There's a passion aura in this I haven't seen in you before. It's very grounded, solid, stable, and forceful even. I feel like you're almost (but lovingly) giving your readers a slap in the face "WAKE UP...be AWARE!" I love it!
It feels good to hear your feedback, and it's not surprising. It's a thought that's been cooking for years. The writing I enjoy most is open and gentle, without force. I enjoy writing this writing most, too. However, I'm turned off by 'hedging,' wishy-washy writing. I like it when a writer writes with conviction.
I explore a similar concept with clients around emotional eating. The food itself isn’t the problem—it’s simply the vehicle through which underlying issues express themselves. While the abundance and instant accessibility of food amplify this behaviour, much like technology does, neither food nor tech are to blame in and of themselves.
If we were to remove either, we’d create larger-scale problems without truly addressing the root cause on an individual level.
Oh, boy, so well articulated, Shane. I agree with you 100% that food and technology are the same in this regard. Let's throw money in there while we're at it. It sounds like you're doing good work with your clients "addressing the root cause," as you say. Thank you for sharing this.
This definitely got me thinking and parts were very prickly for me, but ... I agree that awareness has to be key, absolutely. If everyone had heightened awareness and paused enough (without smartphone), there could be big, positive changes. I would add second (or perhaps sharing first spot) with awareness, must be our value systems.
Thought-provoking! Thank you. I'll be carrying this around all day.
The final sentence made me laugh out loud, Gayle. There's just no substitute for awareness, is there? It's the most potent quality of mind for me. And I agree that values are right up there - otherwise, we're aimless.
We can also recognize that technology is more than just “tech.” It’s any tool that promises potential. A fallen branch is a walking stick that helps me walk further.
What scares us is the mystery of todays tech. We get a walking stick, but only a small percentage of us gets most tech, and merely a tiny percentage of us gets layered systems completely. It all feels like magic.
As someone who has been car free for over a decade, I salute your intentions to walk.
My wife and I have nice bikes, and we go through shoes faster, but we also stay in darn good shape for middle aged folks.
We also have no idea what good gas prices are because we’ve lost touch with that data. No car insurance, sudden repairs, missed appointments “because car trouble,” on and on.
If I never own a car again, it will be too soon.
Before I get too self-congratulatory, I am admittedly a technology fiend. It takes endless application of intention to notice I don’t need most of what I crave. There’s a lot to crave these days too.
Lastly, I love Stella. Makes me think of Streetcar Named Desire. That breed combo is a live wire. My FIL has a male of that combo. That boy is eight years old going on two. He never tires.
"Mystery" is an excellent word to describe our fear, especially with AI.
A decade without a car? Good for you. No wonder you look 40. At some point, I realized the less I drive, the happier I am. Driving can be fun, but ultimately, it's stressful.
It's fascinating that your FIL also has a male pit bull/ Rhodesian ridgeback mix that never tires. I think this one is two or three, and it sounds like she always will be. ☺️
Good observations, Ryan. Thank you for sharing! I agree with everything you've said, as I've mentioned many times in my posts. We are self-destructive, and we can see this clearly in the way we behave with our only provider: the Earth, nature. It is obvious that we are disconnected, and we point fingers, externalize, and project rather than going inward to sit, discern, and ponder.
The amount of information is too great to internalize; we are making steps but burning out in the process. We are not yet in a place where we can see clearly that what goes on inside reflects in our outer reality. We are at the beginning—or perhaps the end—of a more conscious collective era. I fear we are experiencing decision fatigue, and the majority will choose speed over slowing down to reflect. They choose to look at the map and focus on their immediate needs rather than allowing themselves the time to see the real landscape of their experience, organic air, fire, earth. When our reality will change, we will know that people had changed.
I hear you, Katerina. If people see the need, they will slow down. But most people are too busy hoping that just a little more (money, accomplishments, self-improvement) will do the trick and finally provide the lasting satisfaction they've sought their whole lives. It never does, but the material realm sure is convincing. Thank you, as always, for your comprehensive thoughts.
Reading your words fills me with joy, Tam. I've thought about this topic for years and felt compelled to write about it, but I figured it would only resonate with some people. I'm glad you're one of those people! Deep gratitude for the feedback. 🙏💛
There's a passion aura in this I haven't seen in you before. It's very grounded, solid, stable, and forceful even. I feel like you're almost (but lovingly) giving your readers a slap in the face "WAKE UP...be AWARE!" I love it!
It feels good to hear your feedback, and it's not surprising. It's a thought that's been cooking for years. The writing I enjoy most is open and gentle, without force. I enjoy writing this writing most, too. However, I'm turned off by 'hedging,' wishy-washy writing. I like it when a writer writes with conviction.
That's the word. Conviction. There's a stronger conviction in this piece than I've seen in your writing before. I like it.
This is helpful feedback, Teri. I had a feeling you did. Thank you.
Great article, Ryan.
