Tech Detox Journey
🎭Symbolism In Media
This specific journey focuses on recognizing external influences in technology, reprogramming your mindset, and aligning your actions with your true goals.
By understanding the impact of symbols, media, and societal messaging, you can take back control of your thoughts and behaviors.🧠
“Symbols are not just images; they are signposts that can steer your subconscious. Choose your symbols wisely.” -Sunny
There have been studies done that prove symbols trick our subconscious to make specific actions in our patterns of behavior🌀.
If you present a website to customers on a mattress website and you put clouds ☁️ in the background, people will search for the most comfortable, softest mattress. If you put coins🪙 in the background, people will automatically search for the best promo prices. When asked about it later, people were unaware that they had been influenced, and even stated clearly that they had come to their own decision. 🧩
🧠What we can do, instead of shifting our focus away from the resonance of symbols, we should learn how to use these symbols in our own environment to ensure that you are moving towards your goals. 🎯
🔍If you want to complete a task, find an image of someone doing the thing that you want to accomplish and place it near where you’re working.
📚If you need to study or complete homework, find an image of someone reading or studiously working away.
As I’m writing this I placed an image of a neoclassical painting of philosophers reading whilst surrounded by statues and carved stone art.
This image makes me feel as though I am a conscious being, discussing the beauty and corresponding pertinent opinions as though at a gathering of like minded individuals.🏛️
🖼️Try this:
Choose an image or object that represents a goal or value you want to focus on this week. Find symbols or images of someone doing that thing.
Place it somewhere prominent in your space and write a brief reflection on how it affects your actions or mindset by the end of the week.
“Your subconscious mind responds to imagery more than words. Paint the picture you want it to believe.”
– Dr. Joe Dispenza
“Be the gatekeeper of your mind—don’t let just anything take up space in your thoughts.”
-Sunny
You shouldn’t overthink every single thing, because no one is out there trying to control you (most of the time).👀
📲Notifications from apps will try and get you to spend as much time on them as possible.
I used to think my device was a teller of truth, as it always seemed to have an answer for me.
We, as a society, are consuming as many videos and advertisements as ever before in our world.
Did you know the avg person in a metropolitan area sees around 50-400+ ads per day?👀
We’re programmed to consume consume consume and what’s left at the end of it?
Exhaustion😫, feeling like you need whatever it is right now with no compromise🛒, and giving in to the instant gratification seeking behaviors.📉
I don’t get bogged down in what the internet tells me anymore. 🧘♂️
I’ve had enough weird and bizarre images appear on my screen that I have become very aware of what I consume on my devices.
It is always listening to more than just what we say.🔊 The “deterministic” (everything happens for a reason and our lives are driven by external forces) philosophies that currently run our society, and the idea that “I think therefore I am” cannot be taken as truth in the context of this life. I prefer to think of it like this.
📝The old outlook, as usually presented to us is “Everything happens for a reason. I prefer this new age way of thinking:
“We find a reason for everything that happens.”
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
Reflection Time!
🗓️Track your media consumption for one day. Note the emotions or thoughts you experienced during and after engaging with different types of content🧠. Write a short reflection on whether the media aligned with your value and goals.🧾
🧍♂️No matter what “it” is, we’ll find a reason to try and explain why this specific thing is happening to us and we often find ourselves feeling caught up in the nonsense of it all.
I’ve come to know that my brain, doesn’t really know what’s what. Together, we can be a force for great change, but you have to believe that YOU, CAN.
You CAN make change in yourself and you CAN say no to that explanation you don’t like, and you CAN start training yourself to become better, and make decisions for yourself.💥
Most people, and I’m not saying this is you, but most people will simply allow the programming from pop culture themes to run their life. 📺
There are a few major influences in our society, today. Most of which can be encapsulated by someone talking about living the “Rock n Roll” lifestyle. Personally, I like my R&R’s to be rest and relaxation.💬
The media content we consume on some of the top streaming platforms, are actually programming us to think negatively about ourselves. 📱
The judgment is real, and the largest source of shame in our world is social media. 🧩
The next time you’re watching something, really think about what the underlying message of the programming. 🎮
Really think about that word: “Programming”.. TV Programs, Movie Programs. 🎭
📝They’re controlling us with certain combinations of words and imagery. If you find it doesn’t align with what you want, don’t continue watching, because you may find yourself repeating patterns portrayed as you are influenced or “programmed” by the content.
