Zen and Technology

by Joe, on April 17th, 2008

I’m not sure how I found it, but today I discovered a bit of a gem in the blogosphere: ValleyZen.

For a quick taste, check out the interview with Drue Kataoka on View from the Bay. It is amazing how a few simple words can have such a profound visceral impact.

Drue’s suggestions resonate with my user-centric world-view:

  1. SIMPLIFY
    Focus on what’s important. Eliminate what’s not.
  2. IMMEDIACY
    React to the moment — not to your fears and concerns.
  3. BREAK YOUR RHYTHM
    Surprise yourself and those around you.
  4. BE CALM
    Find Tranquility in Action.
  5. GREEN FROM THE INSIDE OUT
    Begin with your own personal ecosystem.

Take time for yourself, reconnect and put things in perspective, and engage the world on your own terms, in the moment, sustainably.

When redefining technology in personal terms, Drue’s take on Zen packs a powerful punch.

Tags: Digital Life, DigitalLife, user centrism


DrueKataoka said

Thanks for your comment on ValleyZen and for your post re-capping the ABC interview I did on Monday. Im glad the idea of connecting the “often crazed technology world with Zen” as you said — resonates with you. Bill Fenwick and I are happy with the amazing community that has formed around the blog comprised of interesting and engaging people like yourself.

Zen strikes to the heart, the essence, the root meaning of things — so if a visceral response was evoked for you, then you are on the Zen wavelength!

Appreciate your drawing out attention to your joeandrieu.com blog too.

Keep up the great work!


You must be logged in to post a comment.