Thanks so much for the Pinterest reminder. I'm off Facebook, IG and trying to not spend money in places that support the insanity in our current government. Looked up Pinterest and they follow my values so I'm going back to them. Love the first page of your journal. Thanks Robyn
Social Media is on the way out. People are addicted. It's going to be a very difficult parting of the ways. I'm methodically deleting various social media accounts and claiming my life back. I'm getting back into my body and into my senses. At the same time, it's crucial to stay engaged in what's happening in this country and the world. It's painful, but we can do it, and we can take action to heal the country. It's gonna take a very long time. Artists are leaders, visionaries. We can do this!
Yes, this is spot on for the moment, the realization how much we’re conditioned to scroll. Not just the bad stuff, but the surfeit of good stuff so that one’s reality becomes less one’s own and more inhabiting others’ realities. One thing that has helped me, thanks to James Clear, is to NOTICE: what am I doing right now??!! When I can do this, it helps me step out of the phone and into my own life.
I always say that, if the internet disappeared, Pinterest would be the thing I missed the most. I feel connected to a worldwide community of artists which brings me inspiration and beauty. It is my way of tapping into “pause-itivity”. 😊 thanks for the inspiration, Robyn.
You have always been far more than just a contributing artist, Robyn, you are an elder in the truest sense of the word. I made the decision long ago not to use a smartphone or become connected with FB/IG/etc because I could tell that it was going to interfere with the peace I have worked so hard to come into so I can't really identify with the 'doomscrolling' but I can certainly benefit from developing more of a practice of pausing throughout the day instead of immediately going from one thing to the next -- thank you for being such a consistent reminder of what a full life looks like ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
I love the idea of Journaling in stead of scrolling. Thank you for bringing this up. I've found myself in the basement of my local library's sale store picking out used art books to purchase and buying them for $1 to $2. I use some of my time between paintings looking through the books. Thanks again for your inspiration!
Thank you for the reminder to reset our attention more mindfully! You are so right! Love the idea of the intentional pause journal, and that is what art journaling needs to be for me! 😊❤😊
Yes, yes, yes! You are spot on. Awareness is key. If I'm not inspired or laughing at an animal video, I scroll right through the doom. Love your share, Robyn!
Thank you, Robyn, for everything you share ❤ get so much information and inspiration from you! And I agree so much what you are saying about doom scrolling. I had an accident one and a half year ago, got a concussion, was not allowed to look at screens for a long time, no scrolling on my iPhone.And because of that I have learned to economize my time on the phone. These days, I mainly watch your y-tube channel on saturdays ( always looking foreward to it) and a little pinterest-stuff. And the result is more time in my studio working with my gel-printed-paper-collages. When I have my ‘pauses’ it is only books, no doom scrolling. And my favorite book now is your‘ Gel Plate Printing for Mixed-Media Art’. I love it! Thank you!
I love your message. Perfect timing. Every morning I ask my spiritual team for a word of the day. AWARENESS was yesterday and your video popped on to my feed this morning.
I so share your thoughts about getting caught in the loop of doom! My inspiration is to make 2025 a definitely higher vibration year, knowing that in one way or another we are all creating our next steps every moment of every day. Letting the social media algorithms take over where we put our attention next is like driving hypnosis. And if I sample one apple on UA-cam, a whole bushel then falls on my head. I didn't say I wanted to have an apple orgy! Love the Jung quote. Here's to you for bringing us this conversation, and here's to all our fellow travelers on this path, all of us pausing together to reset, rest and go forward with peace.
Oh Robyn, thank you so much for this week's video. Just what I needed to hear. I can relate a 100% to what you are talking about and I will certainly take all of your wise advice with. Up to more productive, fulfilling and relaxing times. ❤ Thinking about the sacred believe of 'coincidences' and being at the right place at the right time .
What you're saying is so true. Thank you for bringing this up. I've never smoked, though my mother did, and my phone is a bit like her smoking was: the convenient thing to grab when you wanted a pause. But it's not relaxing, is it, when you get drawn into the shocks and mayhems of the world? So you gave me an idea. Don't know if it'll work but I'm going to put my phone into a box, or a pencil case. Something fun and creative and inspiring. Something that I will have to open up in order to get to my phone. Something that will force me to pause and ask if the phone is truly what I need. A phonebox! And I know just the thing to use! A colorful zipper pouch with a funky cat. Perfect!
I’m not entertained by tragedy. It effects my psyche in a negative way. I know this about myself so I’m in the habit of moving past it as soon as it starts. And I agree, Pinterest has remained my inspiration place. I’ve also started my own notebook of notes when I come across someone or a page I found inspiring as they aren’t as easy to find. Which one s why I’m watching your video right, I know I’ll be inspired and/or will learn something new. Love your spirit Robyn! And thanks for validating me!
Thanks so much for this video. Pinterest is my go to place, but I can spend a lot of time on it. I have a lot of pins on my boards. Lol. I agree with the looking at your art books. I needed some gelli printing inspiration so I pulled out one of my favorite books, your book on gel printing.
Feeding our eyes/minds/hearts/spirits with the “junk food” of doom scrolling is certainly not healthy. Time to - pause - and nourish ourselves with positive things throughout the day - and for me, especially in the morning and evening! Thanks, Robyn. ❤
good morning, Robyn. Thank you for your eloquent comments. I've really put some effort into "pausing" this last week. I've been off FB and IG this week, places I'm repeatedly sucked into hours of doom scrolling. It's been great! I've painted more this week than in many months. My guiding principle has been something that a favorite IG person suggested, which is to focus on "Beautiful Distractions" this year. I've added "exquisite Diversions" to that. I'm applying these principles to journals, and art in general. I also have returned to Pinterest, what a haven that is for art and inspiration. Thank you for all that you give us. Thank you for starting our Saturday mornings with art and inspiration!
