Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums

flashlight · 11-07-2006, 02:39 PM

Like most of you, I'm undergoing a radical change in my consciousness. I'm able to bring a peaceful presence into my life in ways I never thought possible. My relationships with my family and friends has taken on vast new dimensions, and life is sweet.

But

I work online. I spend the majority of my waking hours in front of the computer. I've been having a heck of a time remaining conscious while working. Note that I love my job (designer). Yet I keep finding myself bound up with anxious energy; jaw set tight, body closed.

I've experimented using a timer set to a variety of periods to knock me back into awareness. It's been somewhat effective. When I forget to turn it on though, the whole day can disappear without a hint of presence sneaking into my awareness.

What about you? Have you found any tips or techniques to keep you in awareness while working at your computer?

foundpoem · 11-07-2006, 05:15 PM

Isn't there software that pops up every hour or so to lead you through a yoga pose or meditation? Similar to this: Drop the text file, and step away from the Powerbook | 43 Folders

flashlight · 11-07-2006, 06:18 PM

I've tried those, and they're helpful. Perhaps I just need to increase the frequency of the interruptions....

helgi · 11-07-2006, 06:57 PM

I use a pointer in which I see the world as only ever 5% of my experience at any given moment: 95% inner, 5% outer. Of course the numbers don't really mean anything as such, but I find that they help to keep some attention within, and to keep the world of form in context. Always feeling and being in connection with the inner aliveness.

Being aware of your breath can also work wonders, as well as other things that direct attention into the body.

It takes time, but I've noticed a gradual increase in my ability to stay present throughout the day after I started using the 95/5 pointer. There is an almost continuous sense of alive energy now that I feel in my chest and abdomen -- it fluctuates, but as soon as I notice it it's almost like turning up a dimmer switch.

RandomJohn · 11-07-2006, 06:58 PM

There is a Mindfulness clock put out for the PC. I think there is a program for the Mac (Macbreak?) designed to force you to break to avoid RSIs. These are good starts.

flashlight · 11-07-2006, 09:25 PM

Helgi - that's a very interesting tip. I can really see the value in your idea. Thanks!

11-07-2006, 02:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
flashlight Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5	Staying conscious at the computer Like most of you, I'm undergoing a radical change in my consciousness. I'm able to bring a peaceful presence into my life in ways I never thought possible. My relationships with my family and friends has taken on vast new dimensions, and life is sweet. But I work online. I spend the majority of my waking hours in front of the computer. I've been having a heck of a time remaining conscious while working. Note that I love my job (designer). Yet I keep finding myself bound up with anxious energy; jaw set tight, body closed. I've experimented using a timer set to a variety of periods to knock me back into awareness. It's been somewhat effective. When I forget to turn it on though, the whole day can disappear without a hint of presence sneaking into my awareness. What about you? Have you found any tips or techniques to keep you in awareness while working at your computer?

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11-07-2006, 05:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
foundpoem Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 14	Isn't there software that pops up every hour or so to lead you through a yoga pose or meditation? Similar to this: Drop the text file, and step away from the Powerbook \| 43 Folders

11-07-2006, 06:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
flashlight Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5	I've tried those, and they're helpful. Perhaps I just need to increase the frequency of the interruptions....

11-07-2006, 06:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
helgi Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Iceland Posts: 121	I use a pointer in which I see the world as only ever 5% of my experience at any given moment: 95% inner, 5% outer. Of course the numbers don't really mean anything as such, but I find that they help to keep some attention within, and to keep the world of form in context. Always feeling and being in connection with the inner aliveness. Being aware of your breath can also work wonders, as well as other things that direct attention into the body. It takes time, but I've noticed a gradual increase in my ability to stay present throughout the day after I started using the 95/5 pointer. There is an almost continuous sense of alive energy now that I feel in my chest and abdomen -- it fluctuates, but as soon as I notice it it's almost like turning up a dimmer switch.

11-07-2006, 06:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
RandomJohn Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NC Posts: 155	There is a Mindfulness clock put out for the PC. I think there is a program for the Mac (Macbreak?) designed to force you to break to avoid RSIs. These are good starts.

11-07-2006, 09:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
flashlight Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5	Helgi - that's a very interesting tip. I can really see the value in your idea. Thanks!

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums