In the midst of death life persists, in the midst of untruth truth persists,

in the midst of darkness light persists.

-Mahatma Gandhi

I love this line by Mahatma Gandhi: “In the midst of untruth truth persists.” No matter what happens in life. No matter how many lies are on the surface. The truth exists at the core.

There is also a truth that is within us. One way to find this truth is to come back “home” to ourselves. The word “home” contains “OM.” There are so many distractions in life that we need to intentionally find the truth within us. Meditation, self-reflection, silence, and yoga are ways to find this truth.

Technology is changing the way we think and function. We must reduce our screen time. Engage with screens and technology in small doses. Each time we are on a screen, our brains change. The dopamine hits light up certain aspects of our brain, which creates addiction. We need to figure out a balance when engaging with screens.

In the documentary “The Social Dilemma,” I recall Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist and futurist, discussing the crucial need for humans who are not manipulated to sit down and have a conversation. He is referring to people whose brains are not addicted to or manipulated by screens. I understood that he said this because we will need humans with normal brain function to make life-changing decisions. People who have become zombies will be of no help.

My husband, Jeff, is addicted to his cell phone (he likes to doom-scroll). Last week, I asked him, “What do you remember about what you read on your phone ten minutes ago?” He could not answer me. However, I could easily recall what I read ten minutes ago from a paper book. The point is that screens, for the most part, are a waste of time.

Also, we must not give children iPads or smartphones. Children are our future, and they are becoming zombies. The human child needs to play, dream, imagine, create, and have space. Screens are rewiring their brains to become addicted, distracted, and have less focus and concentration.

One of the goals of meditation is to learn to focus and concentrate. Screens are the opposite of meditation. The distraction of screens takes us farther away from ourselves. As humans, we need to come back home to ourselves.

We are at a crossroads right now. Each adult needs to do an assessment with their phone, computer, or any other screen. Ask yourself:

• How do I physically feel when I’m on my screen for more than an hour?
• How does my brain feel after scrolling on my phone?
• Do I feel dizzy when I’m on my phone for too long?
• In my day-to-day life, do I feel distracted and impatient?
• Do I have enough attention span to mindfully listen to someone in person?
• Are my emotions more severe after spending over two hours on my phone?

I know that I physically feel dizzy and nauseous if I’m on my phone or computer for too long. I actually start to feel “unwell.” Therefore, I know that phones and computers are unhealthy and dangerous to the human brain.

I still use screens, but in small doses (like radiation, which it is). I do not allow any technology, including my cell phone, in my bedroom. I turned off all notifications except text messages. I also find ways to disconnect by doing art projects, practicing yoga, meditating, exercising, or reading. I also enjoy phone-free conversations with family and friends.

We can find a way to balance our screentime. We need to have normal brain function without manipulation and addiction. We need to find the truth within us.

Namaste.