“Your brain may not know what’s true, but you can teach it what’s possible.” -Sunny
Reflection Time!
What societal or cultural messages do you feel have influenced you most?🌍
How can you become more aware of the programming in the content you consume?
What would it feel like to disconnect from media that doesn’t align with your values for one day?🧠
What is one action you can take to feel more in control of your own narrative?🧭
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” – Carl Jung
“You have the power to decide what stays in your mind and what gets kicked to the curb.” -Sunny
Choose one form of media or programming that doesn’t serve you (e.g., a specific show, social media platform, or app) and take a break from it for 24 hours. Reflect on how your mindset and actions shift without its influence.
Building Your Network of Support🤝
“Support is a bridge, not a crutch. Use it to cross challenges and build resilience.” -Sunny
📞There are definitely times when I need to talk to somebody. Personally, I make sure I always have someone I can call when I need it, and it can be literally anyone.
💌I would recommend someone who has your best interests at heart, when you really need it. Someone who can align with you for where you’re at.
🧍♂️Honesty is always the best policy, however be aware to not overshare with those you have to see or speak to on a regular basis.
Perhaps someone who lives a few townships away, that you don’t have the pressure of seeing regularly.
Pen pals can help to give you that boost of self confidence and help you feel connected to more than just your community.
🎵I talk to people on the phone all the time, but throughout my journey I have learned that it’s a good idea to leave some stuff that’s going on, out. Though if it needs addressing, ensure that it is entirely your decision to share it.
I have made a few close friends in my travels, who help to distract and motivate me away from my past and back into the present.🎧
I try not to think thoughts at all when I’m with other people, and I find conversations soothing to the negative thoughts.🎻
🎵Picking The Right Soundtrack for Focus
🎧”Your mind deserves harmony. What you allow in shapes what you become.” -Sunny
🎻I find that most of the time, music helps to distract me, but you have to find the right kind of music.
⚠️If you’re looking to focus, find calm, soothing jazz instrumentals. Some movie score music can put an epic spin on things.
🎧Know that your subconscious can be tapped into with popular music, and that the lyrics you’re singing are unconsciously influencing your behavior. 🧠
“Music can change the world because it can change people.” — Bono
Explore how calm instrumentals or epic scores can refocus your mind, while being mindful of lyrical influences.📝
Exercise:
Curate playlists that align with your emotional goals. Lots of playlists are curated with different frequencies, vibes, and emotions attached.
I’ve been working on a new theory, and that is that music is mostly sad, with a happy tone.
Test it out with some of your favorite songs.
Really listen to the words. Ask yourself, “Does this serve who I want to become?”💬
“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” — Shania Twain
Tapping Into Your Subconscious Through Music🎶
Discover how to intentionally select music that aligns with your life’s values.
Exercise: Reflect on a time when music lifted your mood or changed your perspective.🧠
🌱Elevation Through Connection
“Your circle is your soil. Choose to grow where the roots run deep.” -Sunny
🤝Something else I’ve found is that I’m not alone in the things I experience. The human condition will always seek to find commonalities of opinion, behavior, and values. 🏛️
🗣️Putting yourself in rooms with others who are where you want to be can allow you the opportunity to elevate yourself to that level.
🧾Our inner circle of peers creates us, and can make or break our experience.
📬”You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn
🙌The Power of Talking It Out
🧠Balance sharing with protecting your emotional energy.
🧘Include qualities of someone who helps you thrive, and reach out to them, including the traits.
Reaching out is an act of strength, not weakness.
