It is so easy these days, as we move to living online, to be depleted by what we consume on the Internet. Too much news, too many scary headlines, too many comments on Facebook that don’t exhibit love and grace. But, given the way of the world right now, we can’t walk away from screens entirely either. But we can consciously utilize online sources that help us feel connection, inspiration, and hope.
The Internet doesn’t have to make us sad, scared or angry. In fact, there are some really wonderful treasures out there. If we exercise good choices (and maybe add in some really tough self-discipline) we can click on things that build our strength rather than ones that drain us.
There are brilliant ways on the Internet to come back to (or to discover) a centered, grounded life.
Here are some ways I “fill up” online:
- Pantsuit Politics Podcast. I look forward to this weekly release. They break down news headlines and politics in a bipartisan, loving, educated way. I feel informed and also hopeful after these podcasts.
- Emily Henderson’s website. Truthfully, her decorating style and budget are not at all close to mine, BUT, this mom of two always offers great ideas, fun writing, and has posts that vulnerably hit on topics I am also grappling with.
- PC3 Online Messages and Daily Devotions. I started attending this church during the end of our lives in Wilmington, NC. But I have found the online messages via the app so inspirational and easy to consume. I also usually use their daily devotion to kick-start my morning journal time.
- Seth Haines The Life Examined. Most of Haines’s thoughts are now moving to his substack account, which I am less inclined to follow (even though I understand it’s the new trend). But I love the philosophical challenges and conversations about living deeper.
- Brene Brown’s NEW Podcast. Of course, Brown is the queen of living in relationship, even when it’s hard. I listened to her “FFT” podcast and am excited about where the new series goes.
- The Art of Simple website. While this is going to be shutting down new articles soon, Tsh still turns out great content, and the library and archives are rich.
- Ted Talks. Because it’s fun to learn new things! Pick anything!
- Primal Potential Podcast. I was only lukewarm about the book, but know that many out there respond enormously well to Elizabeth’s transformative life story and her motivating thoughts.
- Tiny Buddha. I really enjoy this website about mindful living. The variety of voices and topics makes me return to learn more.
- Tara Brach’s guided meditations and talks. Introduced to Ms. Brach via my yoga teacher training, I have come to appreciate the comfort and solace she gives. Her voice is now unmistakable to me, and her guided meditations and her insights are powerful.
- Portland Insight Meditation Community Dharma Talks. This resource was also brought to my attention via a friend in my yoga teacher training. I find them hit or miss, but when they hit, they are good!
If you have any websites or spaces online that fill you up, drop the link below. I would love to become a consumer. As COVID-19 is asking us all to live more isolated, that doesn’t mean we have to live alone. Yet let’s be sure that as we click and search for ways to connect to our outside world, we find some that bring us feelings of hope, some that encourage us to live mindfully and enlightened. We always have a choice as to how we live our lives, every single moment is a choice, regardless of what the world, or a pandemic, is asking us to sacrifice. Let’s choose each moment well, starting with where we click.
Last Updated on March 30, 2020 by Mrs. Family Trip