Mindfulness: Inward Reflection
My watch broke after years of use. It was a cheap Fitbit that I had worn out over time, covered in paint and sweat, and repeatedly exposed to water. Although its end was expected, its failure unexpectedly opened up a great opportunity for me.
I have been a data collector for years. I track my sleep, exercise, heart rate, and various other health metrics, as well as the impact of different factors on those metrics. I believe in the importance of data and the stories that data can tell us. I regularly discuss data with my clients to help counter the stories we tell ourselves. Many of us experience cognitive distortions, meaning we assume things that aren’t true, so turning to data, which is less subjective, is a useful way to understand situations more accurately.
When my watch broke, I gained the opportunity to focus on a different kind of data: inward reflection. Instead of relying on technology to tell me my step count or sleep score, I returned to some original data sources — my brain, body, and mind. Considering what I mentioned earlier about cognitive distortions, this can be challenging. How do you trust your mind to provide accurate information? You slow down and truly listen. Let me explain further.
The brain is highly skilled at assessing information and rapidly communicates with the nervous system, working together with the mind to deliver relevant messages. This collaboration extends to other body systems, such as the endocrine and digestive systems. Our brain interacts with all these systems, aiding the mind in interpretation and response. So we all have the equipment needed to track our data. The issue is whether we listen to it and also how we listen to it.
You probably have experienced one of these situations:
You stayed up too late binge-watching a show, and the next day, you are groggy, moody, and hungrier than usual.
You ate too much at dinner and became uncomfortable, sleepy, and grumpy.
You feel muscle strain but don’t do anything to care for it, and you continue exercising, eventually further injuring yourself.
You go to a party because your partner asked you to, but you didn’t want to go, and when the two of you get home, you get into a fight about the light switch.
Every one of these situations contains information that the brain, body, and mind interpret and react to, sending signals for you to hear. You don’t need an app to track any of these things. What you need is to listen to your system's messages!
I've been reading Dopamine Nation (2021) by Dr. Anna Lembke, which explores society's reliance on substances, including technology. She highlights the need for balance in an overstimulating world and suggests practices that encourage introspection. Lembke recommends mindfulness, spending time outdoors, and connecting with loved ones. Taking technology breaks when feasible can increase awareness of internal cues and help alleviate societal overstimulation.
We all tend to move quickly in this world, prioritizing efficiency. While this is a worthy goal, it’s important to also slow down, listen to our inner selves, and reflect. You’ll feel more refreshed if you take the time to listen.