This is a really important message because you're not just going to find moments of peace and silence in a world that's filled with constant noise, and moments like that are so important for our mental clarity!!
A huge part of this too is that we're using tech in more and more parts of our lives... on our commutes, during work hours, to do errands and shopping, even our version of relaxation is heavily centred around tech be it gaming or streaming movies and shows
Yes, we definitely swim in a digital current, which can hold tremendous benefits, but only if we balance our lives a bit more than those swimming the fastest! That's why I promote unplugging on a regular basis - it helps to balance the neurological and time scorecard of our lives. I appreciate your comments.
This talk made me reflect on the importance of space in our lives. It's not just about technology; it's about embracing our humanity and savoring life's real moments.
Love this comment - while I talk about tech in this talk, my message is always about how to live intentionally and embrace the best of humanity. So grateful that it came through.
Making space for real life sounds so simple yet so difficult in today’s world. It feels like we're robbed of everything... time, space, connection, nature... all of our opportunities to enjoy those things are being taken from us
Some really valid points about what we can fit in that glass lol and also so much of the online activity is isolating!! It might feel like we're connected or connecting, which is important because we are social creatures, but it's not real! You can't hug a screen. You can't hear a meme laughing with you... you can't properly comfort someone through messenger. It's all just a watered down version of what life really is.
as someone who deals with anxiety, this talk definitely got me reflecting on how my tech habits might be exacerbating that. time for some real talk with myself!
Oh I feel your pain - I think my day would be seriously unhinged if I lost my router for a a few hours... a bit sad isn't it. But there's benefits in it all as well. Thanks for your comment.
Gotta appreciate the reminder to enjoy life beyond screens. The more time goes on the more normalized it's going to become for us to spend all our time in front of one
So true... there's so much value in the online world, but we can lose our sense of reality if we don't broaden our experiences of life. Thanks for your comment.
I agree - it's so important for parents to reflect on their own habits, and to understand the impact of tech-overuse as we make choices about our kids' tech and social media use. Thanks for your thoughts :)
I like the idea of making space being about our humanity and I agree the type of life we want to live is all about being aware of the decisions we're making.
For me, the whole spacemaker philosophy is really about intentional living -- making deliberate choices about who we are and what we value, rather than simply going with the flow. Tech is part of this, but can't be the driving force of how we live. Thanks for your comment!
I think it's making time for the little things... the worst about so much tech is how much patience we've lost. We expect everything to be now now now so when it takes a little while sometimes you forget about it
I love this honest comment - thank you for sharing. I like the quote from Richard Bach - "I teach best what I most need to learn." That's me for sure - a doer by nature and not at ease with being still, doing nothing, learning to 'be' - but I'm getting better over time. It's definitely a skill to practice. Start small. The recognition of the need for this is the best start! You might like my latest RUclips video as well - Actively Do Nothing :)
I loved the idea of having a tech-free meal with family or friends. definitely gonna try that out and see how it feels to connect without any screens in the way
Perfect - let me know how you go! If you have kids involved, my favourite question at dinner is "What's your high, low, Gruffalo" - that is, a high point from the day, a low point from the day, and something random or strange or interesting ... leads to brilliant conversations! I also have a video on my Spacemakers RUclips channel about tech-free meals. Thanks for commenting.
Oh - thanks for that comment. It's so hard as a dad to make space to be truly present... but so important. I plan to share a lot more tech-healthy parenting videos on my channel in the coming month :)
Yes, I write and speak a lot about kids and mental health, focus, and attention - that's another big topic altogether! But certainly related. Thanks for your thoughts.
@@alantcase Sure thing - I don't think I am meant to share links on this site, but look up "raising humans daniel sih" on Google and you'll find all the free resources and videos! Enjoy the journey.
The connection between real, relational moments and feeling truly human resonates. It's a reminder to focus on the people and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment rather than a quick dopamine hit, over and over and over lol
I've always thought being constantly online meant being productive, but this really challenges that idea. It's a refreshing perspective on balancing technology with real-life experiences. Definitely something to ponder.
