The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast CNLP 677 | Carlos Whittaker on Becoming Amish and a Monk (for a while), How Technology Addicts Us To Knowledge and Control, and What Changes in Your Brain When You Ditch Your Phone
30 snips
Sep 19, 2024 
Carlos Whittaker, an author and speaker, shares his intriguing journey of detoxing from technology by living as a monk and immersing in Amish culture for seven weeks. He discusses the mental and emotional shifts experienced while disconnecting from screens, revealing the addictive nature of technology on our minds. Whittaker highlights the significant changes in brain function after ditching his phone, the beauty of genuine community while sharing meals, and offers practical tips for embracing a more analog lifestyle. His insights challenge listeners to reconsider their digital habits.
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Arrival Panic at Monastery
- Carlos arrived at the monastery with his phone and laptop taken away, facing an initial intense panic.
- He confronted the absence of technology and felt lost, starting a difficult but transformative seven-week journey.
Phone Detox Anxiety Anecdote
- Carlos experienced severe physical anxiety symptoms during his phone detox at the monastery, such as night sweats and heart palpitations.
- He realized he was detoxing from the illusion of control and addiction to knowledge, not just the phone itself.
Tech Addiction to Knowledge Insight
- Addiction to knowledge through technology creates an illusion of control that fuels anxiety.
- Detoxing from constant knowledge access frees the brain and rebalances serotonin levels.