Essence in Presence
Technology has reshaped human connection and one can say it has improved it or impaired it. I believe it has the capacity to do both, it really comes down to how we use or abuse it. I have mixed feelings on technology, and that’s a lot coming from a total tech geek. I am grateful for the advancements we have made this far but I do wish sometimes we could just shut off the phones and just live in the moment. The world is inundated with distraction and technology is the culprit. I miss the days where we would have conversations and eye contact was still a thing. Nowadays, you’re lucky to hold it for more than ten seconds, without looking down at your phone. We are all guilty of this. My little sister always calls me out on it and although it bothers me in the moment I try to do better and take note of how engaged I’m in the conversation. Who doesn’t like to be given undivided attention? And more so from those we love and care for.
How can we be present?
1. Eye contact: The bare minimum you can do is hold eye contact with the person out of respect to what they have to say, even if it’s not of interest to you.
2. Awareness: Be cognizant of your surroundings. How are your surroundings impacting your level of focus?
3. Accountability: Hold yourself accountable to how much time you’re spending on things that take away from you rather than contribute to your life. Ask a friend or loved one to be your accountability partner so that you are staying on course.
4. Journaling: I sound like a broken record if you have read my other blog posts but trust me, journaling helps with this as well. Write down goals for the day and go over them before you go to sleep to reflect on your progress achieving them. Do this diligently and you’ll notice you getting better at being present.
When all is said and done, you will only take the memories, so while you’re still living, make them count.
I included this song because it reminds me of being present. My favorite part is:
“When no one seems to notice
And your days, they seem so hard
My darling, you should know this
My love is everywhere you are”