In today's political climate a lot of people are jumping off platforms like Facebook and Instagram and TikTok. It's overwhelming the information flood coming at us. I am not even a big social media person but I do look and see and follow. I myself am joining the others and getting off of those platforms, slow but sure. I'm choosing the ones that are positive rather than negative.
So true!! I CANNOT figure out Instagram! I rarely see who I follow, even when I tap the "following" button. I need to spend less time scrolling and actually DO the artful things I am watching others do! :)
from Laura Abbott: Be patient. IG does take a bit of time to figure out! And, I haven't spent a whole lot of time there because, for the LONGEST time, there was no way for me to upload from my computer. i'm only just recently doing so. I haven't totally figured out it's Notifications. So, yes! There is definitely a learning curve over there. BUT, I do see the benefit to Arts, and Small Businesses, and Cottage Industries, etc.
We just had a conversation last night about doom scrolling. I wish I’d watched this video beforehand; I would have had some good input! I love your idea of pausing and I so need it. Btw, I just bought your book! It arrives tomorrow and I’m so excited. Thanks for sharing your art, ideas & feelings with us!
Love love love this! I have been finding myself going less and less on IG and more in books and nature. And use the timer thing if I go on IG.... It's making me more calm and focused. And feeling better.... If not I feel cheated out of precious time in my life! 🙏🧡
Ah yes, the Doom Zooming Zombie Dance. Great video…..I don’t do Facebook or Instagram and now it seems Pinterest is getting full of ads and bs. I far prefer to pull the book put or a journal, or put on some music and chill ❤
This was just what I needed to hear today! Thank you, wise woman. I’m trying to stay informed about what’s going on but yes, I doom scroll and now days it’s so crazy. I’m going with the pause, observing my behavior, awareness of what I really want to be doing. Nature is so healing for me. I need more of it! Thank you Robyn!
You spoke from my heart! I was aware of this but now I will go for change. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Best wishes and greetings from Berlin, Germany
Thank you! I didn’t know it had a name but I do it too. Then I berate myself for wasting so much precious time. Then I feel guilty. Thank you again for sharing your insight❤
Wow! Perfect way to start my Sunday morning. Sipping coffee and feeling so much inspiration and support. I think 2025 is going to be a key year for so many of us. I love reading what everyone is doing to reduce tech time and endless scrolling. I am trying to make lists of things I need to look up online and then tackle most of it at one time and sometimes even setting my timer as a reminder not to get so dragged into stuff that doesn’t serve me in any way. Glad for the reminder about Pinterest. I haven’t been there in years, but it may be a great addition to places for inspiration. There is a way for us all to find balance in our lives and to be in control of the amount of tech we include. Thank you for helping us on our journey!
Thank you so much for talking about pausing and living consciously, being in our life as we live it. I say this all the time to people, but I think it was best said by Ram Dass, "Be here now." For whatever reason, my reels never go bad or worse that I recall. I laugh a lot when reels takes over and I'm staying with it because most of them are about animals of all sorts. I learn so so much. So I will add gratitude to that enjoyment since so far so good. I'll leave when it does though, for sure. Self care through relaxation and laughing, curiosity and learning is what I want. Keeping a Pause journal is a fabulous idea!
💗🥰 Robyn I feeeeeel this so deeply!!!! It’s so easy to get sucked into one of life’s “wormholes” (especially in today’s political craziness) & just REACT, but that rarely gives us the result we truly want. If we learn to catch ourselves when our energy starts flowing in a negative direction (those “wormholes”), we can take a time out & shift our focus …. Then act from a more positive space.
When I’m scrolling I start feeling guilty and I think I’ve been given this gift of life, why am I wasting it looking at things that do not inspire me. I still get caught up in it but I’m conscious of it and getting better… it’s an uphill battle sometimes!!😢
I’ve gone down that Pinterest rabbit hole way too many times. I agree about the inspiration it brings up, but I find I can spend way too much time there, too. I’m considering dumping Facebook, but a lot of artists I follow are on there, as are members of my large family. I know what you mean about the doom scrolling, and it’s like seeing an accident you don’t want to look at, but you can’t help looking. But a lot of them I have to turn away from. Your idea about looking at a book instead is a great one. So next time I’m up at 1:00 in the morning, instead of doom scrolling, I’ll keep your book handy so I can look at that instead. Robyn, I think this was just what I needed, I’ve been struggling some. I think the Pause format will help me with some issues I’m dealing with. You are such a wise woman, and I appreciate you so much.
I am with you! I get sucked in exactly as you have described and it is draining. Excellent topic and goal to be mindful of what is happening with our precious limited time on planet earth. I have some library books checked out right now for inspiration because I am not enjoying the doom scrolling. Thanks Robyn - you are a gem! ❤
Very balanced thanks Robyn. I've spent a lot of time doomscrolling this week with the inauguration happening. Much prefer to be playing with paints and paper.❤❤
I couldn’t agree with you more, Robyn. What I got out of this is the idea of discernment. Sometimes our curiosity can lead us to places that do not serve us in any way. I am very careful as I navigate through the internet. I try not to open anything that is not inspirational or about art and creativity. And as an empath, I cannot afford the toll it takes on me to be “informed” about things I cannot do anything about. I limit myself to Robyn videos (I’m on your patreon by the way), other art videos and interviews with artists, and I’m also currently taking a wonderful online art class. My other activities include daily walks, and of course, time in my studio. I’ve taken several of your Master Classes, purchased your wonderful book, and use many of your stamps, stencils and ephemera in my art. Thank you for all that you do! You rock, Robyn! Hey, didn’t someone write a song about you? lol 😊
I love the direction you are going this year. This is exactly my journey that I've been on this past year. I'm trying to learn more about our mind/body connection. I feel this is going to be a great journal and a great journey! 💗 Can't wait to do it with you!
