In an age of digital distractions, we occasionally live lives removed from the world around us as we scroll endless feeds, shop online, check our emails, and respond to texts. I, too, am GUILTY AS CHARGED!
But as we move further away from face to face human interactions in our natural environment, do we move further away from our ultimate and authentic selves?
As a teacher, I had the privilege of enjoying a luxurious week off of work between Christmas and New Year’s. With travel plans being thwarted for reasons beyond anyone’s control, our family immersed ourselves in relaxation. We slept in, took time to savor elaborate breakfasts, read books, exercised, and spent quality time with each other.
Yesterday, I rejuvenated my mind, body and spirit in the surprisingly warm sunshine and cheered for my son as he flew remote control birds at a nearby field while taking breaks to play soccer against invisible opponents. At one point, as I tore off my puffy vest and muddied my hands doing cartwheels down the sidelines, it hit me- I had forgotten my phone.
Although my older son would be quick to label me as irresponsible and forgetful, I felt a sense of giddy liberation at the thought of being completely consumed in the present moment, relishing time with a growing teenager who will soon find himself weary of spending time with his old mom.
For two glorious hours, Joe and I completely immersed ourselves in the joy of living. The joy of moving our able bodies, the joy of a warm winter day, the joy of Christmas presents being put to valuable use as we joyfully spent our afternoon together.
So much joy!
But so often, joy is robbed from our generation with digital distractions- ones that my parents in the 80’s and 90’s never had to worry about.
It almost seems unbelievable that the things that pull our attention away from our families in this day of age NEVER EVEN EXISTED while I was growing up.
What distracted my parents?
Perfecting their time-consuming hairstyles before going out?
Making it home in time to watch DALLAS?
I digress.
But long story short, today’s adults experience a lot of added stress and obligation because we are all tied down to a device that follows us EVERYWHERE.
While my phone constantly connects me to my work, my boss, my friends, and my family-
it also DISCONNECTS me from enjoying the present moment when I bury my face and attention in it.
In the new year, I challenge you to PAY ATTENTION to what causes you to lose focus on the things that matter most.
Let these earth-shattering quotes resonate deep within you as you ponder your attentiveness in 2023.
Cheers to a healthy, happy and attentive mindset in the new year!
Tell me to what you pay attention
and I will tell you who you are.
Jose Ortega y Gasset
Wherever you are, be there.
Lifestyle is not something we do;
it is something we experience.
And until we learn to be there,
we will never master the art of living well.
Jim Rohn
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