I explore a similar concept with clients around emotional eating. The food itself isn’t the problem—it’s simply the vehicle through which underlying issues express themselves. While the abundance and instant accessibility of food amplify this behaviour, much like technology does, neither food nor tech are to blame in and of themselves.
If we were to remove either, we’d create larger-scale problems without truly addressing the root cause on an individual level.
Oh, boy, so well articulated, Shane. I agree with you 100% that food and technology are the same in this regard. Let's throw money in there while we're at it. It sounds like you're doing good work with your clients "addressing the root cause," as you say. Thank you for sharing this.
Love ❤️
Hi Ryan,
This definitely got me thinking and parts were very prickly for me, but ... I agree that awareness has to be key, absolutely. If everyone had heightened awareness and paused enough (without smartphone), there could be big, positive changes. I would add second (or perhaps sharing first spot) with awareness, must be our value systems.
Thought-provoking! Thank you. I'll be carrying this around all day.
The final sentence made me laugh out loud, Gayle. There's just no substitute for awareness, is there? It's the most potent quality of mind for me. And I agree that values are right up there - otherwise, we're aimless.
good 🙃🙃🙃🤗🤗🤗😘😘😘😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰
True
Well put, Ryan.
We can also recognize that technology is more than just “tech.” It’s any tool that promises potential. A fallen branch is a walking stick that helps me walk further.
What scares us is the mystery of todays tech. We get a walking stick, but only a small percentage of us gets most tech, and merely a tiny percentage of us gets layered systems completely. It all feels like magic.
As someone who has been car free for over a decade, I salute your intentions to walk.
My wife and I have nice bikes, and we go through shoes faster, but we also stay in darn good shape for middle aged folks.
We also have no idea what good gas prices are because we’ve lost touch with that data. No car insurance, sudden repairs, missed appointments “because car trouble,” on and on.
If I never own a car again, it will be too soon.
Before I get too self-congratulatory, I am admittedly a technology fiend. It takes endless application of intention to notice I don’t need most of what I crave. There’s a lot to crave these days too.
Lastly, I love Stella. Makes me think of Streetcar Named Desire. That breed combo is a live wire. My FIL has a male of that combo. That boy is eight years old going on two. He never tires.
"Mystery" is an excellent word to describe our fear, especially with AI.
A decade without a car? Good for you. No wonder you look 40. At some point, I realized the less I drive, the happier I am. Driving can be fun, but ultimately, it's stressful.
It's fascinating that your FIL also has a male pit bull/ Rhodesian ridgeback mix that never tires. I think this one is two or three, and it sounds like she always will be. ☺️
I look 40? Will someone tell the camera lens that? I keep wondering who that older fella is in the pics of me.
Too kind, Ryan.
I know what you mean. I read years ago that once we turn 35, we never feel older than 35. That continues to be true for me. 😌
Truly, Mexico must suit your well-being because I’ve had this thought multiple times. Most recently, the photo of you at the hospital.
Exiting the rat race was massive for my wife and my respective wellbeing
I am delighted for you both. You found your way through.👏 Most people never will.
We consider ourselves fortunate. It’s totally delightful
A very strong article Ryan. And the comments are recognizing your enthusiasm & commitment to an examined life. Well done amigo.
I appreciate your words, Brett, and I enjoyed our conversation last week. Thank you for being so kind. 🙏🤗
Good observations, Ryan. Thank you for sharing! I agree with everything you've said, as I've mentioned many times in my posts. We are self-destructive, and we can see this clearly in the way we behave with our only provider: the Earth, nature. It is obvious that we are disconnected, and we point fingers, externalize, and project rather than going inward to sit, discern, and ponder.
The amount of information is too great to internalize; we are making steps but burning out in the process. We are not yet in a place where we can see clearly that what goes on inside reflects in our outer reality. We are at the beginning—or perhaps the end—of a more conscious collective era. I fear we are experiencing decision fatigue, and the majority will choose speed over slowing down to reflect. They choose to look at the map and focus on their immediate needs rather than allowing themselves the time to see the real landscape of their experience, organic air, fire, earth. When our reality will change, we will know that people had changed.
I hear you, Katerina. If people see the need, they will slow down. But most people are too busy hoping that just a little more (money, accomplishments, self-improvement) will do the trick and finally provide the lasting satisfaction they've sought their whole lives. It never does, but the material realm sure is convincing. Thank you, as always, for your comprehensive thoughts.
100%.
Feels good to learn the idea landed. ☺️
It did. It landed like a ton of bricks. The trick tho is in getting the unawakened to wake up… I don’t have that solution. Thank you for your words. 🙏
I don't have that solution either. But if I could, I'd teach the world formal and informal meditation. Thanks for the exchange. 💛
Loving this article! You’ve captured some truly profound insights with such clarity! 👊🏾
Reading your words fills me with joy, Tam. I've thought about this topic for years and felt compelled to write about it, but I figured it would only resonate with some people. I'm glad you're one of those people! Deep gratitude for the feedback. 🙏💛
Be very aware ❤️