The loudest voices in our culture herald a consistent message. Go big. Go viral. Get busy.
Get distracted. Ooh! Look at this. Ooh! Shiny, shiny, shiny.
Perhaps you’ve noticed this, too.
The screens and software and computer devices we use are designed to train us to pay attention to them and nothing else. The way they sound, feel, and look are created so they become the center of lives. This isn’t cultural commentary as much as basic brain science.
As the Hugh McGuire observes in this brilliant article:
- “New information creates a rush of dopamine to the brain, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good.”
- “The promise of new information compels your brain to seek out that dopamine rush.”
Ever notice—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, text—sets off a rush of dopamine. The rush causes us to develop behaviors that reinforce our behaviors. Responding soon becomes habit.
Start a project. Need dopamine. Check Facebook. Dopamine rush. Check email. Second dopamine rush. Hit refresh. No new emails. Visit Twitter for dopamine rush. Return to project. Repeat cycle again and again.
No wonder it’s so hard not to look at our phones when we feel the vibration or hear the ring or ping. Our brain science urges, “You want this. Just a peek.”
To continue reading, pick up a copy of Flourish: Live Loved, Live Fearless, Live Free, a 52-week devotional with coloring pages sprinkled throughout.
What would a flourishing life look like for you? Take a moment and imagine…
Instead of surviving your days, you savor each moment. You pour into the lives of others, and it’s a joy, not a chore. And every hour, you are deeply, dazzling aware of God’s love and presence.
God intends this flourishing life for you. And it can start today.
Can. Not. Wait.
I am truly looking forward to this study. The book is fantastic! 🙂
Hi Margaret, I don’t own a DVD player, but I am looking forward to reading Scouting the Divine when it kicks off in June.
My Bible study group at church just finished the Scouting the Divine study last night. As we shared what we’ve learned and got out of it, I realized the most significant part was the repeated reminder, woven throughout every chapter, that God is in control: of the seasons, of His creation, of my life. The bees and the sheep do what they are created to do. The vine submits to the pruning of the Vinedresser. God has the whole world in His hands and that includes me, and I can trust Him. At this point in my life that was just what I needed to have reaffirmed — though on the other hand I can’t imagine that there would be a point in my life at which those truths wouldn’t be relevant. Thanks for this study, Margaret — I just wanted to say that!
Wouldn’t you say it all depends on the will of the person, I agree all those things gives us a rush but I’ve learned to focus on one thing until its done. As long as I do that I don’t lose. We have to set goals and complete them by any means necessary. I don’t think facebook, twitter, etc is a hinder, I believe the person is a hinderance to themselves. If you want something done, you have to do it. There will always be distractions, social media, computers, games just added more to what was already there. If it wasnt the things listed, it would be kids, spouses, tv, they will always be there so we just have to use the time God gave us make the most out of it and do what He has called us to do.
I’m afraid your Bible study is too expensive for me, even with the discount. Even if I could afford it, (1) there are no grape-growers around here, (2) sheep stink, quite literally, (3) bees don’t like to be messed with, (4 my parents grew up on farms; it was a hard life then and I don’t imagine it’s changed much and (5) since my neighborhood isn’t the sort where one gets acquainted and I have no friends, I don’t know who I would do all these fun things with.
I know how you feel but it might be time for a solo journey. It’s what I’m going to do. I will read the book but the videos will have to wait (grad school is expensive and it’s not on RightNow Media). It’s the metaphors mixed with scripture to create a different perspective and I understand the negativity b/c I am out in the wilderness and it’s hot and gross…and stinks (figuratively and literally). I found the book at the thrift store and you might be able to find a used copy. Hugs!!