Computer science professor Cal Newport writes on the intersection of technology and life. His latest thinking involves reducing the distraction of smart phones and digging behind the hype of AI.
He synthesized some research recently on his podcast regarding cognitive fitness. I think these easily fit within a spiritual disciplines or practices framework.
Newport suggests five routines that promote cognitive fitness:
- Read—delve into progressively more difficult texts over time if you have not been reading
- Write—journal or keep a notebook of thoughts, ideas, experiences; write the newsletter for your organization; writing requires thinking and motor skills
- Take “Thinking” Walks—get outside for a period of time each day, no phone, perhaps take a problem you’re working on or a concern to ponder, write insights achieved
- Plug in your phone—when home, plug your phone in the kitchen or foyer, go to it when you need to look up something, also delete distractive apps
- Learn a hard skill—guitar, violin, knitting, carpentry, something where you can see progress as you practice
These are great ideas. Transforming these to assist our spiritual development takes but a small step.
- Read spiritual texts from the Bible to respected authors (e.g. Merton, Nouwen, the Desert Fathers, and the like)
- Write a journal or daily reflections, a newsletter or blog
- Take meditative or prayerful walks (with eyes open!)
- Plug in your phone (see above), remove distractions from your life
- Practice service and kindness (for many of us, this is a hard skill) or perhaps a musical instrument to contribute to gatherings
Gary Mintchell
Faith Venture 