Social Detox

The year is coming to an end and it’s been a while since I last wrote on this blog. In fact not once during the last couple of years! I wasn’t taking a break from the “web” or from my daily work. And I did miss writing to this, besides it was a bit frustrating. But what I intend in writing today is to enlighten how the opposite of it could be rewarding and is sought after by an increasing number of individuals.

“Social Detox” (reduced from Social Media Detoxification) is what I’m referring to. The word social has an interesting meaning in this day and age. It’s often perceived as social media and the interactions thereof, especially in internet jargon. The widespread use and penetration of social networks to all spheres of society is a somewhat remarkable phenomenon, even in less developed countries. I have personal experiences to attest this fact.

Social networking has always been entwined with its pros and cons, although they aren’t a problem for everyone, always. But there are terms being coined like F.A.D. (Facebook Addiction Disorder), “echo chambers” and the inevitable distractions and consumption of time. So, the affected, started seeking a way out.

You’d probably heard of the “99 days of freedom” campaign. It’s basically a pledge you make to not visit Facebook for 99 days, while informing others of your decision in advance. I’ve seen several of my friends adopting the practice in recent times. Some even did it regularly. When they are back, they usually express a feeling which encompasses a high degree of satisfaction. I of course haven’t done it, but thought of how it would have felt to them. Then my thoughts stumbled across a few parallels.

Have you lived/camped in the middle of a jungle for a few days with no mobile phone connectivity? Have you been on a spiritual retreat with no interactions with the world outside? If yes, then you should understand what I’m implying. These are even considered as recreational activities. In fact, camping in a jungle - with no artificial light sources - is prescribed by some psychologists as a remedy for sleeping disorders, because it “resets” our biological clock. All this only endorses the essence of programs like the “99 days” experiment.

What’s special is how the withdrawal from an addiction or a frequent habit could lead to an elated level of mind. The abstinence affects a change in our psyche. That’s where the detox part really makes sense, since it cleanses you of the distractions or non-benefits. It also breaks the chain and the monotonous routine, giving us real change.

In search of tranquillity

Each day shares something in common; adds to monotony; stress is a by-product. Many a thought runs through my head; past incidents, future expectations, hates, desires, etc. This reminds me why Lord Buddha has preached mindfulness as an essential element in attaining eternal bliss. It implies and necessitates the need of living in the present, neither the future nor the past. ‘Present’ here is not a lengthy time span but instead a very subtle moment. One needs to observe each of these moments which ultimately are stringed together. As a result peace of mind could be attained.

Is tranquillity a requirement for gaining tranquillity? In other words, are tranquil environs a definite need for a meditator? For example, have we got to choose a calm and lonely place to meditate? It depends on what kind of a character you are. In the Maha Sati Pattana Sutta six types of persons (charitha) are mentioned: Raga, Dvesha, Moha, Saddha, Buddhi & Vitakka. I remember once in a forest hermitage close to the precincts of Yala, we (me and a friend) were at the apex of a rock where one could view the surrounding scenery for several miles. There, the chief monk with many a meditating experience, told us that the summit was suited for ‘Vitakka personalities’ in meditating. Not that it wasn’t suited for others, but was mentioned as an example of the effect environment has on an individual. It’s true for an individual not only in a spiritual state but also mundane, as I comprehend. Quoting Lord Buddha’s words once again, you could find many instances in the Tipitaka where he advices monks to meditate in a forest hermitage, under a tree or an empty enclosure. The fact discussed above is therefore acknowledged.

Many of us seek mental relief from our hectic lifestyles by departing the city for a much peaceful locality. But it’s not many who utilise that element as it should be. I refrain on commenting on others and continue to concentrate on myself. Importantly it’s not only the calmness, peacefulness, serenity or any other thing of a given location that would make my mind content. Though I have visited many such places, only a few did really have an effect on my seeked spiritual development. How would one explain this?

Once again, the Tipitaka has several answers. A prominent explanation is ‘samsaric behaviour’. A site which is a forest at present could have been a place of living on several occasions during our journey in this infinite samsara. If for example, we had encountered many pleasuring acts at a specific location, most probably a similar feeling will have an effect on our subliminal activity when visiting that area. Therefore, how tranquil or calm the spot may be, a meditator’s cause is most likely to be affected by thoughts congruent to the aforementioned. One needs to note that surroundings are just one factor which has an effect on a mundane individual in this way. Other aspects such as weather, people, etc. too have been sermonized. Need mentioning that these factors vary from one person to another.

Given the amount of locations I’ve visited, this makes me feel no surprise at the amazingly sparse number of places figured out (or discovered) which I could really make use of in search for tranquillity. Hence, at times the home bedroom seems more appropriate than a serene forest setting although I’d personally like to blend with nature. However, through perseverance our mind would adopt even to a previously detested location. This, Lord Buddha preaches as another essential element for the one who seeks eternal freedom.