Video shorts are my nemesis. I get caught up in them all of the time. I can avoid TikTok by not opening the app, but I get caught on Facebook, Instagram, or here on video shorts. I try to stop is as soon as I am aware that I'm wasting time.
A very inspirational message today - thank you 🙏🏼Thanks for sharing your suggestions and ideas too. You are so right about that ick feeling after doom or any extensive scrolling. It's like a dopamine hangover. I start my day with a 'morning pages' journaling session (Julia Cameron's "The Artist Way) while listing to relaxing music on an app called 'Insight Timer' - a meditation app. The journaling is my way of meditation - getting myself centered and ready for the day.
I’m so pleased you talked about this. Luckily for me I lose interest after a few IG scrolls, esp when it’s not what I want. Just lately though I’ve noticed on UA-cam that I can’t stop…. There’s too much awful stuff going on. Thanks for the information re why we get caught. Am just about to make my book. Yay!! As a teenager my Dad told me not to believe ads, so I’m grateful for that message.
I have done the doom scrolling in You Tube and Instagram. Before I know it, an hour passes! Maybe we need a timer for our "screens." I get caught up in the animal rescues on Instagram, then they feed you more when you watch them. It is a viscous cycle. Mindfulness is the key to controlling this internally.
from Laura Abbott: I have been spending much less time on FB of late, because of the algorithms, and Them forcing more ads upon us instead of my treasured friends. And, I started on FB, and gathered friends of the Fiber Communities, because of my Weaving and Handspinning--when there were NO ADS intermingled. I found newer friends when I started to reclaim my more Artsy self. And your Live this morning, Robyn, made me note that I have become SO WEARY of WEEDING through what FB WANTS us to see, instead of being able to scroll comfortably through what I truly WANT to see. Doom Scrolling indeed! ❤
Thanks for sharing! It really not only robs us of time but creativity!! You are so right gone are the old days of social media where we could engage as we liked. Now we must become more aware and protect our sanity! lol xo
I access UA-cam through my subscriptions. I don't get doom; I get inspiration. I curate my subscriptions so that I'm seeing the content I need to see. I don't watch every video the people I subscribe to offer; I watch what's going to be helpful to me. I do use FB, but I curate that feed. If I need to avoid anything I don't benefit from seeing, I access my groups. I don't use Pinterest (I find it annoying and frustrating); I do use RSS to follow artist blogs (those that are formatted in a way my reader can process) and get inspiration that way. I save images that I find inspiring (my private pinterest, I suppose) and can scroll through that safe space. Your references to dopamine aren't consistent with my understanding of dopamine as one of the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters.
The way I took what she was saying was that Doomscrolling feeds your dopamine by constantly triggering the brain's reward system with small bursts of stimulation, particularly when encountering shocking or alarming content, which activates the "novelty seeking" aspect of dopamine release, essentially rewarding you for continuing to scroll even if the content is negative or anxiety-inducing; this creates a cycle where you keep scrolling to chase that little "hit" of dopamine. She is suggesting to instead seek dopamine from sources where you can control the input and inspiration because on IG when you go to the reels tab and scroll, you get a random selection of videos that quickly become more and more sensationalized because that’s what typically holds people’s attention.
I know what you mean when I first researched I thought so too because I always associated dopamine strictly with feel good but the brain has a dopaminergic system which governs motivation and reward seeking behavior. The way the algorithm is set up you get serval posts with things that make you feel good and happy generally what you opened your phone to view them the unpleasant posts begin to come in by this time the brain has fallen into a compulsion loop and then the scrolling continues to try to get back to the dopamine hit. Pretty much a a losing gambler try to get back to wins! Look it up it’s fascinating the way this all works. Thanks so much for your sharing 😍
Doom scrolling..you are so right. I realized that a few weeks ago so I rarely go on instagram any more. Same with facebook. All the ads and things I’m not interested in coming up in the feed. Even after saying don’t show again. Getting back in to daily walking and more time in my tiny studio.
Pinterest! I used to go there years ago, then Instagram came along. But I am not happy with it for the reason you mention. I need to go back to Pinterest. And also pause. ❤
Yes we all want a little inspiration and find like minded people and interests on our terms ! Not to be force fed a lot of fear and drama! Thanks for commenting ❤
Last year in an effort to reduce my FB posting, which was a few times daily, I instead would write in a journal what I intended to post. I now have a much quieter FB page and my journal is fat and happy.
Yes to what you are discussing! I have put a bedtime mode on my phone which puts it in dark mode except for emer calls. You can also put time limits for the apps you use.
from Laura Abbott: And, as regards Pinterest----- I have been too long away from Pinterest, and going there only to search for inspiration like Lettering or Journaling ideas. I used to post all my work on Pinterest, and built many--what I called Libraries--of different topics that inspired me creatively. I slowed down over there, when they took a turn for more commercialized posts. BUT, it is still a great place to focus in on only what you truly want to see and Pin. THANKS, for the reminder this morning.
This is my year to “pause”….it’s much needed. And yes, doom scrolling has to stop. I’ve been better at it by blocking the unwanted and only going to the sites I want to be inspired by…or as you know…get some cool ephemera etc. It is easy to get sucked in tho. Love the Jung quote. Hugs.
Great video. I absolutely love Pinerest, but I don't visit it enough. I know it provides a great source of inspiration. I want to dive deeper into art/artist books. Anything to keep me from doom scrolling would be most helpful.
