Matt Sandelands
iExamen 1
9/26/2012
An iExamen builds upon traditional
Jesuit techniques of self-analysis, to help one become aware of the ways in
which one communicates daily, and to help one hone those methods of
communication, so one conveys their meaning clearly and effectively. This was
the first iExamen I have ever done. Initially reading the instructions, I
questioned whether or not I would be able to successfully perform the actions
required. I had self-doubt about whether or not I would be able to really dig
deep and observe my communication with others and the people around me. I also
was questioning my ability to go one hour with electronic communication, as I
am constantly on my phone or Facebook. This experience really changed my
attitude towards my communication with others and shed a new light on who I
really am.
I picked a Sunday to do this
iExamen. Upon waking up, I looked inside myself to really process the way I
communicated with others. My first interaction was with my roommate, Jordan.
This was one of the more significant conversations I had all day. I noticed
that I talked with my hands, and I said what was on my mind. I noticed that
Jordan also talked with his hands, and that there was always a smile during our
conversations. I equate this to how comfortable Jordan and I actually are,
since he is my roommate, and my best friend. During the rest of the day, I also
tended to notice people’s ways of sticking out. I noticed tattoos and nose
piercings and lip piercings and more. My observation of how people looked when
they communicated was something completely new to me. I have never noticed this
much about a person before. Body language was also something I tended to
notice. I observed that many people have habits of swaying or doing things with
their hands when they have a conversation. As I mentioned before, I noticed
that I talk with my hands. Even in electronic communication, I could notice
when someone did not want to talk versus when someone wanted to have a serious
conversation. I observed that when people had one-word answers, which meant
that they did not feel like talking. I observed within myself that I tend to
use smiley faces and exclamation points often.
I went one hour without using
electronic communication. At first, I thought it was going to be impossible
because the only time I do not use my phone is in class or at the gym. On this
Sunday, I decided to take one hour that I normally use my phone and computer,
and I turned them off. At first, I had the urge to go on Facebook and update my
twitter status saying, “Turning my phone and computer off, if you need to talk
to me, leave me a message.” But I ended up deciding to just let go and not
worry about it. That hour was one of the most relieving hours of my life. I had
no worries about texts coming in or emails I needed to answer or Facebook
messages I needed to answer. It was a sudden realization of relaxation and
peace. Even though I was studying for an exam, I am no worries and no other
distractions. It was a beautiful thing. I now want to turn my phone and
computer off for one hour every day, just so I have that peaceful time where I
don’t have to worry about who is trying to contact me and why. When I turned my
phone and computer back on though, the stress came back and the peace went
away. I was hounded with emails and texts and messages that I felt I needed to
answer. I noticed the tension returning in myself, and I noticed that the peace
and serenity of no technology went away fast.
This iExamen was a wake-up call. I
expected that it was going to be rough at first when reading the instructions.
I thought I could not handle an hour without electronic communication. I proved
myself wrong though. I ended up noticing more about myself and others during
the day. I noticed and observed the way I communicate with others, and the way
they communicate with me. The hour without technology was a blessing in
disguise. I felt that I had no worries and in a way I felt that I was free. This
exercise taught me a lot about myself and how I interact with this world.
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