Unhook

Course Outline 

U: Unify – During this first session, we will uncomplicate the overwhelming world of technology and set a unifying intention. We will work towards developing a unified vision of how we want to engage with technology in the class during these six weeks and in our lives beyond the program. We will engage with an essential mindfulness practice to help strengthen our attention, and be encouraged to to bring that practice into the flow of days until the next live session.

N: Notice – In the second week, we will explore the movement and rhythms of nature, learning to notice and appreciate its beauty. By connecting with the natural world, we will cultivate a deeper awareness of ourselves and our relationship with technology. We will begin to consider technology as part of our nature, and explore a meditative practice to help us align our technology use with our inner common sense about how to live sanely.

H: Humanize – In this middle session, half way through the course, we will emphasize the importance of human connection through exercises focused on the heart, active listening, and non-judgment . We will cultivate compassion and understanding, learning to transcend judgment and foster deeper connections with ourselves and others. We will bring awareness to the ways the technology we are using in the class is actually part of how we can do this, if we choose.

O: Open – This module invites us to be present in the moment and fully embrace our surroundings. By cultivating awareness and presence, we will explore the concept of “being in it and not of it,” fostering a sense of wholeness and connection with the world around us, including the parts of our lives we find challenging and frustrating, like tech glitches and unexpected app updates!

O: Opt Out/Opt In – In this week’s class, we will explore the importance of setting boundaries and consciously choosing our engagement with technology. We will empower ourselves to create spaces and practices that align with our values and promote well-being. We’ll practice with this in class and take this up as an informal mindfulness practice during the week between now and our final session.

K: Keep at It – This final module will provide valuable information, resources, and tools to support your ongoing journey of mindful technology engagement. We’ll bring the past weeks together and consider how we wish to carry them forward, and will close the course with a meaningful and reflective sharing circle.

Learning Intentions

• Develop a deeper understanding of your relationship with technology and its impact on your well-being.
• Discover practices and techniques to navigate the digital landscape in a mindful and intentional way.
• Gain insights into various options and approaches available for engaging with technology, enabling you to make informed choices.
• Cultivate a renewed appreciation for care, human connection, and the value of the heart in a technology-driven world.
• Explore the topics of greed, aversion, and delusion, examining their manifestations in our relationship with technology.
• Recognize the significance of our actions and their impact on ourselves and others, emphasizing the importance of responsible and compassionate technology use.

Join us on this transformative journey as we explore the intersection of technology, contemplation, and connection. Together, we will uncover the potential for technology to enrich our lives and contribute to a more compassionate and interconnected community.