Embracing the Sanctuary Within
Nurturing Privacy of Mind in the Age of the Internet

Though a broader definition exists, the definition of Privacy of Mind that best fits the purpose of this article is the freedom from intrusion upon or manipulation of our thoughts.

Entering the digital realm opens us to a wide expanse of useful information, social media platforms that connect us with others across the globe, and media that informs and entertains. These digital platforms inevitably include content designed to grab our attention and encourage us to buy, watch, share, like, and consume. This is the dilemma we face in the effort to reap the benefits of the internet while avoiding the minefield of manipulation. 

In the ancient teachings of yoga, we are reminded of the inner realm of our private self as a sanctuary, a place where the soul finds refuge from the distractions of the external world. In this sanctuary lies the purest expression of our being, untouched by the opinions, judgments, and influences of others. Yet, in today’s interconnected world, this sanctuary is often intruded upon by the constant influx of information, notifications, and digital noise. It can be a challenge to maintain inner stillness.

The ways we communicate, work, and play are increasingly digitally focused and the many distractions and intrusions to our private minds can lead to a lack of focus, anxiety, compulsion, and undue stress, to name just a few negative outcomes. Though there are many natural stressors in life, the digital age has added an unnecessary layer that has led to mental health issues across society.

Amidst the digital chaos lies an opportunity for transformation. Just as a lotus rises from the muddy waters, we too can cultivate a sense of privacy apart from the vast landscape of the internet. It begins with a conscious choice to reclaim ownership of our thoughts and to guard the sanctity of our inner world with unwavering vigilance. We can choose to engage in the digital realm with conscious awareness or disconnect completely.

A way to arrest and reverse natural and digital stressors is to cultivate quiet moments, unplugged from input of all forms, through meditation.

A meditation practice can begin with simple deep breathing practices and progress to silent sitting for extended periods, allowing the mind and nervous system to rest and renew. At first, meditation may seem a mysterious practice, but it is one of the most accessible and simple ways to make profound, positive changes in our lives. 

“It is on the inward condition that the outer reality depends.”
― Roy Eugene Davis

Meditation is a sustained focus on a single thing, allowing the mind to become still. This is the opposite of most online experiences. Through meditation, we cultivate a sense of inner peace that reveals and transcends the limitations of the digital realm. The release and peace we feel when thoughts become still allows us to discover true privacy that is not merely a matter of controlling external circumstances, but rather a state of being rooted in self-awareness and self-compassion.

In the age of the internet, where information is currency and attention a prized commodity, it is more important than ever to cultivate a sense of privacy within us. We must practice discerning between the noise of the digital world and the promptings of our own inner wisdom. It will serve us well to cultivate the courage to unplug, to disconnect from the external chatter, and to listen deeply to the still, small voice within.

Dear friends, I invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to reclaim the sanctuary of your mind amidst the chaos of the internet. Embrace the silence, honor the solitude, and nurture the privacy of your inner world. You’ll be enriched much more by what you find there than anything you can find on the internet.

Unplug. Meditate. Rest. Renew. Remember.