Yoga in the Digital Age

In a recent international poll 84 percent of people said they couldn’t give up their smartphone for a day.

Our phones have become so much more than just communication devices. We work on them, they entertain us, they store our information, photos and videos and they provide us with instant knowledge. We’re using them like an extended mind. That’s amazing.

But it can also be a little disconcerting. Technology is having a big effect on some of our long-held ideas about the way we’re meant to live, work and relate to each other. And it can be terribly distracting too.

This is where a regular yoga practice can be so beneficial. It helps us focus and gives us a place to rest in the midst of all those flickering pixels.

Yoga simplifies things, bringing our minds back to our relationships with others, ourselves and our surroundings. It takes us out of ‘doing mode’ and gets us into ‘being mode’.

Unplug to Recharge

If you feel like your mind is scattered across many screens a yoga retreat is a wonderful way to recharge and restore your sense of balance and calm.

Then when you return to the digital world, you will be better able to use technology in a way that reinforces the life you want to lead, rather than using it as a distraction.

Yoga can help us use technology consciously, in a way that is fully determined by us.

And then you’ll find inspiration all over the place, especially online.

Here are a few of my favourite spots for some mindful inspiration.

http://www.jbrownyoga.com/

welcome

http://www.dailycupofyoga.com/

From Onny and the team – thanks for reading!

Insuring for Change

We welcome you to the Nest blog – the place and space for us to share words and wisdom about the topics most important to you, when thinking about insurance, health and wellness and other important things when it comes to living and leading a happy and healthy life.

This week, we’re focusing on the insurance topic of Insuring for Change.

If there’s one thing certain in our lives, it’s that change is certain. While there are things that are consistent about our days, there is nothing we can do to stop the future from arriving, and with that comes uncertainty – which isn’t something that we should fear, if we’re prepared.

There’s a wonderful quote from John Wooden, the gentleman who as a coach led UCLA’s basketball team to 10 national championships in a 12 year period. He was also a professional player himself. Wooden had these words relevant to our conversation about change:

“Failure to prepare, is preparing to fail”. He actually took those from Benjamin Franklin. But I certainly think they ring true across all kinds of conversations.

Preparation is all it takes, and that begins with a single conversation, first with yourself and your family, about the things you value most in your life. Then we can talk. My client conversations are always incredibly inspiring, and that’s why I like to talk specifics. What is it about your passion for fishing that ensures you’re out on the boat at least once a week? What is it about your job that has enabled you to continue working the hours you have been for so long? What drives you to be the best father you can be?

It’s these kinds of questions that prompt the thoughts and behaviours that set ourselves up to approach change with open arms. When we know the value of the things we love, then we know the importance of insuring for change. These are considerations and conversations that many of us tend to ignore, but that’s why for us at NEST, it’s not about instilling fear over the worst case scenarios, but rather – talking to the things you love and realising how we can best prepare yourself to enjoy these things, free from concern for what the future may hold.

If change meant you couldn’t work – how can we, together, ensure you can still live the life you intend to live? It is these types of conversations that will set you up for your best possible future. Together we can discuss topics such as career investment, health cover for adventurous activities and insuring you’re sorted for the big family trip.

It’s time to insure for change.

From Onny and the team – cheers for reading.