Yes, yes, yes a Pause Journal is on time for me. I am in the midst of understanding why I have this anxiety. I had started my watch list. The top of this list is concerning over what our new president have up his unstable sleeve for our Nation. Why worry when you can't control. Step back. 2nd, the TV show The View. In the last year I found its energy wasn't good for my system. I did agree with most of ideas on politics but it consumed them so. And me... It's like foods you shouldn't eat all the time but only now and then. So I listen to my energy and took a step back. My Pause. I'm liking this already. Now I just need to get my Pause Journal going. Thanks Robyn ❤😊
I scroll on FB so much less. I have the habit of hitting skip on any adds if at all possible. Generally I interact on art groups that I am in. Mostly I watch my favorite inspirations on UTube like this. I do,like to interact with other creators. I do daily meditation and yoga to slow my mind and try to listen to my heart. Thank you for these thoughts.
My phone is old so I don't use it very much. I go online on my laptop when I'm home, I have a couple of news websites I go to in the morning, I'm not on IG or Twitter, I do have FB but don't really use that either. Mostly I use UA-cam but generally only look at other creatives, I'll find a playlist and leave it playing while I'm working. I'm neurodiverse so I've had to learn how my brain works at different times. Sometimes I need silence but sometimes I need the auditory input 🙂 Edit: I should also point out I'm in Ireland so I'm not having to deal with as much as the US is currently having to. My heart goes out to you all ❤
You are so fortunate to never have updated your phone!! lol it is just too much and glad to hear you’ve learned the importance of taking care of your physiological world!❤
I’m trying hard to stay away from FB with the current political climate. I’ve also noticed so much more fake information since the filters have been removed and I’m weary from seeing so much of it. Doom scrolling just brings so much ugliness into our lives. It’s not easy but it’s so necessary to our emotional wellbeing to break that cycle.
That's a good term for it - doom scrolling. There's only so much I can take of that. I've had to unfollow friends on FB 'cause that's all they had on their feed. Scrambles the brains
I've taken a week break from Facebook and Instagram and I am not sure I want to log back in. I'm less angry without being bombarded with all of the political garbage. I watch the evening news. That's enough for that. I'm afraid that I WILL miss my art groups so I haven't deleted my account yet
Deleted all my socials except youtube. don't scroll anymore, To be honest while it's nice to hear some of your thoughts, I would rather have the art and how you do it, rather than the finished product. I fast forwarded through most of this.
I’m sure that my new approach won’t be for everyone but I’m following my heart to engage differently I’ve been on UA-cam for a decade and desire to share differently or not do it all I was no longer feeling authentic to my online calling. I still do my art on Patreon. Take care!❤
You hav e hit the nail on its head...such a waste of time. I have also noticed that many of those enticing reels are not real. They are AI generated. You feel cheated when you see those. I love the idea of going to pinterest or my art books to relax
Doom Scrolling….I call The Vortex, a deep hole with branches and prompts and you are right…..you can easily get lost and lose all concept of time. Awareness is key! I am choosing to read yours and all the art books that sit on shelves. I get just as inspired and feel ready to create! Thank you!❤
Hey Robin, I really appreciate your thoughts and your artwork as well. Here’s what I try to do to keep from being “socially engineered by whoever “ . Before I type in a query for google or youtube etc,, I close my eyes and try to think of what I want to do online. As artists, it’s the visuals that can trap us. We click. on something provocative that we never really wanted to know. So I find it’s helpful not to look at the thumbnail pictures and make intentional deliberate choices...
Thanks so much for the Pinterest reminder. I'm off Facebook, IG and trying to not spend money in places that support the insanity in our current government. Looked up Pinterest and they follow my values so I'm going back to them. Love the first page of your journal. Thanks Robyn
Thank you Janet!❤
😂😂😂😂😂
Social Media is on the way out. People are addicted. It's going to be a very difficult parting of the ways. I'm methodically deleting various social media accounts and claiming my life back. I'm getting back into my body and into my senses. At the same time, it's crucial to stay engaged in what's happening in this country and the world. It's painful, but we can do it, and we can take action to heal the country. It's gonna take a very long time. Artists are leaders, visionaries. We can do this!
Artist are visionaries and leaders we must heal so we can be the unbiased fairness we desire❤❤❤
😂😂😂😂😂
Yes, this is spot on for the moment, the realization how much we’re conditioned to scroll. Not just the bad stuff, but the surfeit of good stuff so that one’s reality becomes less one’s own and more inhabiting others’ realities. One thing that has helped me, thanks to James Clear, is to NOTICE: what am I doing right now??!! When I can do this, it helps me step out of the phone and into my own life.
I always say that, if the internet disappeared, Pinterest would be the thing I missed the most. I feel connected to a worldwide community of artists which brings me inspiration and beauty. It is my way of tapping into “pause-itivity”. 😊 thanks for the inspiration, Robyn.
You have always been far more than just a contributing artist, Robyn, you are an elder in the truest sense of the word. I made the decision long ago not to use a smartphone or become connected with FB/IG/etc because I could tell that it was going to interfere with the peace I have worked so hard to come into so I can't really identify with the 'doomscrolling' but I can certainly benefit from developing more of a practice of pausing throughout the day instead of immediately going from one thing to the next -- thank you for being such a consistent reminder of what a full life looks like ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Thank you so much for sharing and your words of encouragement!❤
Wow - what a gift you have given yourself with this freedom!
@@ZenJenArt More time to make art :)
I love the idea of Journaling in stead of scrolling. Thank you for bringing this up. I've found myself in the basement of my local library's sale store picking out used art books to purchase and buying them for $1 to $2. I use some of my time between paintings looking through the books. Thanks again for your inspiration!
