When I was a kid you couldn't pay me to stay inside. (Unless it was snowing out. I did not like the cold much and still don't.) 4 years ago, I moved myself and my daughter to an area with plenty of parks, rocks to climb, biking & hiking trails and lakes. I am surrounded by the beauty of the woods & 'out doors' is a large part of my life. But as much as I advocate movement, sensory integration and art & nature being vital for children to learn & thrive, I want to also acknowledge that there are many places where the mind, body & technology meet and can live in harmony.
For many of us, ironically, it meets in the studio, right on the mat. How many of us who practice yoga will listen to our 'yoga music' using a portable media player instead of the sounds of nature (or silence)? The music that we play can help mentally transport us to a distant peaceful land, or to that meditative quiet place inside of ourselves that we are looking for.
I was at a wedding not long ago where in the church, hanging on the back was above the alter was not a crucifix, but a very large plasma TV. (I have to admit, being raised in a religious familiy as a child, this one messed with my head for a few days!)
Technology is everywhere-in offices, schools, yoga and even in church- and its not going away. However, some resist change, or have had bad experiences or cannot keep up with all there is to learn & have gotten the mistaken idea that technology is a bad thing. Its not. Its the overuse and over dependancy on technology that is bad.
We hear everyday that our kids are spending way too much time on computers, internet and game devices texting on cell phones, sending innappropriate photos of themselves to complete strangers and that they are lacking in social skills. Some will blame technology. I don't. I don't think it means technology is bad so much as we are failing our youth by not guiding them and not being vigilant enough to show them how to use it properly.
Hippocrates said that "Everything in excess is opposed to nature." This includes yoga, technology, nature itself, and everything in between. We need to find and teach balance. We should do this by words and by example. We still need to move, create, write & to be connected with nature, but also to recognize that technology can help us-and our kids-in so many ways! And we need to help them learn how. We cannot just give young children these electronic devices unsupervised and set them loose in the world. Its as irresponsible & dangerous as just handing them the car keys before they have passed their driver's exam.
One of my favorite uses of technology are the iPad assistive communication programs. (See article: Top iPad Apps for Children With Autism) We have heard so much about this great technology for so many children & families who have not been able to communicate with each other. This is just one way that technology can enhance quality of life. There are many others that are being used in classrooms, therapy centers and homes everyday. (The Wii Fit is another example of a great use for technology. It brings wellness and movement to those who may have limited access to outdoors. )
We don't need to be afraid of technology and we should not keep it from our kids entirely. What we need to do is to step up as parents and educators & teach our kids how to use it properly, safely & responsibly. Use it with them and keep an eye on how much they are using it. Balance technology time with other pursuits: sports, music, art, outdoor, creative play, (and of course, yoga) to keep them well rounded, well educated and just well.
Read about some other great ways technology can help our kids:
How Technology Helps Students Learn
*What are some ways that technology has helped your students (or your children) learn?
Contact Barbara: barbara@bodylogique.com
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