Peter Koehler
Who's In Charge?
Life in the Age of Collective ADD
Beep. Our phones wake us up with their little alarms. How useful that our phones have alarms, right? One less thing to buy.
We grab the phone. We look at it, because it’s in our hand.
Ooooh, new notifications. A text. Some breaking news about Trump or Russia or sexual predators or something. A reminder about that meeting . . .
Posted in: attentionawarenessfocusmindfulnesstechnology
Save Yourself from New Tab Syndrome
The power of engaging with one thing at a time
The other day I was in the middle of emptying the dishwasher, and my phone buzzed.
I checked it, and there was a request for information.
I walked over to my desk to look up the information and sent it over.
Then I happened to see a new email. I read it and began to think about my reply.
I looked over and saw my journal, . . .
Why Meditate?
I really enjoyed a short excerpt from one of Alan Watt's talks where he speaks on the purpose of meditation, and I wanted to share it with you.
The 224 second audio clip is here - and I encourage you to listen to it, as his voice and intonations add a richness that doesn't translate on the transcript.
That being said, here is the . . .
Posted in: meditationmindfulness
Don't Get Defensive. Get Curious.
You know that feeling when someone contradicts you, or says something you believe is wrong, or ignorant, or offensive?
If you pay close enough attention, you can literally feel it: your jaw tightens, your breath becomes more bated, your heart rate might go up, and you may crinkle your face, or tense your shoulders.
This is the . . .
Posted in: debatehabitsmindfulnesspoliticspsychology
What's on your scorecard?
In basketball, the scorecard is easy: Whoever scores more points in 48 minutes wins the game.
In cooking, the scorecard is slightly more complex. It includes price (how much did the ingredients cost?), time (how long does is take to make?), health (is it good for you?), and deliciousness (does it taste good?). When you master all four . . .
Technology Etiquette
11 rules for modern people
1. As a general rule, put your phone away during meals with other people. Not on the table. Out of sight, sound off.
2. For a further challenge, put your phone away during meals alone. Read, listen to a podcast, or just eat and notice your surroundings.
3. If you are expecting a truly important and time-sensitive call . . .
What to do with our weak minds
Us humans have weak minds.
We stick to the status quo when we should be making a change.
We hardly ever change our minds, even when we're wrong.
We make terrible, and easily avoidable, financial choices.
And we're scared of sharks, even though 733X as many humans are killed by freshwater snails.
But . . .
Posted in: attitudehealthmindfulnessmindsetpsychology
April 02, 2017