I'm so glad it resonated with you!😊
Thank you for the reminder to reset our attention more mindfully!
You are so right!
Love the idea of the intentional pause journal, and that is what art journaling needs to be for me!
😊❤😊
Yes, yes, yes! You are spot on. Awareness is key. If I'm not inspired or laughing at an animal video, I scroll right through the doom. Love your share, Robyn!
First time watching you, came because I’m interested in using my new gel plate. Looks like I came to the right place. Very interesting words of wisdom
Robyn is amazing! Robyn is REAL people!!! You will love her message.
Thank you, Robyn, for everything you share ❤ get so much information and inspiration from you! And I agree so much what you are saying about doom scrolling. I had an accident one and a half year ago, got a concussion, was not allowed to look at screens for a long time, no scrolling on my iPhone.And because of that I have learned to economize my time on the phone. These days, I mainly watch your y-tube channel on saturdays ( always looking foreward to it) and a little pinterest-stuff. And the result is more time in my studio working with my gel-printed-paper-collages. When I have my ‘pauses’ it is only books, no doom scrolling. And my favorite book now is your‘ Gel Plate Printing for Mixed-Media Art’. I love it! Thank you!
Awwww thanks so much! It’s amazing how something like a concussion can set you on a more healthy path ultimately!❤
I love your message. Perfect timing. Every morning I ask my spiritual team for a word of the day. AWARENESS was yesterday and your video popped on to my feed this morning.
I so share your thoughts about getting caught in the loop of doom! My inspiration is to make 2025 a definitely higher vibration year, knowing that in one way or another we are all creating our next steps every moment of every day. Letting the social media algorithms take over where we put our attention next is like driving hypnosis. And if I sample one apple on UA-cam, a whole bushel then falls on my head. I didn't say I wanted to have an apple orgy!
Love the Jung quote.
Here's to you for bringing us this conversation, and here's to all our fellow travelers on this path, all of us pausing together to reset, rest and go forward with peace.
Hahaha so so true you can like one thing and in pours a million versions ughhh! ❤
Robyn, you are so GENIUS! Thank you so much for this reminder and I love your new format!!!!
Greetings from Bavaria, Germany
Oh Robyn, thank you so much for this week's video. Just what I needed to hear. I can relate a 100% to what you are talking about and I will certainly take all of your wise advice with. Up to more productive, fulfilling and relaxing times. ❤ Thinking about the sacred believe of 'coincidences' and being at the right place at the right time .
What you're saying is so true. Thank you for bringing this up. I've never smoked, though my mother did, and my phone is a bit like her smoking was: the convenient thing to grab when you wanted a pause. But it's not relaxing, is it, when you get drawn into the shocks and mayhems of the world? So you gave me an idea. Don't know if it'll work but I'm going to put my phone into a box, or a pencil case. Something fun and creative and inspiring. Something that I will have to open up in order to get to my phone. Something that will force me to pause and ask if the phone is truly what I need. A phonebox! And I know just the thing to use! A colorful zipper pouch with a funky cat. Perfect!
Oh Lise thank you for sharing and your words of encouragement!💞
I’m not entertained by tragedy. It effects my psyche in a negative way. I know this about myself so I’m in the habit of moving past it as soon as it starts. And I agree, Pinterest has remained my inspiration place. I’ve also started my own notebook of notes when I come across someone or a page I found inspiring as they aren’t as easy to find. Which one s why I’m watching your video right, I know I’ll be inspired and/or will learn something new. Love your spirit Robyn! And thanks for validating me!
Thank you Carla! So true I find it so triggering sometimes I’m looking away trying to find the swipe button to not see the video!!! Oh my! 🙃
Thanks so much for this video. Pinterest is my go to place, but I can spend a lot of time on it. I have a lot of pins on my boards. Lol. I agree with the looking at your art books. I needed some gelli printing inspiration so I pulled out one of my favorite books, your book on gel printing.
Feeding our eyes/minds/hearts/spirits with the “junk food” of doom scrolling is certainly not healthy. Time to - pause - and nourish ourselves with positive things throughout the day - and for me, especially in the morning and evening! Thanks, Robyn. ❤
Absolutely!❤
good morning, Robyn. Thank you for your eloquent comments. I've really put some effort into "pausing" this last week. I've been off FB and IG this week, places I'm repeatedly sucked into hours of doom scrolling. It's been great! I've painted more this week than in many months. My guiding principle has been something that a favorite IG person suggested, which is to focus on "Beautiful Distractions" this year. I've added "exquisite Diversions" to that. I'm applying these principles to journals, and art in general. I also have returned to Pinterest, what a haven that is for art and inspiration. Thank you for all that you give us. Thank you for starting our Saturday mornings with art and inspiration!
In today's political climate a lot of people are jumping off platforms like Facebook and Instagram and TikTok. It's overwhelming the information flood coming at us. I am not even a big social media person but I do look and see and follow. I myself am joining the others and getting off of those platforms, slow but sure. I'm choosing the ones that are positive rather than negative.
Absolutely!!❤
So true!! I CANNOT figure out Instagram! I rarely see who I follow, even when I tap the "following" button. I need to spend less time scrolling and actually DO the artful things I am watching others do! :)
from Laura Abbott: Be patient. IG does take a bit of time to figure out! And, I haven't spent a whole lot of time there because, for the LONGEST time, there was no way for me to upload from my computer. i'm only just recently doing so. I haven't totally figured out it's Notifications. So, yes! There is definitely a learning curve over there. BUT, I do see the benefit to Arts, and Small Businesses, and Cottage Industries, etc.
It’s all designed to keep us confused but hopeful! Lol❤
You are the best. Just the absolute best.
