I thought I was trying to use my phone less, remove the temptations of social media, and be more present in my life, as a birthday gift to myself. I tracked (boy did I ever track) data… screen time for all 3 devices on three metrics; emotional awareness on 3 additional metrics; and a few others.
What I actually learned wasn’t just HOW much time I spend (or don’t) online in any given day, but that in general, I wanted a different relationship with technology altogether.
I recognized in the silence and absence of some distractions, I could hear my inner self better. My intuition got louder. I started to have frequent precognition again. I woke up with little to no anxiety. I slept better – more soundly than I have in months.
But I’m not advocating eliminating social media. Well, not yet, at least. But I did formally say goodbye to 2 out of 3 of the Social Platforms I use, and I have zero regret so far.
What I did do was create a Digital Awareness Covenant for myself – so that when I DID return to Social Media, I had better boundaries. I now recognize the scroll hole when I’m in it, within seconds, and say no thank you. If I think of a friend, I’ll go directly to their page to see what they’re up to and send a note. I spent more time on messaging apps, and nearly zero time in the mindless activity. I aimed for connection, not distraction. I chose how fast I replied to messages, not immediately. I breathed deeper in those moments. I didn’t feel pressured, obligated, or rushed.
Do I still have some inner conflict? Sure. The Sustainable Gangster in me wants to chuck it all in the creek and say, if you need me, drive by or use the landline. But that’s not the world I’m seeking, truly. It’s my tendency to say fuck it and go “all in” or “all or nothing.” Instead, with a little more awareness and intention, I can stay in the middle – use the tech to my advantage, not detriment.
I adore when someone comments “well done!!” when we post about hanging our cabinets. I love seeing someone’s travels and asking their favorite part. I love seeing my friends kids grow up. Social has its perks.
What I don’t love – is all the things you don’t love, probably. The ads. The polarity. The algorithm. The in-your-face Humanity Drama we’re all a little sick of right now. Can’t we just go back to the 70s for a little conscious expansion without war?
But the 30 days wasn’t just about Socials.
I spent long stretches off my computer entirely. I limited television to 1 show a night. I didn’t even read the headlines (I don’t read the news normally, but usually catch a few headlines to feel like a good Global Citizen). And I spent a full week off AI to make sure I wasn’t starting an entirely new addiction in replacement of Socials.
I was experimenting. For me, this is the only way to learn. Test and observe. I have an R&D mind. I like information. The more the better. That often means frequent change. To someone who doesn’t love change, I’m probably a nightmare– I would rearrange my room seasonally growing up just to feel something new again.
I’m also gearing up to launch an AI Implementation Lab and Membership with Hana, my partner in herbal adventures, and that could feel counter-intuitive or productive. But it doesn’t. It feels timely.
Because AI is here to stay, and my business is about outreach. I need technology to find my clients.
I love technology because, well, above paragraph, lol. Hana and I both have declared ourselves “Early Adopters.” Sometimes it places us in the trenches (for instance, she’s farming CBD in France, ’nuff said), drawing fire we we’re prepared for. “How can an herbalist consciously use AI??” My answer after 30 days offline? I live off grid, I think I’ve earned some ChatGPT credits. Do I love the downsides to Data Centers? No. But do I buy on Amazon? Yes. So the Sustainable Gangster can’t possible be satisfied on all fronts. I have both reusable and disposable zip locks in my kitchen. I tried to swap my wardrobe out for 100% cotton, organic, hemp or bamboo. It was impossible, exhausting, and wasteful in the end, because I couldn’t justify all that shipping and chucking old clothes.
Vulnerably, yes, I feel a little silly hosting an AI workshop because I’m no expert in AI. But I AM passionate about Tech AND Mother Earth. I think there’s a way to be both, or at least, Hana and I are going to try and figure that out.
Join us August 10th if you’re curious to see what that looks like.