This is important. The tech dependency is taking away our ability to connect with others face to face. I mean to _really_ see one another and form those lasting connections. I think practicing the kind of tech abstinence Daniel is talking about here could go a long way towards peoples ability to build rapport with one another again
That's beautiful - I very much agree that we need to prioritise connection and 'seeing' one another. Such a beautiful expression. My heart is not to reduce technology and it's place in our lives, but to amplify human connection and meaningful interactions beyond a screen. You might enjoy my latest podcast episode on The Spacemakers about how to invest in deep and meaningful friendships (on my RUclips channel, or Apple Podcasts). Thanks for commenting!
The curve thing was pretty interesting! Makes sense really, you get a new thing and use it for it's purpose but the convenience of it makes you overuse it and then you're not even using it for the things you originally bought it for...
Spot on. In fact that's the rule of life that Aristotle talked about - that we need to find the 'middle' because this is where we discover healthy reality.
That's great to hear. One thing I do each week is write down 5 tasks or 'big rocks' that are most important to me -- the stuff that goes in my glass first - and then anything else that I achieve is a bonus. I find this helps me continue to put first things first and not stress as much about the overflow :)
Thanks for your comment. It's quite liberating when we accept the hard reality that we will never get everything done and can therefore be deliberate in what we allow to flow in and out our lives.
I grew up without television. Hard to imagine right? We played cricket in the street and went fishing in the stream down the road. Totally different but great healthy fun.
You must be younger than 40. I miss how slow and enjoyable the world was when there were no mobile phones. You younguns will never understand the freedom and true connection we lived with.
The analogy of the glass representing our finite capacity was so on point. It's a visual reminder that we can't just keep adding without overflowing. Makes you wonder what we're sacrificing for endless notifications and screen time
These are some really interesting insights into tech and productivity... I think it's time to reassess my habits because I have been in a bit of a slump creativity wise.
Love your comment - from my experience, technology can augment your creativity, so long as you have times when you are not online... to mind wander, think deeply, allow yourself time for both deliberate practice and creative spontaneity - so again, it's about the patterns of keeping pace and making space. Good luck! Keep creating!
Yes, I completely agree with what he's saying/his advice. Also getting out in nature is so valuable for mental health and reconnecting with your internal world. Strongly suggest that for everyone.
Yup I think I really needed to see this... I keep waking up with popular audio clips from reels that I've watched the night before. It's kind of scary tbh
Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. It's tough, but if you can, I recommend withdrawing and unplugging from reels and shorts. They are surprisingly toxic for our brain's focus and attention, irrespective of content. No judgement at all - just the acknowledgement that short-form videos are fracturing our ability to focus and be still. Even if they are ridiculously popular. Truly value your comments :)
"We all need a bit more space in a world with so much information and noise." This line really hit me.... I have these moments when I've been doom scrolling where it all of a sudden feels so loud and crowded in my head.
Man I could not agree with this more. I had drinks with a friend of mine last night and she didn't look at her phone once while we were together. It was amazing.
So good - your experience reminds me of a quote I read this week from Simone Weil - "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." It's such a gift when someone gives us their full attention, and doesn't divert it to the online world.
It feels both ironic and lucky that I've come across this talk! Ironic because it's through using tech that I found it but lucky because the last few weeks I've felt like I need to change something for my peace of mind. It's like I always have external noise in my brain
Thanks for letting me know! Yes I wrestle with the use of a medium like RUclips to promote a slower, more considered, less reactive pace of life - but comments like this are encouraging that it makes an impact. Thanks for sharing.
Love that - I have to keep doing this again and again to remember what truly matters, and make space for these things. We so easily forget in the whirlwind of life, hey!
I appreciate the reminder to create space for meaningful moments with my children. I'm going to try incorporating some tech-free activities into our routine to savor those simple, human experiences.
A thought-provoking analysis of the relationship between technology and productivity. I appreciate the visual representation of the curve, showcasing the diminishing returns of excessive technology use. It's a reminder that more technology doesn't automatically equate to more productivity. I'm curious to learn more about the habits of keeping pace and making space, and how they can be cultivated to lead a happy and healthy digital life
I've always found solace in nature, and this talk resonated with me. It's true; we need space to connect with the world around us. I'm lucky to live in an area surrounded by nature, and I make it a point to go for walks without any devices.
