I recently watched an Oprah Winfrey interview with Daniel Goleman, PhD, author of the classic book Emotional Intelligence and his newest book, A Force for Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World.
Isn’t it interesting how sometimes an interview, book, or article just comes into your life at the right time? Let me tell you why this was true for me as I offer the following observations and provocations for your consideration.
On an early spring day not long ago, I noticed how beautiful the campus looked with the flowering trees, the grass turning to an emerald green, and the daffodils peeking up through the ground. I then noticed how many students were walking and looking at their cell phones. I see this daily, but, on this particular day, it really struck me how much they were missing by being so attached to their devices. There was no conversation, and someone talking on a phone only occasionally interrupted the silence. I wondered if any of the students had noticed the beauty of spring. This was obviously not the first time I had noticed and wondered about the impact of technology in our lives, but, for some reason on this exceptionally or notably glorious day, it really captured my thinking.
Two days later the interview of Dr. Goleman aired. In the conversation, the Bloomberg Study on mobile devices was shared. This study found that, on average, we spend three hours per day on a smart phone or tablet, which comes to approximately 45 days a year. Dr. Goleman stated: “Information consumes attention and a wealth of information means a poverty of attention … the antidote is about getting intentional about your intentions in order to be noticing and to be mindful.” I couldn’t help but think about how I, too, spend my time and wondered what I could do differently with a gift of 45 days!
Dr. Goleman’s newest book co-authored with the Dalai Lama is based on a series of their conversations. Their belief is that we must be mindful as human beings, be present through noticing others and our surroundings, and practice empathy and compassion.
How many opportunities are we missing such as smiling at someone, saying hello, offering to help someone we pass by, or saying a kind word? What are we missing if our technological devices consume us? We can easily get caught up in the bombardment of horrific news that is available 24/7 and not notice the kindness that surrounds us. Dr. Goleman wrote: “On any day of the year, the denominator of kindness will be vastly greater than the numerator of cruelty.”
Technology is a part of our daily lives, and it can be a force for good in its own right if we decide how and when it is best used. Each day we can be a force for good if we are paying attention and noticing how even the simplest act of kindness, gratitude, and intention can change our lives and those around us. Are we missing the opportunity to engage with others—children and adults—by not putting down our mobile devices and connecting with one another? How will we be able to develop our emotional intelligence if we do not take the time to develop and nurture relationships?
What are your strategies for noticing and being a “force for good”? How do you model the power of noticing for your students and/or co-workers? Are you noticing the “forces for good” that are happening every day?
Until next month,
Dr. Ena Shelley
Dean, College of Education
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Speaking of noticing: You may notice something new in this month’s newsletter! A video featuring Dr. Shelly Furuness! Each month I plan to introduce or reconnect you to some of the amazing faculty in the College of Education. Each of them will share with you a particular strategy or idea that may be helpful in your own work. In this edition, enjoy learning more about Dr. Furuness’ work with backward planning.
