Technology Chapter

Technology brings great advances. We routinely talk with others on the other side of the planet, and look into their eyes on Skype or FaceTime. Video chatting used to be science fiction; now it’s old news. Laser printers were great; who even remembers mimeographed copies? Scientists can actually print human organs. How’s that for advanced printing? We can take credit cards on our smart phones and electronically sign on the dotted line at the point of sale. It’s business on wheels.

Technology is no longer for the geeks; it’s for the grandmas and pets. It’s for cyclists and national parks. It's for farmers and beer makers. It’s for divers and drivers. Don’t let me drive anywhere without a GPS – forget the old fashioned printed Google maps. Technology is used in war, by the weather man or woman, by astrophysicists, and by mom. Surgeons use lasers and probes, send isotopes round and round the human body, and give sight to the blind. If Jesus walked the earth today, he might have been blind-sided by the lack of a career!

We live in a perpetually recurring new world. Technology provides benefits that would have been considered miracles just 50 years ago. But, and that's a huge honking “but,” technology doesn’t give more time, which is what one would expect from labor saving devices, it sucks time.

Before computers, 2/3’s of the country weren’t hunched over a typewriter seven days a week. We weren’t screen-glued, eye-strained folks; we were outsiders. We went to ball games, and kids played hide and seek on the sidewalk, not on their cell phones. We are slaves to the same devices that provide opportunity and pleasure. We have to maintain printers, phones, iPads, and computers. We are a country of skilled unpaid laborers because so much of our computer work is done outside a paying job.

We even have a new class of people--technophobes. How funny; now old people are our counter culture. Maybe they are the wise ones who get others to do what they can’t or don’t want to do.

It’s time to approach technology without the struggle, release ourselves from our electronic prisons, and to discover the secret of release. We don’t have to stress and strain about our personal electronic devices. Don’t expect things to go wrong with your electronics, but when they do, and they will, don’t stress or be dramatic.

The following affirmations help you redefine your take on technology:

• I learn what I need to learn to keep my computer operating easily and efficiently.

• I am willing to give up computer, e-mail, phone, and tablet drama.

• I keep my computer updates up-to-date.

• I frequently clear, file, and delete my e-mails.

• My e-files are well organized.

• I am good with computers and getting better every day. Technology makes my life easier.

• I am at peace with my computer.

• I approach computer maintenance with an attitude of ease.

• I am free. I can walk away from my computer whenever I want to.

• I am not too old to learn computer skills.

• I easily and effortlessly work my DVR and remote control.

• I don't have to keep up with everything in order to be successful in using my computer.

• I am more than wise enough to know when to trust technology and when not to trust technology.

• I am willing to thoroughly enjoy deleting emails.

• I know when to stay and when to walk away from my television.

• I operate my cell phone with ease.

• My tablet is easy to operate and easy to maintain. When I don't understand something, it's easy to find someone to help me.

• I know when to ask for help and I know who to ask for help.

• I expect and detect ease concerning the operation of all my electronic devices.

• I am the master of my electronics.

• I am wise when it comes to the use of my electronics: I know when to use them and when to leave them.

• I have an easy relationship with my electronics.

• I do not complain about my computer, phone, tablet, or TV.

• I will not stress over my electronics.

We have what it takes to have a peaceful relationship with our electronic devices. It is frustrating when our phones, computers, or tablets don’t work. It is unfortunate when our cable is out or our satellite receiver is not receiving, but if we are going to be high tech users, to demand that everything go right all the time is loco. Don’t join in the “Ain’t it Awful” game when it comes to high tech stuff. There are no accidents. Maybe technology was invented with delays so we could learn patience. It’s possible to be peaceful partners with technology. Join the chorus of serene technology users (you might have to be the choir leader on this one), and don’t practice the art of suffering when something goes wrong. Free each moment to be as good as it can be. Let’s be responsible users, not predictably annoyed losers.

For more information about Anne Sermons Gillis, visit her website: http://AnneGillis.com.

To learn about other books Anne has written, click here to visit her book page.

To subscribe to her free weekly newsletter, visit http://annegillis.com/subscribe.html.