
Apps are the small programs that allow your phone to become a portal to the information dimension. Now you can use an app like Calm, Headspace, Aura, or Stop Breathe & Think, as an assistant in creating daily mindfulness practices.
A practice is not a simple thing to build. It requires several factors, among them are time, dedication, and rewards. Modern life is short on time and rewards are often difficult to see when we begin. Dedication in this environment is a big challenge.
These applications of technology in daily life are attuned to you and offer adaptive techniques to get you off on the right foot. They also allow you to track your progress over time, rewarding you in a way that doesn’t rely on notification bubbles to hack your attention.
UPGRADE YOUR TEMPLE WITH GADGETS
Muse 2 is the second generation home EEG device that’s paired with an app. Wearing the device with headphones, you hear audio feedback about your brain state. This allows you to become mindful of what those states feel like, so you can build a set of techniques that get you there reliably.
The Oura Ring worn on your finger contains several tiny sensors. The app tracks minute changes in heart rate, skin temperature, and movement. Weaving together this biometric data with algorithms, it presents you with graphical data about yourself. Learn how to get better sleep, and see how variables affect your circadian rhythms.
TECH WITH INTENTION
Happy New Year from all of us at Andromeda!