We just had a conversation last night about doom scrolling. I wish I’d watched this video beforehand; I would have had some good input! I love your idea of pausing and I so need it. Btw, I just bought your book! It arrives tomorrow and I’m so excited. Thanks for sharing your art, ideas & feelings with us!
I’m really feeling your message. I finally dumped Facebook but am still pulled towards the darkness in the media. This message is helpful. Thank you.
I tend to watch other people's art and not getting on with my art got to stop and give myself a time to watch and a time to work x😂❤
Yes it’s so easy to do! I’ve done it myself! Lol❤
That is so timely ❤ thank you
Love love love this! I have been finding myself going less and less on IG and more in books and nature. And use the timer thing if I go on IG.... It's making me more calm and focused. And feeling better.... If not I feel cheated out of precious time in my life! 🙏🧡
All I can say is that I concur completely with all you have said. I am guilty, but no longer. Thank you for sharing and sharing your suggestions.
Thank you for the reminder not to go into the scrolling loop.
I am doing it all the time unfortunately 🙁
I love following you though😄❤️
Ah yes, the Doom Zooming Zombie Dance. Great video…..I don’t do Facebook or Instagram and now it seems Pinterest is getting full of ads and bs. I far prefer to pull the book put or a journal, or put on some music and chill ❤
This was just what I needed to hear today! Thank you, wise woman.
I’m trying to stay informed about what’s going on but yes, I doom scroll and now days it’s so crazy. I’m going with the pause, observing my behavior, awareness of what I really want to be doing.
Nature is so healing for me. I need more of it!
Thank you Robyn!
You spoke from my heart! I was aware of this but now I will go for change. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Best wishes and greetings from Berlin, Germany
Thank you! I didn’t know it had a name but I do it too. Then I berate myself for wasting so much precious time. Then I feel guilty. Thank you again for sharing your insight❤
It’s a mad cycle I’ve been there too!❤
Wow! Perfect way to start my Sunday morning. Sipping coffee and feeling so much inspiration and support. I think 2025 is going to be a key year for so many of us. I love reading what everyone is doing to reduce tech time and endless scrolling. I am trying to make lists of things I need to look up online and then tackle most of it at one time and sometimes even setting my timer as a reminder not to get so dragged into stuff that doesn’t serve me in any way. Glad for the reminder about Pinterest. I haven’t been there in years, but it may be a great addition to places for inspiration. There is a way for us all to find balance in our lives and to be in control of the amount of tech we include. Thank you for helping us on our journey!
So agree about Doom Scrolling...love that description! Looking for material to make a Pause Journal, so connect with this x
Thank you so much for talking about pausing and living consciously, being in our life as we live it. I say this all the time to people, but I think it was best said by Ram Dass, "Be here now." For whatever reason, my reels never go bad or worse that I recall. I laugh a lot when reels takes over and I'm staying with it because most of them are about animals of all sorts. I learn so so much. So I will add gratitude to that enjoyment since so far so good. I'll leave when it does though, for sure. Self care through relaxation and laughing, curiosity and learning is what I want. Keeping a Pause journal is a fabulous idea!
Absolutely spot on! Thank you for this Robyn!
Ah yes - I agree with everything you’ve said. Especially- after doom scrolling - how unsatisfied you feel…..thank you for an insightful talk❤
💗🥰 Robyn I feeeeeel this so deeply!!!!
It’s so easy to get sucked into one of life’s “wormholes” (especially in today’s political craziness) & just REACT, but that rarely gives us the result we truly want.
If we learn to catch ourselves when our energy starts flowing in a negative direction (those “wormholes”), we can take a time out & shift our focus …. Then act from a more positive space.
When I’m scrolling I start feeling guilty and I think I’ve been given this gift of life, why am I wasting it looking at things that do not inspire me. I still get caught up in it but I’m conscious of it and getting better… it’s an uphill battle sometimes!!😢
It’s like Jung said awakening is what will usher in our true selves. It’s baby steps but at least we are taking them!❤
I’ve gone down that Pinterest rabbit hole way too many times. I agree about the inspiration it brings up, but I find I can spend way too much time there, too. I’m considering dumping Facebook, but a lot of artists I follow are on there, as are members of my large family. I know what you mean about the doom scrolling, and it’s like seeing an accident you don’t want to look at, but you can’t help looking. But a lot of them I have to turn away from. Your idea about looking at a book instead is a great one. So next time I’m up at 1:00 in the morning, instead of doom scrolling, I’ll keep your book handy so I can look at that instead. Robyn, I think this was just what I needed, I’ve been struggling some. I think the Pause format will help me with some issues I’m dealing with. You are such a wise woman, and I appreciate you so much.
Great topic
I am with you! I get sucked in exactly as you have described and it is draining. Excellent topic and goal to be mindful of what is happening with our precious limited time on planet earth. I have some library books checked out right now for inspiration because I am not enjoying the doom scrolling. Thanks Robyn - you are a gem! ❤
Yes! All Hail to the Public Libraries!!❤
Very balanced thanks Robyn. I've spent a lot of time doomscrolling this week with the inauguration happening. Much prefer to be playing with paints and paper.❤❤
I couldn’t agree with you more, Robyn. What I got out of this is the idea of discernment. Sometimes our curiosity can lead us to places that do not serve us in any way. I am very careful as I navigate through the internet. I try not to open anything that is not inspirational or about art and creativity. And as an empath, I cannot afford the toll it takes on me to be “informed” about things I cannot do anything about. I limit myself to Robyn videos (I’m on your patreon by the way), other art videos and interviews with artists, and I’m also currently taking a wonderful online art class. My other activities include daily walks, and of course, time in my studio. I’ve taken several of your Master Classes, purchased your wonderful book, and use many of your stamps, stencils and ephemera in my art. Thank you for all that you do! You rock, Robyn! Hey, didn’t someone write a song about you? lol 😊
I love the direction you are going this year. This is exactly my journey that I've been on this past year. I'm trying to learn more about our mind/body connection.
