Are you drowning the sea of information, apps, and connections?

The Internet and technology surrounding it is vast and easy to get hopelessly lost in . Instead of letting the digital realm clutter and confuse our minds let us embrace the chaos and allow it to elevate our consciousness. Activate mindfulness online by employing these 5 nifty tips:

1. Broadcast When You Practice.

Invite and encourage your digital community to be mindful with you by informing them when you are intentionally seeking being peaceful. When you go to practice yoga or meditation, tweet it. Inspire your online social community to virtually join you in your daily awareness practices. The capabilities of social networking mean we can follow Gandhi’s advice”Be the change you wish to see in the world” on a deeper level. Now in the moment you take action you can spark motivation in comrades to accompany you on the pursuit of clarity and higher truth. When I see a fellow friend or person I respect tweet they are meditating it reminds me to also practice being still. Publicizing my intention to do so, ie “meditating for 20 minutes 8:30” I feel a new sense of accountability. We can agree the world needs more mindfulness so do your part. Join the movement by using twitter hash tags, ie #meditatenow. #Deepdive is one Jan Stewart and other mindful twatters have been using.

2. Keep Space Clean & Clear.

When you open your computer or  i-phone there are infinite wormholes (websites) calling you. For me there are at least 3 different windows with 5 tabs each holding all the interesting articles I was browsing last night. On your phone, email, messaging, and that addicting app (angry birds, words with friends– pick your poison) are all begging for attention. Avoid the noise by clearing the digital space and letting your mind and body breathe. Each time you finish with your computer business exit all windows so the next time you go to engage with the digital you are able to navigate to your intended destination with clarity. I just got an i-phone (score!) so am experimenting with how to effectively browse this device but cannot shine much light on it yet. Overall the ability to direct your online journey mindfully will enhance the way you experience technology.

3. An Excuse To Breathe.

Each time you embark on a virtual adventure take a few moments to breath and give thanks. Try this practice. Before you open your computer sit up and close your eyes.  Imagining a thread is pulling you up from the top of your head from, let your spine straighten. Place you hands on your computer and take three deep breaths. Be attentive to bodily sensations in your nose, lungs, throat etc. Practicing mindfulness before you embark on computer adventures clears your head allowing for a more clearly informed flow of consciousness to navigate the expansive Internet.

4. No Tech Tuesday.

As one of my personal heroes Kevin Kelly said in his book What Technology Wants,

“I continue to keep the cornucopia of technology at arm’s length so that I can more easily remember who I am”.

Implementing one day week where you intend to (even if you don’t actually follow through) free yourself from the tethers of your computer and cellphone will bring more clarity than you can imagine. All variations of this idea will be of benefit. Sometimes I will turn off my phone for a few days, allowing me to re-tap into my intuition and flow like you wouldn’t believe. Without a phone I am blessed with opportunity to take a minute, breath, and think about what my next move should be- what is the next action for bettering my well being?

Incorporating these practices in my life regularly helps me gain perspective on my self and the world in beautiful and surprising ways. I hope by sharing these simple exercises with you something unexpectedly delightful occurs and/or you (re)learn something about yourself. Try any of these ideas in your own unique way and tell me about it in the comments or on twitter!

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Emily Casey is passionate about creative expression, hugs, breathing, traveling, and experiencing the natural world. She plays, sings, and dances in the magical mountains of Boulder, Colorado.  Follow her on Twitter.