The Internet can be a Blessing in Disguise | Safer Internet Day 2022

The Internet can be a Blessing in Disguise

The world is changing rapidly right now. Thanks to the massive growth of the Internet, a magical communications tool, linking humans together as never before. Such an easy networking facility changes human relationships with people, time, space, and sometimes God.

Also, the growing use of internet technology is changing how the human mind functions. Its utility creates novel neural pathways in the mind. It controls human conscience, decision-making ability, attention, impulse control, focus, and memory.

The Internet Changes the Mind

Naturally, such changes in the mind would impact the spiritual life of a person. The internet causes a lot of distractions, putting an impact on meditation, prayer, worship, and contemplation. It also brings changes in reading habits, making scripture-reading easily accessible, and at the same time enhancing the reach of God’s word in the hearts.

It is all about one’s perspective and the way they use this amazing technology. Changes in how people interact with each other also impacts how they relate to God. People have lost themselves in using the internet without a realization of how it can enhance their spiritual growth.

So, every internet user should take responsibility of educating themselves in using technology for their own spiritual development.. A strong firewall against attractive distractions is needed to block

Yet, how to create that firewall?

Examine your bond with the internet critically!

Digital life is fast & interactive. Sometimes it may seem difficult to step away and examine the relationship with it. Everyone is too deeply engaged in their digital life and do not even pause to reflect on how it is affecting their family as well as spiritual life.

It is important to think about the impact of the internet on your mind, body, and soul. Analyze how you’re using this vast resource. Where is it leading you, is it making you more useful or is it rendering you useless? Make sure your bond with the internet does not distance you from your core values, your purpose of life and your spiritual self. Make sure that you plan your digital habits in a way that they keep you connected with God and enrich your spiritual wealth.

Take a Break from ‘Mindless’ Social Media

Stay inspired and encourage others to take a break from the ‘mindless’ use of the internet. Nowadays, social media is probably the biggest source of distraction. There are so many social platforms to follow. Anyone can easily find themselves trapped to their devices for hours, hopping from platform to platform imbibing mindless content.

Try to take a break from the distractions of the social media. Instead use it positively, chalk out some time to inspire yourself with online motivations. Go on a virtual pilgrimage, read E-scriptures and the options are endless. All you need is that mindfulness when you are in front of the screens to make wiser choices.

Sometimes, go for ‘Digital Fasting’

‘Digital Fasting’ means refraining from any form of digital activity for a limited period. It is a fantastic way of building your willpower like the traditional fasting people practice. Use this fasting for saying ‘no’ to certain online habits and saying ‘yes’ to spiritual life, checking that you have not become addicted to the internet and making some space for God in your life.

So, in the morning, don’t jump on your devices right away. Start your day with prayers, physical exercise, and other positive activities. Nourish your body, mind, and soul with reading the Gita or any other scripture.

If you are really addicted to the internet, then practice self-discipline by reducing your screen time by an hour each day for the next forty days. Even a small change in habit can bring a huge difference in your lifestyle and spiritual growth.

Use Technology Smartly

Humans are superior intellectually and must learn to use technology smartly instead of being consumed by it mindlessly. A simple strategy can be analyzing which digital habit eats away most of your time. Then use the smart features to your own advantage. For example, setting reminders to turn the power off when it is time for morning devotions. You can even subscribe to E-scriptures that will deliver a daily shloka in your inbox. By using some filtering technology, you can use your devices responsibly and keep all the unnecessary information away from you.

The internet is a magnificent tool, but you must be an expert at using this tool for your own progress especially spiritual progress. In this digital age, technology is going to be an integral part of your life but as Lord Krishna says, the same piece of bamboo can be used to make a stick or to make a flute. So, the choice is yours: do you want to use the internet to create chaos in your life or do you want to use it to invoke bliss in your life?

So, the next time you tap your fingers on a screen, pause, and think for a moment: Am I justifying this blessing of the internet that the Creator has bestowed upon mankind or am I being sucked into it mindlessly? Realize the positive effects of leading a spiritual life and use the internet responsibly, giving some space to spirituality and God.