I feel this is going to be a great journal and a great journey! 💗
Can't wait to do it with you!
Oh boy, can I relate!
Yes!❤
Video shorts are my nemesis. I get caught up in them all of the time. I can avoid TikTok by not opening the app, but I get caught on Facebook, Instagram, or here on video shorts. I try to stop is as soon as I am aware that I'm wasting time.
A very inspirational message today - thank you 🙏🏼Thanks for sharing your suggestions and ideas too. You are so right about that ick feeling after doom or any extensive scrolling. It's like a dopamine hangover. I start my day with a 'morning pages' journaling session (Julia Cameron's "The Artist Way) while listing to relaxing music on an app called 'Insight Timer' - a meditation app. The journaling is my way of meditation - getting myself centered and ready for the day.
Perfect timing listening to you. Thank you 💞
Love the Jung quote! You hit it exactly with feeling sticky after all the scrolling. Thanks for the pause and inspo, Robyn!
Oh wow you’ve felt that stickiness too!? ❤
Thank you for sharing love 💛
I’m so pleased you talked about this. Luckily for me I lose interest after a few IG scrolls, esp when it’s not what I want. Just lately though I’ve noticed on UA-cam that I can’t stop…. There’s too much awful stuff going on. Thanks for the information re why we get caught. Am just about to make my book. Yay!! As a teenager my Dad told me not to believe ads, so I’m grateful for that message.
I have done the doom scrolling in You Tube and Instagram. Before I know it, an hour passes! Maybe we need a timer for our "screens." I get caught up in the animal rescues on Instagram, then they feed you more when you watch them. It is a viscous cycle. Mindfulness is the key to controlling this internally.
from Laura Abbott: I have been spending much less time on FB of late, because of the algorithms, and Them forcing more ads upon us instead of my treasured friends. And, I started on FB, and gathered friends of the Fiber Communities, because of my Weaving and Handspinning--when there were NO ADS intermingled. I found newer friends when I started to reclaim my more Artsy self. And your Live this morning, Robyn, made me note that I have become SO WEARY of WEEDING through what FB WANTS us to see, instead of being able to scroll comfortably through what I truly WANT to see. Doom Scrolling indeed! ❤
Thanks for sharing! It really not only robs us of time but creativity!! You are so right gone are the old days of social media where we could engage as we liked. Now we must become more aware and protect our sanity! lol xo
This is so beautiful and clear. Thank you!
You're welcome! I'm so glad you feel that way! 😊
I access UA-cam through my subscriptions. I don't get doom; I get inspiration. I curate my subscriptions so that I'm seeing the content I need to see. I don't watch every video the people I subscribe to offer; I watch what's going to be helpful to me. I do use FB, but I curate that feed. If I need to avoid anything I don't benefit from seeing, I access my groups. I don't use Pinterest (I find it annoying and frustrating); I do use RSS to follow artist blogs (those that are formatted in a way my reader can process) and get inspiration that way. I save images that I find inspiring (my private pinterest, I suppose) and can scroll through that safe space.
Your references to dopamine aren't consistent with my understanding of dopamine as one of the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters.
The way I took what she was saying was that Doomscrolling feeds your dopamine by constantly triggering the brain's reward system with small bursts of stimulation, particularly when encountering shocking or alarming content, which activates the "novelty seeking" aspect of dopamine release, essentially rewarding you for continuing to scroll even if the content is negative or anxiety-inducing; this creates a cycle where you keep scrolling to chase that little "hit" of dopamine.
She is suggesting to instead seek dopamine from sources where you can control the input and inspiration because on IG when you go to the reels tab and scroll, you get a random selection of videos that quickly become more and more sensationalized because that’s what typically holds people’s attention.
I know what you mean when I first researched I thought so too because I always associated dopamine strictly with feel good but the brain has a dopaminergic system which governs motivation and reward seeking behavior. The way the algorithm is set up you get serval posts with things that make you feel good and happy generally what you opened your phone to view them the unpleasant posts begin to come in by this time the brain has fallen into a compulsion loop and then the scrolling continues to try to get back to the dopamine hit. Pretty much a a losing gambler try to get back to wins! Look it up it’s fascinating the way this all works. Thanks so much for your sharing 😍
Doom scrolling..you are so right. I realized that a few weeks ago so I rarely go on instagram any more. Same with facebook. All the ads and things I’m not interested in coming up in the feed. Even after saying don’t show again. Getting back in to daily walking and more time in my tiny studio.
I so support your journey!❤
Pinterest! I used to go there years ago, then Instagram came along. But I am not happy with it for the reason you mention. I need to go back to Pinterest. And also pause. ❤
Yes we all want a little inspiration and find like minded people and interests on our terms ! Not to be force fed a lot of fear and drama! Thanks for commenting ❤
Last year in an effort to reduce my FB posting, which was a few times daily, I instead would write in a journal what I intended to post. I now have a much quieter FB page and my journal is fat and happy.
Yes to what you are discussing! I have put a bedtime mode on my phone which puts it in dark mode except for emer calls. You can also put time limits for the apps you use.
Great suggestion! Time out the app I wasn’t aware of that Thx!❤
from Laura Abbott: And, as regards Pinterest----- I have been too long away from Pinterest, and going there only to search for inspiration like Lettering or Journaling ideas. I used to post all my work on Pinterest, and built many--what I called Libraries--of different topics that inspired me creatively. I slowed down over there, when they took a turn for more commercialized posts. BUT, it is still a great place to focus in on only what you truly want to see and Pin. THANKS, for the reminder this morning.
