Do you enjoy a good plot twist?
Exciting. Enthralling. Entertaining. Most people love a good paradigm shift in their media every once in a while. Like watching the final scene from Planet of the Apes when the destructive potential of humanity is revealed to the protagonist. (Spoiler alert) He finds out instead of exploring a new planet he has been on a ruined and dystopian Earth the whole time. It is the realizations that shift ones view of things entirely that make life so interesting. Yet they can also present challenges.
Information overload
Never mind Planet of the Apes. We live on Planet of the Phones. According to Statista (in 2023) there are 6.92 billion smartphone users in the world. That’s 86.92% of the global population. It is an unreal figure. I find it both hard to believe and believable at the same time. Seems like too many screens. Too much data being imbibed by too many minds. Those who don’t own a phone are likely the dwindling segment of the human race who don’t have continuous access to electricity. The gap between their lived experience and the internet enabled smartphone-owners can only be yawning drastically wider apart. What peace they might know though.
Think about it. We are constantly bombarded with news, social media updates, emails, alerts and notifications. Constant connectivity is the problem. With the internet at our fingertips, we are always connected to our devices and the digital world, often at the expense of real-world connections and experiences. Our perpetual state of connectivity leads to addiction-like behaviors, checking phones when waking up in the morning. Even during the night, or incessantly throughout the day for example. Often, people end up in these behaviour patterns without realising. Focus and general mindfulness suffer. Worse than that, stress and anxiety may increase and problem-solving may diminish.
The solution of Zen
I’m not saying ditch the tech. Clearly that’s not the answer here. Thus, we search for coping mechanisms. The ancient branch of Mahayana Buddhism has much to offer in the way of dealing with our contemporary reality. The core principles of Zen practice, are mindfulness, simplicity and non-attachment. Also there is an inherent focus on enjoying the richness and profundity of the present moment.
Mindful consumption of information – Practicing mindfulness can help us become more intentional and selective about the information we consume. By setting boundaries and focusing on quality over quantity, it is possible to reduce information overload and its negative effects.
Embrace simplicity – Applying the Zen principle of simplicity to digital and physical spaces can help declutter the mind and create a more peaceful environment. This may involve minimizing digital distractions, unsubscribing from all those e-newsletters or creating a calm and peaceful workspace.
Practice non-attachment – By cultivating non-attachment, anyone can learn to let go of their need for constant validation and the pressure to always be in the know. This can lead to a more balanced relationship with digital technology and a greater appreciation for the present moment. Which brings me on to the final point.
Focus on the present moment – Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help anyone train their mind to stay present and focused amidst the consternation of the data driven age. Increased awareness can improve overall well-being and help combat the stress and anxiety associated with information overload.
Benefits of Adopting a Zen Perspective
Life is often tough. These days in particular we often find ourselves navigating a sea of stress and anxiety. With our focus waning under the weight of the information overload. By embracing Zen teachings, however, we can discover tranquility amidst the chaos. A calm amidst the storm. Somewhere our minds are no longer clouded by the incessant demands of the modern world.
This is how it should feel. Stress and anxiety levels subside, making way for a renewed sense of mental clarity and focus. We become more grounded, more connected to the present moment, and able to discern what truly matters. Overall well-being blossoms, as we learn to appreciate the beauty of each moment rather than getting lost in our thoughts and digital distractions. Our relationships deepen, as we foster genuine connections with others and the world around us, no longer hindered by the constant tug of the digital realm.
Sounds idealistic? Maybe. I’m not saying this is for everyone everywhere. But through the practice of Zen, phone owners and no-phoners alike can learn to charter a course through the complexities of the information age. With grace and resilience, we can find solace in the simplicity of the present moment. Enough to deal with any plot twist life has in store for us.