A Call to Disconnect From Social Media
Author :: Jess Marie 🌻 CVC, CAHC, INHC, E-RYT
As a Vedic Counselor, I believe it’s a part of my dharma to shed light on the insidious impacts of modern society, and advocate for a radical departure from toxicity. In our modern digital age, social media has permeated every aspect of our lives, shaping our relationships, perceptions, and even our sense of Self-worth. However, beneath the veneer of connectivity lies a dark underbelly of detrimental effects that threaten our mental & emotional well-Being.
The time has come to recognize the detrimental effects of social media on one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-Being and to reclaim one’s sovereignty.
Since June 2020, I made the conscious decision to disconnect from social media, and the transformation has been profound. Liberated from the constant barrage of digital noise, I've rediscovered a sense of inner peace & clarity that had long eluded me. Without the distractions of likes, comments, and notifications, I've cultivated a deeper connection with my Self, embracing introspection and Self-reflection as guiding principles on my journey of Self-ascension. Freed from any social pressures & expectations, I've learned to appreciate the beauty of my own unique journey and honor the wisdom of my inner voice. Most importantly, by relinquishing the grip of social media, I've been able to fully immerse my Self in the present moment, savoring life's simple pleasures and embracing each day with renewed vitality & gratitude.
connection & communication
In the absence of social media, maintaining connections with loved ones has taken on a more intimate & meaningful significance. While some may argue that social media is indispensable for staying in touch with cherished relationships, I've come to realize that direct communication channels, offer a far more authentic & personal means of connection. Rather than relying on superficial interactions & fleeting updates, I've embraced the opportunity to engage in heartfelt conversations & meaningful exchanges with those who matter most to me. By prioritizing direct communication over digital proxies, I've deepened my cherished relationships & fostered genuine connections that transcend the limitations of the digital realm.
choosing to continue using social media for the sake of family & friends is truly not a valid excuse / reason.
The belief of social media being indispensable for staying in touch with those we love & adore overlooks the myriad of alternative means available for maintaining meaningful connections. Direct communication channels, such as text messages, phone calls, and video chats, offer more authentic & personal avenues for connecting with cherished relationships. These methods not only facilitate deeper conversations & genuine interactions but also allow for the cultivation of stronger, more meaningful relationships. By prioritizing direct communication over social media, one can foster genuine connections that transcend the superficiality of online interactions and reclaim the authenticity of human connection.
impact on the doshas
From an Ayurvedic / Vedic perspective, social media serves as a breeding ground for imbalance, wreaking havoc on one’s doshas and plunging us into a state of disarray.
Vata :: The incessant comparison fostered by social media platforms fuels feelings of inadequacy & Self-doubt, disrupting the delicate balance of Vata dosha and plunging us into a vortex of identity crisis & existential angst.
When Vata dosha becomes imbalanced, individuals may experience heightened anxiety, restlessness, and scattered thinking. This can manifest as difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and a sense of unease or agitation. Additionally, imbalanced Vata can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from oneself and others, exacerbating the negative impact of social media on mental health.
Pitta :: Moreover, the relentless onslaught of information bombarding one’s senses on social media platforms exacerbates the imbalance of Pitta dosha, leading to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. The constant need to stay updated, respond to notifications, and maintain a curated online persona leaves us drained & depleted, sapping the vitality from one’s very core.
Imbalanced Pitta can manifest as irritability, anger, and perfectionism, as individuals strive to meet the unrealistic standards perpetuated by social media. This can further contribute to feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and a sense of being constantly on edge.
Kapha :: Furthermore, social media's illusory sense of connection only serves to deepen one’s sense of isolation & disconnection from reality, exacerbating the imbalance of Kapha dosha. As one becomes immersed in the digital realm, one neglects the richness of face-to-face interactions & meaningful relationships, relegating genuine human connection to the periphery of existence.
Imbalanced Kapha can manifest as lethargy, apathy, and depression, as individuals struggle to find motivation and purpose beyond the superficial realm of social media. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, stagnation, and a lack of fulfillment in life.
Authenticity
Social media has a pervasive influence on one’s authenticity, often tempting to present curated versions of one’s Self to fit societal standards or gain acknowledgement from others. The pressure to conform to idealized images & lifestyles can lead to a disconnect between one’s online persona & one’s true Self. In striving for perfection & validation, one may inadvertently sacrifice authenticity, trading genuine expression for polished portrayals. This erosion of authenticity not only undermines one’s Self-esteem but also fosters a culture of comparison & competition, where authenticity is overshadowed by the pursuit of popularity & external validation. By disengaging from social media altogether, one can reclaim the power to authentic expression, free from the constraints of likes, filters, and followers, and rediscover the beauty of embracing one’s true Self unapologetically.
sovereignty
By severing ties with social media, one is liberated from the constant barrage of digital noise, comparison, and validation-seeking behaviors that erode one’s sense of Self-worth & authenticity. Instead of allowing algorithms to dictate one’s thoughts & emotions, one reclaims control over one’s mental & emotional landscape, fostering greater clarity, peace, and Self-awareness. Furthermore, by disengaging from the distractions of social media, one creates space for deeper introspection, connection with one’s inner Self, and alignment with one’s spiritual essence. In reclaiming sovereignty from social media, one becomes empowered to live more intentionally, authentically, and joyfully, prioritizing well-Being and honoring the sanctity of one’s inner world.
Reclaiming one's sovereignty is an empowering journey of Self-liberation & Self-empowerment. It involves breaking free from external influences, societal expectations, and the confines of conformity to embrace the inherent power & autonomy within one’s Self. By reclaiming sovereignty, one asserts their right to live authentically, make choices aligned with one’s values, and chart a personal path in life. It requires courage, Self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, but the rewards are immense. Through reclaiming sovereignty, one can rediscover their true essence, cultivate a sense of inner freedom, and live with purpose, authenticity, and integrity.
In light of these grave consequences, I implore you to consider the profound impact that social media may be having on your well-Being and take decisive action to reclaim control over your life. By disconnecting from social media altogether, you can liberate your Self from its toxic influence and cultivate inner peace, clarity, and Self-awareness.
A Few Recommendations ::
Embrace the wisdom of Vedic teachings as your guiding light, offering sanctuary from the digital storm and restoring your inner balance.
Cultivate mindfulness practices to anchor yourself in the present moment and reconnect with your inner essence.
Engage in consistent Self inquiry & reflection.
Note :: It's important to discern between platforms that primarily foster social interaction and those that serve other purposes. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are designed for social connection and content sharing, Pinterest & serves a different function: a visual search engine, allowing users to discover inspiration, ideas, and resources through curated pins & boards.
While Pinterest platforms may still warrant mindful usage & boundaries, they offer distinct opportunities for learning, inspiration, and discovery rather than solely focusing on social interactions. As such, I do not believe it carries the same negative impacts on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-Being as ‘traditional’ social media platforms.
reclaim your sovereignty
The time has come to sever ties with social media and reclaim sovereignty over your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-Being. As a Vedic Counselor, I urge you to heed the call to disconnect and embrace a life free from the shackles of social media. Only then can you unlock the true essence of your Being and embrace the boundless possibilities that await beyond the confines of the digital realm.
If you’re looking for mental health & social media detoxing support, I recommend working with a qualified Vedic Counselor (like me! 🌻).
Jess Marie 🌻
CVC, CAHC, INHC, RYT
Jess is a multi-certified, multi-faceted Vedic professional & business consultant. She offers wellness offerings to support those seeking a more holistic & integrative approach to healing, as well as business support services for professionals in the health, wellness & spirituality fields.
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