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The Age of Distraction

Posted in: Blog by amy on December 22, 2015

Last night, I got into bed and began watching the season finale of one of my favorite new shows. I had my cell phone to my right, a dog lay in my lap, and I was ready to escape for an hour of fun television. At one point, I found myself playing a word game on my phone. I remember asking myself why I was allowing that distraction when I was enjoying the show. Today, as I was driving, I was reminded of that moment once again. What reminded me? The fact that I checked my phone while I was at a stoplight. Again, I was aware enough of the fact that I was distracted. But, I didn’t know what that was about: Was I bored? Did I think I was going to miss something? Was I just so used to multi-tasking?

I’ve been thinking more and more about those questions, and, at the same time, I’ve been thinking about how I travel through my days. I love being truly present. I asked myself that question as I was at the stoplight the next day. It surprised me that I was checking my phone as I’m one of the few remaining people who does not like to talk on my phone while I’m driving or while I’m a passenger in a car. I like to play music and to feel the wind in my hair. I don’t want to be on the phone. Yet, there I was checking to see if any texts came in or if any emails awaited. What is that really about?

I think it is more about habit than anything else. Many of us have gotten into a recurring pattern of looking at our phones constantly, of walking through the grocery store while we’re talking on the phone, of getting a pedicure and checking emails, of driving our kids while catching up on the phone with a friend. It is a habit and a non-surprising one. Afterall, we live in a time that is full of constant stimulation. Think about the apps on your phone and how many you check on a daily (or even on an hourly basis). Maybe you’re on Twitter and you’re checking to see if you have any new followers. Maybe you’re on Instagram and you want to see how many people liked your newest pic. Maybe you have a business, and you need to keep your eyes on your incoming emails. Whatever the case may be, it’s nothing that is wrong. But, it is something about which we should all be AWARE.

When you have that gift of an hour to watch TV, simply watch TV. When you have that luxury of having your feet scrubbed, close your eyes and enjoy the moment. When you’re driving your children, talk to them. Be present. When you’re at a stoplight or on the train or on an airplane, don’t feel that you always have to do something. It’s okay to just look out the window and dream. It’s okay to get lost in a song and have the lyrics take you back to a beautiful memory. It’s okay to connect fully with the moment.

I know that just by writing this, I am now going to be so much more aware of my self-made distractions and of my ability to be fully present. I feel lucky that I had this realization as my kids are surely picking up on my habits. I want them to know how important and how fulfilling it can be to look out the window and sing in the breeze.

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