Zen Artistry in the Modern World

 

High Tech - High Touch

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In his book, Megatrends, author John Naisbitt describes the challenge of trying to find the right balance between the material wonders of technology and the spiritual demands of our human nature.  He refers to this as the need for “high tech - high touch.”  As technology becomes more pervasive and complex, human beings increasingly need meaningful and sensory experiences to maintain a sense

of connection and wholeness.  Great technology and innovation can be a thing of beauty as evidenced by a well-designed website

or virtual reality gaming system.  High-touch are the activities that keep us in touch with our basic humanity.  They link us to our more authentic self.  The effective use of technology and balanced living can be mutually supportive.  Creating a high-energy music playlist while running or training hard at the gym provides inspiration to the workout experience.  So too, is the practical value of carrying

a smartphone while engaged in a wilderness hike – just in case.  Both examples are high-tech high-touch in their most essential form.

 

The lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic forced the world’s population to better understand the potential of video-conferencing software for everyday communication whether it be work, family get togethers or classroom instruction. Remote working from home has now become an accepted practice in most professional working environments.  And while a Zoom or Facetime family gathering is no substitute for an actual get together; it's the next best thing when separated by long distance.  Similarly, the field of education is made better by having a well-constructed website display that enables classroom instructors to post class syllabi, reading assignments
and project information.  The timing of Covid-19 taught us a lot about the power and potential of on-line classroom instruction. 
The virtual "on-line" course has now become an important staple of University class offerings.  What doesn’t change is the

responsibility of being a highly motivated and engaged instructor.  Nothing takes the place of inspired teaching.  This too, is high-tech and high-touch. 

 

Finally, social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Linked-In and Tik Tok provide a high-tech way of sharing information with one’s friends, family, and colleagues, but it remains our special obligation to tell stories that are purposeful and worth telling.

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