The struggle is real-being always online, always available. Can relate to the need for that one day a week to unplug and experience a different kind of day.
That's fantastic to hear - if you have any tips for how you manage to do this, or insights about how it helps, then I'm sure the community here would love to hear from you. It's a game changer but hard to do ... well done for leading the way :)
Daniel I love that you are shedding light on emerging issues and providing inspiration and strategies to help us to create space for wellbeing. Social media and technology more widely can be a space for connection if it's used in an interactive and intentional way, however so important to put down the technology and connect with loved ones face to face where possible, put our feet in the grass, and have meetings with ourselves (once we've scheduled the time for intentional thinking and self-care 😂). Thanks for inspiring me to make space Daniel.
I know I'm not the only one who gets sucked into the comparison trap online... taking a break from all that once in a while is so necessary for my mental health.
And still am... in the wrestle that is ... as I type away on RUclips videos wondering why I have no more space in my life. Ha! But thanks for sharing your thoughts - very much appreciated.
You might like our podcast, The Spacemakers (season 1) ... it's all about how to retrain our fractured attention, one practice at a time. Thanks for commenting.
I appreciate the analogy of the overflowing glass representing our limited time, energy, and attention. It highlights the constant barrage of information and tasks we face daily and as someone who values focus and reflection the idea of making hard choices about what we prioritize/allow into our lives really resonates with me
Thanks for your thoughts Aaron. It's so true that making space for focus, deep thought and reflection now involves hard choices. It may have always been hard to give attention to these things, but now it's truly an art that needs practice and commitment - a set of skills worth mastering.
Yes!! I've recently started _insisting_ on tech-free meals and it's been really nice to see the family connect as a whole. Thanks for reaffirming this for me!
I'm intrigued by the concept of space in the digital age, especially after hearing Daniel highlight the need for reflection, creativity and curiosity... I can see how these things are often neglected amidst the busy-ness of our lives. I feel like it's a really thin line between the balance of utilizing technology for productivity and going into a space where you're just hurting your brain
Great insight ... I think it'll always be a thin line and the best way to walk it is to build self-awareness about the benefits and challenges of tech -- awareness lets us self-monitor and develop patterns and habits that work for us, rather than against us :)
The piano analogy for neuroplasticity is fascinating. It makes me wonder about what other habits are shaping our brains without us realizing? It's probably so much more than we know
A tech-free day is scary but the idea of gaining a bit of independence from the constantly connected world is intriguing. Time for a little experiment!
The emphasis on the importance of space and reflection really resonates with me. I find that I'm quite easily overwhelmed by a constant stream of information and digital noise so the idea of making deliberate choices around it makes me feel pretty empowered.
It's fascinating to see the connection between technology and productivity framed as a curve. I'm going to assess my tech habits and see where I fall on that curve. It might be time to make some adjustments.
The piano analogy really got me thinking. Just like practicing the piano, practicing the internet shapes our brains and I'm definitely not intentional with my "practice sessions"
I appreciate the tips on how to prioritize humanity in a world dominated by technology. When you're working from home and all your social interactions are online the real world starts to seem.... weird.
It's weird to think the late 80's babies were the last generation to have a full developmental 10 years of not relying on technology. It is wise to remind and teach people how to take a step back and be present. Great talk Daniel!
Daniel makes a great point about the need for some breathing room in our lives amidst the crazy digital world and I totally get the whole glass analogy - it's like our time, energy, and attention are constantly overflowing. Making tough choices about what really matters and then setting/keeping to boundaries around what we allow in our life can be so difficult but I really do see the benefits of it
I know what he means, I feel like by the time I just get my work done for the day and take care of everything at home I have zero time left for anything else... I haven't thought that it might be space that I'm lacking though
So true - it's hard just to keep our heads about water day by day, but life's best moment often happen when we make a bit of space. I often ask people how they might trade 2 hours of low quality tech-time each week, or even each month, for 2 hours of high quality silence, relationships, or adventure ... a small trade in time can transform our self-care and experiences of life. Appreciate you watching my talk! There's more about the mid-life squeeze on my podcast, The Spacemakers :)
The reason why so many people think tech is a bad thing is because it's so different to what they know. But the world is changing and technology is a huge part of that... I think people just need to figure out their own limits and what works for them.
