In our modern age, many of us find ourselves suffering in various ways due to our relationship and involvement with digital media. Now, with COVID-19, quarantines, and stay-at-home orders in place, constant digital media stimulation, endless screen time, and over-consumption of information has become the new norm for many. With so much screen time, sufferings such as burn-out, anxiety, and feeling imbalanced have become even more prevalent in our lives. From his very first Dharma talk on the Four Noble Truths, The Buddha taught that if we truly want to free ourselves from our suffering, we must first look deeply in order to understand the nature and the causes of that suffering. Only then can we skillfully create changes which will remove the suffering and bring about well being.

In this online workshop, we will look deeply in order to understand what is really going on in our relationship with digital media and the suffering that arises from it. Bryan will offer reflections and guided meditations to help us look into our own experience in order to see how the use of this technology is conditioning our minds and to uncover the underlying, and often unconscious motivations and misperceptions which drive and motivate our behavior. Bryan will also offer teachings and practices from the Buddhist tradition which will strengthen our ability to keep our minds nourished and fresh throughout the day, strengthen awareness of our behavior and motivations, and empower us to transform our conditioning around technology.

Bryan Hindert has been following the Buddhist path since 2008, when a strong desire to make changes in his life and to develop a better relationship with his mind drew him to the Florida Community of Mindfulness. This path has helped Bryan to transform his life in profound ways and continues to be a source of guidance, support, and joy in all of his endeavors. In addition to helping to develop and lead Wake Up Tampa Bay, a mindfulness and meditation group for people in their 20s and 30s, Bryan has served by teaching classes and presenting on mindfulness and on Buddhism, leading intensive practice periods, and serving as the Assistant to the Teacher.