[Broadcast 07/07/17]
Social media has many uses. For me, it plays a vital role in keeping me connected with people I wish I saw more of but am not able to due to conflicting geography, time zones or, as is most often the case, busy work schedules.
Alongside this handy benefit of the countless platforms so many of us have signed up to, sits the omnipresent reality of countless pictures of brunches, lunches and other edible treats. I’m looking at you, avocado on toast - one of the worst offenders.
Nestled in amongst the perfectly runny poached eggs, however, sits a more thought-provoking contributor.
Hashtag ‘inspirational quotes’ has had over 3 million posts on one of the most popular social media apps and its abbreviated counterpart hashtag ‘inspo’ has had over 7 million.
In an increasingly secular Britain, I often wonder where people get their moral, spiritual, motivational, perhaps even religious nutrition from. Who or what gives us our best advice? I’ve come to thinking that a partial answer to this question (for perhaps some people) might be, somewhat surprisingly, via a regular thumb scroll through online feeds.
Whether it’s reading inspirational stories, receiving answers to my questions, posting work orientated goals so as to make sure I’m on track or even just using it to recharge when my brain has reached max capacity for the day – social media can be one giant, virtual agony aunt, administering advice and a place of retreat, all from the comfort of the device in my hand.
The Buddha’s dharma has enjoyed its fair share of attention. With its focus on seizing and relishing the day - by practising mindfulness, and its anti-consumerist message - thanks to the teaching of non-attachment, its appeal to us in 2017 is hugely understandable.
On securing your own happiness, the Buddha taught: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”, and on contributing to the happiness of others, he said: “thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of that candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
Hashtag; thank you, O smart phone.