The struggle with technology impacting health and happiness is real. I think it's difficult to find that balance but if we're making conscious decisions around it everyday, it'll get easier.
The idea of space-making as a skill for the digital age is pretty cool. I've never heard it even being discussed before but it's not hard to see the value in it.
So true - we truly are more and less connected than ever before. I find that when I truly sit with someone I care about, engage in real conversation, or simply enjoy another person's presence, it become apparent what true connection feels like. Thanks for sharing.
This talk really made me think on how much I rely on technology daily. Like if my router goes out for more than an hour I feel like my whole day is wrecked, and that's not great.
I agree about more technology not really equalling more productivity. When I was at school and learning how to do technical drawings for jewellery design I absolutely loved it, then we got to the CAD stage and it was so difficult it put me off the whole course.
![Quando Rondo - Life Goes On [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eIf3fhMXAow/mqdefault.jpg)
"Space to connect with nature." This stood out. I'd like to be able to incorporate nature in my daily routine.
Yes that's one of the ways I most enjoy making space. I love the silence and time to reflect on life's meaning.
As a teacher, I see this with my students every day. Wish this was part of our curriculum somehow.
This is a really important message because you're not just going to find moments of peace and silence in a world that's filled with constant noise, and moments like that are so important for our mental clarity!!
A huge part of this too is that we're using tech in more and more parts of our lives... on our commutes, during work hours, to do errands and shopping, even our version of relaxation is heavily centred around tech be it gaming or streaming movies and shows
Yes, we definitely swim in a digital current, which can hold tremendous benefits, but only if we balance our lives a bit more than those swimming the fastest! That's why I promote unplugging on a regular basis - it helps to balance the neurological and time scorecard of our lives. I appreciate your comments.
This talk made me reflect on the importance of space in our lives. It's not just about technology; it's about embracing our humanity and savoring life's real moments.
Love this comment - while I talk about tech in this talk, my message is always about how to live intentionally and embrace the best of humanity. So grateful that it came through.
The concept of the "productive Middle" is intriguing. More tech doesn't always mean more output. It's about finding that sweet spot.
And that sweet spot shifts over time - but being aware of when to lean into pace, and when to push into space can be helpful :)
Making space for real life sounds so simple yet so difficult in today’s world. It feels like we're robbed of everything... time, space, connection, nature... all of our opportunities to enjoy those things are being taken from us
I like this talk, simple yet insightful
Some really valid points about what we can fit in that glass lol and also so much of the online activity is isolating!! It might feel like we're connected or connecting, which is important because we are social creatures, but it's not real! You can't hug a screen. You can't hear a meme laughing with you... you can't properly comfort someone through messenger. It's all just a watered down version of what life really is.
That's beautiful - "you can't hug a screen." That could be a simple test of whether something is human or not :)
this talk has me rethinking my whole "grind 24/7" mentality. maybe taking breaks to rest and recharge is actually the key to peak performance
as someone who deals with anxiety, this talk definitely got me reflecting on how my tech habits might be exacerbating that. time for some real talk with myself!
Loved the piano analogy about neuroplasticity. Shows how habits shape us, for better or worse.
Oh I feel your pain - I think my day would be seriously unhinged if I lost my router for a a few hours... a bit sad isn't it. But there's benefits in it all as well. Thanks for your comment.
Smart, love this TED!
Gotta appreciate the reminder to enjoy life beyond screens. The more time goes on the more normalized it's going to become for us to spend all our time in front of one
So true... there's so much value in the online world, but we can lose our sense of reality if we don't broaden our experiences of life. Thanks for your comment.
This is a great talk and something everyone should be more aware of, especially parents.
I agree - it's so important for parents to reflect on their own habits, and to understand the impact of tech-overuse as we make choices about our kids' tech and social media use. Thanks for your thoughts :)
It's eye-opening to consider the concept of making space in our lives for what truly matters. Going to try some tech-free days myself!
That's fabulous - I'd love to hear how you go being tech-free! It's such a healthy way of living a balanced life with and without technology.
interesting take on productivity in the digital age. actually excited to try those spacemaker habits!
The concept of "pace and space" as the yin and yang of productivity is something I've never considered. It makes so much sense though.
