Long form content. We need it. Our brains need it. The next generation needs it.
What do I mean by long form content? Books, audio books, long podcasts, in-depth interviews, as well as courses, workshops, seminars, training classes.
Images are important. A picture is worth a thousand words as they say. The issue is that much of today's attention-seeking world is dominated by images, sound bites, trendy hashtags or catchphrases that hit the primitive reward circuits of the masses and trigger the dangerously short attention span that is hungrily seeking the next hit of neurochemicals.
Long form content allows us to add context, depth, complexity and layered dimensions to our sharing of thoughts and perspectives. It challenges us by asking for more effort on our part to use the more complex, slower circuitry that makes us truly human and intelligent in ways we still have not yet fully discovered.
Words are not always necessary. They are often excessive and can even create a lot of problems. But the more we learn to use them wisely, the better we get at harnessing their power. The more models we have of people taking their time to write in-depth content, or creating space for longer conversations, the more we have a chance of building our own attentional circuits as well.
Just a quick post today - and now back to book writing and research!
With Love From Me to You
xoxo Stefanie
On a side note...
I have been getting into a better rhythm for book research and book writing and it has been in part due to taking time off of distracting websites and social media platforms. I have noticed that my attention span has been able to sink in a little more deeply into what I'm reading and writing. There is a sense of peace that comes from really sinking in to a book, or longer article or interview - whether we are listening or reading. It gives the brain a chance to consolidate previous information and notice patterns. In what I notice with younger generations today is that there is less reading and listening to these longer sources of content - being surrounded by technology from such young ages, their brains are not being 'asked' to hold attention longer. This is another reason why being outdoors is also so important- it helps the brain use its own mechanisms for what to notice around it. This is in contrast to our attention being seduced and hypnotized by technological tricks that humans have mastered for keeping eyes on their site and fingers tapping and swiping for more. (all of which are biobehavioral mechanisms that are being taught in what are called 'persuasive technology' classes). It is by design. It's intentional. These mechanisms of manipulation are well-known and are used for for making a profit by selling your attention (and information) to the highest bidder. These mechanisms are also known to be used by actors working on behalf of key players (both foreign and domestic) who want to affect their position of power. I continue to bring this up because as I continue to build towards my vision of stepping away more from technology and having more in-person community and time outdoors, I am seeing how much these mechanisms are pulling people away from how they truly want to be and live and feel. We have gotten so used to the presence of technology that many people are underestimating how addicted, controlled or manipulated they actually are by what they are seeing and hearing on their screens.
Looking forward to checking out my new place in MT soon, some new coffee spots and community places including hiking trails near me, fishing pond and community garden. Wilderness first responder training as been postponed until June 2, so will be coming back to Calgary for that weekend. A few more trainings coming up in May and June that I'm really looking forward to, and I'm planning to add more advanced first aid as well. Also looking forward to joining some women's jiu jitsu sessions out in Flathead valley as well!
