Paradoxically, Engage and Distance

Laurence Scott writes so beautifully.

The Four-Dimensional Human: Ways of Being in the Digital World is no snap and jab at human Internet habits but an appreciation of people’s inner needs and outer foibles.

More About Laurence Scott

When he shares the comings and goings (and habits) of the ever changing people in the flat downstairs by monitoring the flat owner’s Airbnb page, it is pretty much prose poetry. His references to classics, “always winter, never Christmas” (Narnia) as a way of describing the portal that the Internet has become and “each a mystery to another” (Dickens) in our stealth and superficial engagements puts “finger shaking” in a whole new perspective. We do this because we need this, Scott says, because it softens the isolation that occurs naturally in an over scheduled world.

Laurence Scott

Why do people appear happier when they are on their smartphones? The facial lines soften, the body grows limp, and we block out the world around us, paradoxically in order to engage and distance. (The television does this too but we are limited in ways we can direct it.) The Internet is our constant faithful companion, ready when we need a break or comfort, even as it soothes us with its gentle addictive murmurs and flashy vacation sites.

And like another addiction, pornography, the Internet has created an over use of the descriptor “porn.” We indulge in things, secretly we think, which might raise an eyebrow because of our obsession – car-porn, fashion-porn, and house hunting-porn.

Not to worry, says Scott. When we are ready to take a break or leave it entirely, we can simply “ghost” away, no final words or dramatic exits, still allowing others to search for us if they are curious or lonely.

A haunting and beautifully written book.

Systems: New Mexico Opportunity in Community, Commerce, and Art

Turn your attention to New Mexico and specifically the Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos corridor. Facebook has recently added its presence to that of the research giants, Los Alamos and Sandia Labs. With a top-notch medical school at the University of New Mexico, excellent weather, outstanding healthcare, cheaper gas prices, and AMAZING real estate values (compared to Seattle, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco) it’s a hot area in many respects.

Dr. Nancy Southern, a long time mentor of mine, has been bringing successful innovation and systems change to academia and commerce for some time. I was happy that she had time to share with us recently in her New Mexico environment. Though modest, she is involved in projects as diverse as corporate culture change and advancing and improving relationships in culturally rich and diverse community groups. Already an inspiring individual change maker, she claims that this area, its people, and the burgeoning innovative milieu inspire her.

The VLA

Within a two-hour drive we experienced skiing, art, Native American and new Mexican culture, haute cuisine, millennial start-ups, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. This area with its excellent airport may be the new best place to live. The landscape is spectacular and varied: alpine mountain forests and blooming deserts; perfect for outdoor types, social meet ups and relaxation, and down the road is the ever awe-inspiring VLA.

Dr. Shawn Michael Nichols

Integrative Health Care Survey by Deeanna Burleson, RN,

Take Action and Add Your Voice

My good friend and former classmate, Deeanna Burleson is a champion for women’s health rights in DC, North Carolina, and the rural southeastern US. Her work has created consensus and change. Please help further this important work by participating in her research. If you are not a current integrative health care provider, please share this so that others will see it. This work is even more important than ever. Thank you!

The Lived Experiences of Integrative Healthcare Professionals