I like the idea of making space being about our humanity and I agree the type of life we want to live is all about being aware of the decisions we're making.
For me, the whole spacemaker philosophy is really about intentional living -- making deliberate choices about who we are and what we value, rather than simply going with the flow. Tech is part of this, but can't be the driving force of how we live. Thanks for your comment!
I think it's making time for the little things... the worst about so much tech is how much patience we've lost. We expect everything to be now now now so when it takes a little while sometimes you forget about it
"we need space to think about who we are and our inner life" - ok that hit deep. not sure of the last time I gave myself permission to just...be
I love this honest comment - thank you for sharing. I like the quote from Richard Bach - "I teach best what I most need to learn." That's me for sure - a doer by nature and not at ease with being still, doing nothing, learning to 'be' - but I'm getting better over time. It's definitely a skill to practice. Start small. The recognition of the need for this is the best start! You might like my latest RUclips video as well - Actively Do Nothing :)
This whole conversation reminds me of that quote "almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you”
Love the Anne Lamott reference .. I started one of my chapters of "Spacemaker" with this apt quote. Good call :)
I loved the idea of having a tech-free meal with family or friends. definitely gonna try that out and see how it feels to connect without any screens in the way
Perfect - let me know how you go! If you have kids involved, my favourite question at dinner is "What's your high, low, Gruffalo" - that is, a high point from the day, a low point from the day, and something random or strange or interesting ... leads to brilliant conversations! I also have a video on my Spacemakers RUclips channel about tech-free meals. Thanks for commenting.
The examples of your kids' best moments were heartwarming. Simple, real, and human experiences seem to outweigh the digital ones. 🌈
Oh - thanks for that comment. It's so hard as a dad to make space to be truly present... but so important. I plan to share a lot more tech-healthy parenting videos on my channel in the coming month :)
Sharing this one for sure, was literally having a conversation about this stuff with a group of friends over the weekend
What? You still have actual, real-life, in-person conversations with friends? Just joking ... thanks for sharing :)
@@Daniel_Sih lol, thanks
Love the message and advice here mate! Especially for future generations that have been born into a tech saturated world.
Yes, I write and speak a lot about kids and mental health, focus, and attention - that's another big topic altogether! But certainly related. Thanks for your thoughts.
@@Daniel_Sih no worries, thanks for the reply! would certainly be interested to hear your opinions on all of that too
@@alantcase Sure thing - I don't think I am meant to share links on this site, but look up "raising humans daniel sih" on Google and you'll find all the free resources and videos! Enjoy the journey.
The connection between real, relational moments and feeling truly human resonates. It's a reminder to focus on the people and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment rather than a quick dopamine hit, over and over and over lol
I've always thought being constantly online meant being productive, but this really challenges that idea. It's a refreshing perspective on balancing technology with real-life experiences. Definitely something to ponder.
This is important. The tech dependency is taking away our ability to connect with others face to face. I mean to _really_ see one another and form those lasting connections. I think practicing the kind of tech abstinence Daniel is talking about here could go a long way towards peoples ability to build rapport with one another again
That's beautiful - I very much agree that we need to prioritise connection and 'seeing' one another. Such a beautiful expression. My heart is not to reduce technology and it's place in our lives, but to amplify human connection and meaningful interactions beyond a screen. You might enjoy my latest podcast episode on The Spacemakers about how to invest in deep and meaningful friendships (on my RUclips channel, or Apple Podcasts). Thanks for commenting!
The best moments in life are rarely online-that hit me hard. Need to make more space for those simple, human, and offline moments that truly matter.
This is very good advice and also it's just beneficial to think about this kind of things, thank you.
Starting the day with intention rather than diving into the digital noise is pretty valuable. Sets you up properly for the day!
The curve thing was pretty interesting! Makes sense really, you get a new thing and use it for it's purpose but the convenience of it makes you overuse it and then you're not even using it for the things you originally bought it for...
Spot on. In fact that's the rule of life that Aristotle talked about - that we need to find the 'middle' because this is where we discover healthy reality.
After listening I'll never get everything done and prioritising task load is more important, I felt a wonderful sense of calm.
