Technology For Mindfulness Robert Plotkin

Mindfulness has become such a huge part of the world we live in and has integrated into mainstream culture. There are a vast number of traditional and spiritual practices that date back hundreds of years and span across cultures far outside of what we’re exposed to in the West and it’s important we educate ourselves on the origin of these methods. 
Today, I’m joined by thought leader and established teacher, Ron Purser. Ron is a Professor of Management at San Francisco State University, and Published Author of the best selling book, ‘McMindfulness’. He shares a unique perspective, having integrated traditional Buddhist practices into his life, he does a brilliant job of challenging the ideals that are emphasized through modern mindfulness tools. 
To hear more insights from Ron Purser and learn more about his personal approach to this topic, tune in to Episode 80 of Technology for Mindfulness!
Some of the questions I ask:
Could you talk about your personal background with mindfulness? (4:08)What are your concerns now that mindfulness is such a mainstream ideology? (9:17)What does mindfulness mean for you in a broader sense and in relation to traditional Buddhist teachings? (14:41)Could you elaborate on how you believe mindfulness apps are being used as overtly solitary experiences (30:22)From your experience, what is mindfulness other than a self-help technique? (37:10)Would you agree that a lot of self-help apps are too introductory and don’t cover mindfulness in a broader sense? (40:19)What would you recommend to those wanting to learn more about mindfulness? (43:09)
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The history of Martial Arts and Shotokan Karate (1:20)How Buddhism has become synonymous with mindfulness (7:44)How mindfulness ideologies have become part of the mainstream and integrated into Western culture (18:40)The commoditization behind mindfulness in corporate environments (23:44)A brief excerpt from ‘McMindfulness’ - How the US Army have militarized the clinical application of mindfulness (27:24)The privatization of stress and the connection that has to our bodies (33:16)The political ideologies and connotations behind fanatic mindfulness (35:23)
Connect with Robert Plotkin:
Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedIn
Connect with Ron Purser:
WebsiteThe Mindful Cranks - Podcast McMindfulness - Book
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Today I’ve repurposed an old episode of ‘The Paul Minor’s Podcast’ which I was fortunate enough to be a guest on, to share with all of you! Paul is a Productivity, Business and Self Improvement Consultant who has helped over four hundred clients reach peak efficiency in their line of work. 
In this interview, we discuss how the consumer's relationship with technology has evolved, how we can incorporate mindfulness into our daily practices, and more on my personal journey intertwining Japanese martial arts techniques with technology use.
We also dive into the importance of understanding your responses towards notifications. For us to respond efficiently, we first have to draw our attention to internal solutions and focus on how we can catch bad habits before they become a part of our norm.  
If you’re interested to learn more, then have a listen to episode 120 of The Paul Minors Podcast!
What You’ll Learn:
A brief background on myself (1:46)My journey shifting into japanese martial arts from a computer science background (3:28)How to respond internally to an ‘attack’ from the technology around us (4:45)The neuroscience behind responding to notifications (7:01)How I’ve integrated martial arts practices into my use of technology (8:50)The contrast between notifications feeling overwhelming or something that makes us feel good (9:49)The consumer issue I’m trying to solve through my work (12:40)Key points in the evolution of technology and the way users interact with it (14:34)The challenges of working with algorithms that are designed to keep us engaged (19:46) How we can catch bad habits within our device usage (26:34)Tips for practicing mindfulness in a team environment (28:34)Meditation techniques that aren’t time consuming & How we can be mindful when we’re busy (35:01)Apps I use to practice mindfulness and relieve my anxiety (42:51)
Connect With Paul Minors:
WebsiteYoutube Channel Twitter InstagramFacebook 
Resources:
Book: “Digital Minimalism” Author, Cal Newport
Book: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” Author, Stephen R. Covey
Book: “It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work” Authors, Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
Book: “Sleeping With Your Smartphone” Author, Leslie A. Perlow
Book: “Deep Work” Author, Cal Newport 

