Guy Sengstock, founder of the Original Circling Approach, delves into the intersection of consciousness and technology, exploring its impact on mental health. He discusses the psychological implications of the digital age, especially for younger generations, and reflects on ways technology can foster deeper connections. Sengstock also tackles themes of narcissism, identity, and the struggle for meaning within societal constructs. His insights invite listeners to navigate spirituality in this fast-paced world, revealing how modern tools can empower self-discovery.
The rise of digital technology, likened to 'alien fungus', has profoundly altered our attentional systems and collective consciousness.
Youth today experience unprecedented mental health challenges due to disconnection from genuine human experiences shaped by digital media.
Harnessing technology creatively and compassionately can potentially counteract chaos, fostering community and authentic connections amidst digital distractions.
Deep dives
The Emergence of the Digital World
A significant shift occurred around 50 years ago with the rise of digital technology, introduced metaphorically as a catalyst akin to 'alien fungus'. This transformation created a new dimension that no previous mystic or philosopher had to navigate, impacting our attentional systems profoundly. The gradual spread of this digital realm did not cause immediate disruption until recent years, where a catalytic event altered our collective consciousness. As we compare this to the movie 'Annihilation', it becomes evident that society is grappling with the implications of this new digital reality, which the title ‘Shimmer’ metaphorically represents.
The Role of 'Annihilation' in Understanding Technology
The film 'Annihilation', based on a novel, illustrates our struggle to comprehend the effects of technology on human life. The character of the biologist and her exploration into the ‘Shimmer’ reveals how technology alters personal identities and memories, paralleling modern experiences with digital media. These significant changes include self-harm among youth, retrograde amnesia due to multitasking, and the rapid evolution of memes. This reflects an increasingly chaotic narrative shaped by our technology, hinting at deeper psychological consequences.
The Psychological Impact of the Internet
The podcast discusses how media-driven environments have led to rising mental health issues among teens, indicating they are the most vulnerable generation. As youth grow up in the digital ‘Shimmer’, they face unprecedented challenges and feelings of disconnection from genuine human experiences. The analysis suggests that the very nature of social media and technology leads to a disjointed sense of reality and undermines one’s ability to form new memories. This disconnect shines a light on the tragic loss of authentic personal interactions that fosters true attunement.
Transcending the Current Crisis with Awareness
A proposal emerges that the internet and technology must be harnessed in creative, compassionate ways to offer a collective antidote to the chaos they've created. The concept suggests that if individuals can channel their 'dharma,' or authentic expression, into the digital space, it could counterbalance the negative trends caused by technology. A hopeful approach emphasizes the importance of community and conversations that reveal shared values amidst the digital noise. In a world continuously bombarded by poorly structured technological incentives, fostering connection through deeper dialogue might counteract negative impacts.
Understanding Moloch and the Role of Wonder
The episode explores Moloch as a representation of the dark consequences of competition in technology, manifesting a spiritual battle against the overwhelming forces of distraction and desensitization. The philosophical undertone suggests that this competition among striving entities leads to a systemic race towards self-destruction, mirroring the constructs articulated by Heidegger on the nature of technology. However, countering this dark narrative, the importance of wonder and horror is noted as means to open awareness. Engaging in deeper reflection and recognizing the mystery within mundane experiences can inspire new perspectives and healing.
This episode is brought to you by the Dharma Artist Collective. This is the place for artists to reclaim their attention and use it to turn their art into their vocation.
Guy Sengstock is the founder and creator of the Original Circling Approach. He has been facilitating transformation for individuals, groups and corporations internationally for more than 20 years.
In this 2 part podcast, we dive into the mythos of our age of technology, how it’s affecting our lives, and what it means for our mental health and future.