That's great to hear. One thing I do each week is write down 5 tasks or 'big rocks' that are most important to me -- the stuff that goes in my glass first - and then anything else that I achieve is a bonus. I find this helps me continue to put first things first and not stress as much about the overflow :)
I appreciate the reality check Daniel gave us. Accepting that we can't do everything is liberating. It's time to prioritize
Thanks for your comment. It's quite liberating when we accept the hard reality that we will never get everything done and can therefore be deliberate in what we allow to flow in and out our lives.
I grew up without television. Hard to imagine right? We played cricket in the street and went fishing in the stream down the road. Totally different but great healthy fun.
I love this message, we need to make space for our selves, first and foremost.
The thought of having a phone free day was scary and liberating at the same time. Definitely going to try it.
You must be younger than 40. I miss how slow and enjoyable the world was when there were no mobile phones. You younguns will never understand the freedom and true connection we lived with.
The idea of making space in a cluttered world is profound. It's not just about technology; it's about reclaiming our humanity.
Love it ...
The analogy of the glass representing our finite capacity was so on point. It's a visual reminder that we can't just keep adding without overflowing. Makes you wonder what we're sacrificing for endless notifications and screen time
These are some really interesting insights into tech and productivity... I think it's time to reassess my habits because I have been in a bit of a slump creativity wise.
Love your comment - from my experience, technology can augment your creativity, so long as you have times when you are not online... to mind wander, think deeply, allow yourself time for both deliberate practice and creative spontaneity - so again, it's about the patterns of keeping pace and making space. Good luck! Keep creating!
"Pillow talk with your spouse, not your phone." Brilliant advice. Gotta prioritize human connections over constant screen time.
It's kind of funny when you think about it... we choose a phone over our loved one! But we all do it - thanks for your comment :)
Wow, this hit home for me. Feeling the overwhelm of digital life and the constant online buzz. Definitely need to make more space for the real stuff.
Yes, I completely agree with what he's saying/his advice. Also getting out in nature is so valuable for mental health and reconnecting with your internal world. Strongly suggest that for everyone.
I like the term "forest bathing" that people are using for engaging with the natural world. A space for awe, wonder, and reflecting on life's meaning.
Yup I think I really needed to see this... I keep waking up with popular audio clips from reels that I've watched the night before. It's kind of scary tbh
Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. It's tough, but if you can, I recommend withdrawing and unplugging from reels and shorts. They are surprisingly toxic for our brain's focus and attention, irrespective of content. No judgement at all - just the acknowledgement that short-form videos are fracturing our ability to focus and be still. Even if they are ridiculously popular. Truly value your comments :)
"We all need a bit more space in a world with so much information and noise." This line really hit me.... I have these moments when I've been doom scrolling where it all of a sudden feels so loud and crowded in my head.
Never thought about technology and productivity as an upside-down curve. Mind blown! Time to reassess my tech habits for sure
Man I could not agree with this more. I had drinks with a friend of mine last night and she didn't look at her phone once while we were together. It was amazing.
So good - your experience reminds me of a quote I read this week from Simone Weil - "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." It's such a gift when someone gives us their full attention, and doesn't divert it to the online world.
@@Daniel_Sih great quote
It feels both ironic and lucky that I've come across this talk! Ironic because it's through using tech that I found it but lucky because the last few weeks I've felt like I need to change something for my peace of mind. It's like I always have external noise in my brain
Thanks for letting me know! Yes I wrestle with the use of a medium like RUclips to promote a slower, more considered, less reactive pace of life - but comments like this are encouraging that it makes an impact. Thanks for sharing.
Daniel's talk challenged me to think about the best moments in my life and yes, none of them have taken place online - time to make more space!
Love that - I have to keep doing this again and again to remember what truly matters, and make space for these things. We so easily forget in the whirlwind of life, hey!
I appreciate the reminder to create space for meaningful moments with my children. I'm going to try incorporating some tech-free activities into our routine to savor those simple, human experiences.
His ideas about digital overuse are spot on. I feel so much more exhausted since COVID forced everything online.
Love the productivity insights here! I've always believed in the power of intentional habits.
I can so totally relate to Daniel's statement, "when I spend too much time staring at a glowing rectangle I feel wired and tired and distracted"
"The breadth and depth of all that life has to offer beyond the screen." Such a poetic way to express the need for more offline experiences.