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Corporate Meditation Teacher and CEO of Peak Wellness Co, Kayla Kozan!
After experiencing a sudden onslaught of issues surrounding her mental health and observing how many workplaces were in need of wellness resources, she was inspired to launch her company and influence businesses to prioritize the wellbeing of their employees. By implementing strategies into her programs that have benefited her own life, she has successfully helped businesses across all different fields create a solid wellness structure and received many outstanding reviews.
For many leaders, particularly in corporate offices, the idea of adopting a mindful mentality can feel foreign or intimidating to approach. However, providing a safe space for workers to treat their mental needs has been proven to not only increase morale and reduce stress, but also improve productivity and performance within the workplace. The time for these services has never been more needed, especially now as we have entered such unprecedented times and have had to adapt to new ways of working. 
For more information on Kayla and the incredible work she does, tune in to Episode 78 of Technology for Mindfulness.
Some of the questions I ask:
What motivated you to launch Peak Wellness? (5:39)How did mindfulness help you during a period in your life when you knew your mental health was suffering? (8:09)What specifically have you found in corporate work environments that showed you there was a need for your service? (9:46)What are some new challenges you’ve noticed people facing in terms of their mental health since working from home? (12:47)How have you helped your clients with staying connected while apart? (15:05)What work have you done to help teams adapt to working remotely? (20:29)Have there been any other unexpected challenges that you have faced? (21:32)What would a company in need of your services expect from a Peak Wellness introduction? (23:26)How would you suggest ways to integrate a mindful work environment in corporate companies from a business standpoint? (26:03)Can you share any projects you’re working on at the moment? (28:16)
What you’ll learn:
My take on mindfulness during the pandemic (1:34)How you can apply mindfulness practices in your home workspace (4:21)An introduction on Kayla Kozan (5:24)Kayla’s experience with formal education to becoming a Corporate Mindfulness Trainer (9:04)The challenges and opportunities Kayla has encountered in transitioning her business online in the wake of Covid-19 (10:37)Techniques and strategies Kayla promotes in her Peak Wellness seminars (14:10)Kayla’s advice for setting boundaries while working at home and why you should be implementing breaks for yourself (17:19)
Connect With Robert Plotkin:
Technology For Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedIn
Connect With Kayla Kozan:
LinkedInTwitterInstagramPeak Wellness Website
Resources:
Wellness Tool: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

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Today’s focus on Technology for Mindfulness is all about productivity and social connections! 
In this episode, I discuss some creative ways we can connect with each other using technology, how to effectively set boundaries in your home, as well as sharing some personal insights from the years I’ve spent working remotely. 
Now more than ever, dividing time between our work and personal lives has never been more essential. We’re all finding our own ways to adjust to this new norm and work efficiently, but we also need to remember to make time for the things we enjoy too. Whilst there is a lot of change going on, there’s always a silver lining that can be taken out of the situation, even if it is hard to see. 
If you’re looking for advice on how to improve your own productivity, then join me on episode 77 of Technology for Mindfulness! 
In This Episode You Will Learn:
How to set clear boundaries in your home to improve productivity (5:02)What my listener’s greatest challenges have been working from home (10:13)Ways to shift your thinking around boundary setting and structure (12:37)Strategies I learned from the early years of working remotely (13:46)How to deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation (18:05)Creative ways of using technology to connect and engage with each other (18:36)Why I’ve been actively communicating through video calls (23:39)How changing your physical appearance and workspace affects your productivity when working from home (24:53)How people in supervising positions should approach their work environment remotely (26:29) Tips on how to adjust to your technological needs at home (29:04) 
Connect With Robert Plotkin:
Technology for Mindfulness WebsiteBlueshift IP WebsiteLinkedin
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In episode 76, Mitra Manesh joins us for a conversation around the powers of storytelling, binaural beats, and integrating them into mindfulness practices. Mitra is a mindfulness thought leader, storyteller, educator, and founder of Innermap. She has over 3 decades of experience helping people develop a more mindful mindset at home and at work. 
Throughout our conversation, Mitra shares about her product Innermap and how it offers support for living a mindful life. She also offers advice on staying present, how to interact with both the past and future, and practices to help you and your loved ones feel heard every day. 
In This Episode, You Will Learn: 
How Innermap helps people develop mindfulness practices. (3:37)How telling stories help transfer wisdom. (6:16)How binaural beats condition your brain to lead you into a meditative state. (16:50)How disconnecting from the present moment can lead to learning, lamenting, or anxiety. (27:43)Practices to help you and your loved ones feel heard. (31:57)
Connect with Mitra Manesh: 
Innermap
Lights On Podcast

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In episode 75, Nadja Streiter joins us for a conversation around navigating our tech habits and the potential surge of tech use while practicing self-isolation during the COVID-19 epidemic. Nadja is a psychotherapist, speaker and coach that helps people with digital addictions, including video game addiction. 
Throughout the conversation, Nadja shares the story of how she became a psychotherapist that works in the niche of tech addiction, along with some immediately practical strategies for parents and families to incorporate immediately – including giving ourselves some grace during these unprecedented times. 
Some Questions I Ask: 
How did you first begin helping people with digital addictions? (6:04)What does addictive VS non-addictive tech use look like? (10:18)What are some of the challenges of helping people with technology use when it’s not an option to stop using it completely? (11:49)Can you talk a bit about the relationship between parental tech use and kids’ tech use? (17:03)What are some basic red flags that parents should watch out for? (20:15)How can people get in touch with you? (28:49)
In This Episode, You Will Learn: 
Tips for balancing tech use during self-quarantine. (1:05)How technology addition is similar to substance abuse. (8:39)How to tech like you eat. (11:58)How parents can model healthy technology habits to their children. (17:17)How to navigate and balance tech use in a healthy way while self-quarantining. (23:55)
Connect with Nadja Streiter: 
Email
Instagram
Twitter

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