Thank you!❤
You are so right. I don’t feel good after I’m scrolling and seeing all this other stuff…. It actually is exhausting and makes me angry-not my best me.
So true!!❤
❤ Robin you are so right on on this and one of my favorite things to say is the answers you seek are 14:17 😊 within
Absolutely!❤
This is my year to “pause”….it’s much needed. And yes, doom scrolling has to stop. I’ve been better at it by blocking the unwanted and only going to the sites I want to be inspired by…or as you know…get some cool ephemera etc. It is easy to get sucked in tho. Love the Jung quote. Hugs.
Yes my friend and for you it’s doom auctions! 😂 love ya ❤
You are such a beautiful woman in and out Thanks I needed this
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words.❤
Great video. I absolutely love Pinerest, but I don't visit it enough. I know it provides a great source of inspiration. I want to dive deeper into art/artist books. Anything to keep me from doom scrolling would be most helpful.
It’s been a big trap for but I’m taking it back one conscious awareness at a time 😊❤
Thank you for this. I'm feeling so out of it now. I'm taking up needlepoint to keep my hands busy. I also am reading “Tech Agnostic” by Greg epstein.
Doom scrolling, how apt! ❤
Hahaha yes!❤
just started noticing this, last night wondering what was happening. Nice to learn something about this, I turned it off!!!
Yes, yes, yes a Pause Journal is on time for me. I am in the midst of understanding why I have this anxiety. I had started my watch list. The top of this list is concerning over what our new president have up his unstable sleeve for our Nation. Why worry when you can't control. Step back. 2nd, the TV show The View. In the last year I found its energy wasn't good for my system. I did agree with most of ideas on politics but it consumed them so. And me... It's like foods you shouldn't eat all the time but only now and then. So I listen to my energy and took a step back. My Pause. I'm liking this already. Now I just need to get my Pause Journal going. Thanks Robyn ❤😊
❤❤
In your intro, you are using some sort of brush to make the "c" symbol. What is the brush?
It’s a matcha whisk! 😊
I wondered that also. That looks so fun. Made me want to get the sumi ink out today!
I scroll on FB so much less. I have the habit of hitting skip on any adds if at all possible. Generally I interact on art groups that I am in. Mostly I watch my favorite inspirations on UTube like this. I do,like to interact with other creators. I do daily meditation and yoga to slow my mind and try to listen to my heart. Thank you for these thoughts.
So true
good point !!!
Jung had it right! And yes, in order to stop we ca say, I know what I am doing, and can't stop! Then you think, yes I can.
Hahaha Yes!
❤❤❤
My phone is old so I don't use it very much. I go online on my laptop when I'm home, I have a couple of news websites I go to in the morning, I'm not on IG or Twitter, I do have FB but don't really use that either. Mostly I use UA-cam but generally only look at other creatives, I'll find a playlist and leave it playing while I'm working. I'm neurodiverse so I've had to learn how my brain works at different times. Sometimes I need silence but sometimes I need the auditory input 🙂
Edit: I should also point out I'm in Ireland so I'm not having to deal with as much as the US is currently having to. My heart goes out to you all ❤
You are so fortunate to never have updated your phone!! lol it is just too much and glad to hear you’ve learned the importance of taking care of your physiological world!❤
I’m trying hard to stay away from FB with the current political climate. I’ve also noticed so much more fake information since the filters have been removed and I’m weary from seeing so much of it. Doom scrolling just brings so much ugliness into our lives. It’s not easy but it’s so necessary to our emotional wellbeing to break that cycle.
Pause. Yes.
That's a good term for it - doom scrolling. There's only so much I can take of that. I've had to unfollow friends on FB 'cause that's all they had on their feed. Scrambles the brains
Yes I do know what you mean!😊
I've taken a week break from Facebook and Instagram and I am not sure I want to log back in. I'm less angry without being bombarded with all of the political garbage. I watch the evening news. That's enough for that. I'm afraid that I WILL miss my art groups so I haven't deleted my account yet
Deleted all my socials except youtube. don't scroll anymore, To be honest while it's nice to hear some of your thoughts, I would rather have the art and how you do it, rather than the finished product. I fast forwarded through most of this.
I’m sure that my new approach won’t be for everyone but I’m following my heart to engage differently I’ve been on UA-cam for a decade and desire to share differently or not do it all I was no longer feeling authentic to my online calling. I still do my art on Patreon. Take care!❤
You hav e hit the nail on its head...such a waste of time. I have also noticed that many of those enticing reels are not real. They are AI generated. You feel cheated when you see those. I love the idea of going to pinterest or my art books to relax
OMG Yes you’re right those AI generated reels are such a let down you do feel cheated!
Doom Scrolling….I call The Vortex, a deep hole with branches and prompts and you are right…..you can easily get lost and lose all concept of time. Awareness is key! I am choosing to read yours and all the art books that sit on shelves. I get just as inspired and feel ready to create! Thank you!❤
Yes! It’s ours to decide thanks for being a member of this community ❤
Hey Robin, I really appreciate your thoughts and your artwork as well. Here’s what I try to do to keep from being “socially engineered by whoever “ . Before I type in a query for google or youtube etc,, I close my eyes and try to think of what I want to do online. As artists, it’s the visuals that can trap us. We click. on something provocative that we never really wanted to know. So I find it’s helpful not to look at the thumbnail pictures and make intentional deliberate choices...
Yes I definitely do that as well on UA-cam thankfully for those thumbnails!❤