Thanks for your comment - the world is so vaste and there's so much to celebrate...
A thought-provoking analysis of the relationship between technology and productivity. I appreciate the visual representation of the curve, showcasing the diminishing returns of excessive technology use. It's a reminder that more technology doesn't automatically equate to more productivity. I'm curious to learn more about the habits of keeping pace and making space, and how they can be cultivated to lead a happy and healthy digital life
Very true, thanks for sending me the link..
I've always found solace in nature, and this talk resonated with me. It's true; we need space to connect with the world around us. I'm lucky to live in an area surrounded by nature, and I make it a point to go for walks without any devices.
That's perfect - I feel the same living in Tasmania, Australia. Such a gift to have spaces to walk and ponder.
The struggle is real-being always online, always available. Can relate to the need for that one day a week to unplug and experience a different kind of day.
Your piano practice analogy really struck a chord with me (pun intended). It's amazing how our brains adapt to our habits.
Good pun! Thanks for sharing :)
The idea of unplugging for a whole day seemed impossible at first, but now I'm kinda excited to try it.
Let me know how you find it! Break your schema, try something new, see what happens :)
I've been doing tech-free Saturdays for some time now. Best decision ever. Nice to see others catching on!
That's fantastic to hear - if you have any tips for how you manage to do this, or insights about how it helps, then I'm sure the community here would love to hear from you. It's a game changer but hard to do ... well done for leading the way :)
Never realized how much mental energy I spend on tech until he pointed it out. No wonder I'm always exhausted by the end of the day.
Daniel I love that you are shedding light on emerging issues and providing inspiration and strategies to help us to create space for wellbeing.
Social media and technology more widely can be a space for connection if it's used in an interactive and intentional way, however so important to put down the technology and connect with loved ones face to face where possible, put our feet in the grass, and have meetings with ourselves (once we've scheduled the time for intentional thinking and self-care 😂). Thanks for inspiring me to make space Daniel.
I love this Kessie - "put our feet on the grass." That's a lovely image of the simplicity of life.
Appreciate how he articulated the essence of being and the richness of real, tangible experiences.
Daniel's productivity curve is eye-opening! I'm definitely on the right side. Time to reclaim some space!
I know I'm not the only one who gets sucked into the comparison trap online... taking a break from all that once in a while is so necessary for my mental health.
tech-free meals sound like a great way to reconnect. going to start with that!
ngl his chill, nonjudgmental vibe made it way easier to absorb the tough parts of this message. he gets it, he's been there 🙌
And still am... in the wrestle that is ... as I type away on RUclips videos wondering why I have no more space in my life. Ha! But thanks for sharing your thoughts - very much appreciated.
he made such a good point about how we're basically "practicing the internet" for hours every day. no wonder my attention span is shot! 😅
You might like our podcast, The Spacemakers (season 1) ... it's all about how to retrain our fractured attention, one practice at a time. Thanks for commenting.
We're all drowning in tech and forgot how to just be human. gonna try that phone-free day idea!
All of this is so true! Practicing the internet can change our brains. I'm going to be more intentional about my online habits.
Natural born speaker, well done Daniel!!!
I appreciate the analogy of the overflowing glass representing our limited time, energy, and attention. It highlights the constant barrage of information and tasks we face daily and as someone who values focus and reflection the idea of making hard choices about what we prioritize/allow into our lives really resonates with me
Thanks for your thoughts Aaron. It's so true that making space for focus, deep thought and reflection now involves hard choices. It may have always been hard to give attention to these things, but now it's truly an art that needs practice and commitment - a set of skills worth mastering.
I love technology, but Daniel's talk made me think about the impact of digital overuse and why it's important to find a balance
Yes!! I've recently started _insisting_ on tech-free meals and it's been really nice to see the family connect as a whole. Thanks for reaffirming this for me!
A truly keystone habit - well done! It's a game changer for families... with lots of research to back it up.
