After years of pondering where society is going with technology, I read a quote by the late missionary Jim Elliot who said, "Wherever you are, be all there." I take it to mean to be in the moment.
People answer their cell phones in restaurants and have conversations at their tables. Women (especially in my town) drive along with cell phones held to their ears. I've been to family parties and watched the younger generation send and receive text messages while having conversations with others.
Email flies across the internet and no one is ever incommunicado. I remember waiting an hour before checking my email at work, so I could accomplish some tasks before getting bogged down with more work and needing to reply to people.
I receive phone calls from people, while they're in the middle of making soup or while they have a TV or radio blaring in the background and they're not focused on our conversation. And they are the ones who called me!
I am as guilty as the others already mentioned. Not so much with technology but with thinking about where I need to go next or what errands need to happen in what order during a conversation with someone. When my kids were small and "big yakkers," my mind would travel elsewhere.
Now I am committed to wherever I am, to be all there.
Will you join me?
Cindy, I am guilty of doing this probably more than anyone...This idea of 'being in the moment' really is priceless...enjoying those moments with family, and friends...I am joining you Cindy...thanks for the insight!! (ps found you from cjane, hope you dont mind!)
ReplyDeleteCjane is an amazing blogger and thanks for stopping by Amanda!
ReplyDeleteI'm there with ya! We were learning about this in my Positive Psuchology class. It's called mindfulness. Being completely immersed in what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteOur homework assignment for the week was to do three things mindfully. Being fully aware of where you are and what you're doing. That's my homework assignment for you!
psychology *
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