Fruit of the Contemplative Life

Fruit of the contemplative life: => Meditation techniques => : Frederick January 23, 2017, 06:54:17 PM

: Mindfulness in Front of a Computer
: Frederick January 23, 2017, 06:54:17 PM
When I meditate, for real, I turn my computers off.

While I'm on retreat, I don't bring any screens--I keep my cell phone off for the entire retreat save for times when I need to call my wife.

Or the one time, Jeffrey asked me to turn on my phone to make a video. That reminds me: I'd like to make some videos next time there is a retreat for other people. I guess I'll have to actually think up some questions, they are almost always answered here...

Anyway, while I avoid computers while meditating, my job requires me to sit in front of a computer all day.

I had made a meditation dot on a post-it before to use as a focus (so I don't look like I'm sleeping at my desk). Also, I try to sit up straight and be mindful when programming (my job).

Any other suggestions?

I find it really distracting at times.

I used to work in a lab where I'd make solutions and the like, and mindfulness was easy b/c there was no distraction close by. I could keep a strict watch on my thoughts, and I had much bliss despite the mindless job.

I have found over the years at my focus has waned. I'm pretty ADD on the computer, and it's hard to focus on my dot let alone keep it together for 8 hours.

Thus, I'm open to any suggestions from people in a similar predicament.

Much gratitude to all.

May you be enlightened (if you aren't all ready).
: Re: Mindfulness in Front of a Computer
: Jhanananda January 24, 2017, 05:06:31 PM
When I meditate, for real, I turn my computers off.

While I'm on retreat, I don't bring any screens--I keep my cell phone off for the entire retreat save for times when I need to call my wife.

Or the one time, Jeffrey asked me to turn on my phone to make a video. That reminds me: I'd like to make some videos next time there is a retreat for other people. I guess I'll have to actually think up some questions, they are almost always answered here...

I happen to have a lot of video equipment, and I have recorded previous retreat discussions; however, my last computer was so outdated that it made editing videos painful.  Add to that my health having declined since 2010, I just could not get to editing any more videos.

Now, that a kind supporter of the GWV has sent me an newer, and more powerful, laptop; and my health is steadily improving; then I plan to get started on shooting and editing new videos on a regular basis.  So, it would be good to have you, and others here participate in video production for the GWV.

Anyway, while I avoid computers while meditating, my job requires me to sit in front of a computer all day.

I had made a meditation dot on a post-it before to use as a focus (so I don't look like I'm sleeping at my desk). Also, I try to sit up straight and be mindful when programming (my job).

Any other suggestions?

I find it really distracting at times.

I used to work in a lab where I'd make solutions and the like, and mindfulness was easy b/c there was no distraction close by. I could keep a strict watch on my thoughts, and I had much bliss despite the mindless job.

I have found over the years at my focus has waned. I'm pretty ADD on the computer, and it's hard to focus on my dot let alone keep it together for 8 hours.

Thus, I'm open to any suggestions from people in a similar predicament.

Much gratitude to all.

May you be enlightened (if you aren't all ready).

These are good ideas.  I found,. while engaged in my various technical fields, that just taking a lunch break for a quick lunch followed by a meditation session for the remainder, helped me to be focused throughout the day.

I also found that when I was not engaged in problem solving, I could keep my mind still.

When I am engaged in problem solving, then I attend to the problem with concentration.  When the problem is solved, then I keep my mind still.

I found also it helped to keep my mind still if I went into my meditation room immediately upon arriving home, and after saying "hello, I love you." to everyone there.  I then would lie down in meditation and relax deeply.

Perhaps these suggestions will help.