I'm intrigued by the concept of space in the digital age, especially after hearing Daniel highlight the need for reflection, creativity and curiosity... I can see how these things are often neglected amidst the busy-ness of our lives. I feel like it's a really thin line between the balance of utilizing technology for productivity and going into a space where you're just hurting your brain
Great insight ... I think it'll always be a thin line and the best way to walk it is to build self-awareness about the benefits and challenges of tech -- awareness lets us self-monitor and develop patterns and habits that work for us, rather than against us :)
L❤❤❤
The piano analogy for neuroplasticity is fascinating. It makes me wonder about what other habits are shaping our brains without us realizing? It's probably so much more than we know
A tech-free day is scary but the idea of gaining a bit of independence from the constantly connected world is intriguing. Time for a little experiment!
The emphasis on the importance of space and reflection really resonates with me. I find that I'm quite easily overwhelmed by a constant stream of information and digital noise so the idea of making deliberate choices around it makes me feel pretty empowered.
It's refreshing to hear someone talking about the value of space amidst all the hustle and bustle. Great talk, Daniel!
It's fascinating to see the connection between technology and productivity framed as a curve. I'm going to assess my tech habits and see where I fall on that curve. It might be time to make some adjustments.
The piano analogy really got me thinking. Just like practicing the piano, practicing the internet shapes our brains and I'm definitely not intentional with my "practice sessions"
This talk really hit home for me. It's so easy to get caught up in the digital clutter. Time to make space for what truly matters.
The fear of missing out is huge for most people. Not sure WHY they need to know but it's a real thing.
Curiosity and creativity need space to thrive and my addiction to social media is not helping me find that space. Thanks Daniel, I needed this!!
Thanks for your comment - curiosity keeps us growing and learning. So important!
Loved this Daniel Sih! Such an important message for our time.
I resonate with the struggle to unplug. But his space-making habits are inspiring me to give it a try.
I appreciate the tips on how to prioritize humanity in a world dominated by technology. When you're working from home and all your social interactions are online the real world starts to seem.... weird.
9.4 hours a day online?! that stat blew my mind. I knew I spent a lot of time plugged in but damn... time for a reality check 😳
It's weird to think the late 80's babies were the last generation to have a full developmental 10 years of not relying on technology. It is wise to remind and teach people how to take a step back and be present. Great talk Daniel!
Daniel makes a great point about the need for some breathing room in our lives amidst the crazy digital world and I totally get the whole glass analogy - it's like our time, energy, and attention are constantly overflowing. Making tough choices about what really matters and then setting/keeping to boundaries around what we allow in our life can be so difficult but I really do see the benefits of it
I know what he means, I feel like by the time I just get my work done for the day and take care of everything at home I have zero time left for anything else... I haven't thought that it might be space that I'm lacking though
So true - it's hard just to keep our heads about water day by day, but life's best moment often happen when we make a bit of space. I often ask people how they might trade 2 hours of low quality tech-time each week, or even each month, for 2 hours of high quality silence, relationships, or adventure ... a small trade in time can transform our self-care and experiences of life. Appreciate you watching my talk! There's more about the mid-life squeeze on my podcast, The Spacemakers :)
The reason why so many people think tech is a bad thing is because it's so different to what they know. But the world is changing and technology is a huge part of that... I think people just need to figure out their own limits and what works for them.
I used to feel FOMO about unplugging, but after hearing Daniel's talk, I'm eager to reclaim some space in my life.
The struggle with technology impacting health and happiness is real. I think it's difficult to find that balance but if we're making conscious decisions around it everyday, it'll get easier.
Great advice for anyone but especially the younger generations. I have a lot of fear for them, growing up thinking this is normal
The idea of space-making as a skill for the digital age is pretty cool. I've never heard it even being discussed before but it's not hard to see the value in it.
We're all so connected but somehow feeling more alone? Making space sounds like the answer
So true - we truly are more and less connected than ever before. I find that when I truly sit with someone I care about, engage in real conversation, or simply enjoy another person's presence, it become apparent what true connection feels like. Thanks for sharing.
This talk really made me think on how much I rely on technology daily. Like if my router goes out for more than an hour I feel like my whole day is wrecked, and that's not great.
I agree about more technology not really equalling more productivity. When I was at school and learning how to do technical drawings for jewellery design I absolutely loved it, then we got to the CAD stage and it was so difficult it put me off the whole course.
Great example - thanks for sharing!