When was the last time you bumped into someone on the pavement because you were both walking along looking at your phones?
The need to raise the importance of being present in a digital age is such a 21st century phenomenon. But it IS important because it is another oft-cited deathbed regret:
I wish I had lived in the present moment.
Maybe this is not just a death bed regret, as we have been exploring here in recent weeks.
Methinks this is something that we can all do with taking a moment to reflect on.
For people on their deathbed who are in the latter stages of life (without being all morbid about it) I think this is less of an issue. Septuagenarians and octogenarians will have grown up without the need (perceived or real) to be plugged into some form of technology all the time and everywhere they go, simply because the technology did not exist.
But nowadays, it seems that we as humans find it impossible to sit on a train, go for a run, or walk to work without musical or social media accompaniment.
Sometimes, that can be a helpful, enjoyable and informative way to pass the time. I love a podcast, and they can be a very useful way of making an oft-repeated walk less monotonous, as well as an efficient way to do two things at once.
But sometimes I feel there is a certain irony in checking our social media when we are out and about for what Might Be Happening and in so doing, missing what is Actually Happening under our noses.
Being present in a digital age.
There is something deeper at play here too, which speaks to our struggles to be present in the moment that we are experiencing right now. It can be all-too-easy to be preoccupied with what has happened, and be replaying and rehashing conversations and wishing we had done things differently. Or focused on what is to come, and worrying about things that are yet to happen.
We are so busy worrying about the future or reliving the past that we are missing out on the beauty of the present.
And what is worse is that we have no control over the past or the future. The only thing we can take control over is our response to what is happening right now.
How much time do you spend thinking about things over which you have no control?
We have NO control over what other people think of us, what they say, their feelings, beliefs or actions.
We have NO control over the future or the past.
Just absorb those two sentences for a minute.
How much of our present moments are spent preoccupied with such concerns? And do read this useful post on what is and is not in our control.
In a digital age, it can be easy to distract ourselves from such worries, or try to mitigate our fears with information gained online.
What if we simply chose to be present?
And let our minds wander?
Sensory and mental overload are real causes of tiredness and burnout, both subjects I have written about and you can read more here (on the need for sensory rest) and here (on burnout). Giving our minds a break from constant input is important to foster connection with ourselves and our feelings.
Creativity is often sparked when we are not actively thinking about anything in particular – I often get my best ideas for writing projects when I am walking along our local river path in early morning listening to the birds and watching the trees.
Be more dog.
This topic was discussed on the radio the other day. The suggestion was made that we could be more like dogs in our approach to being outside. I love this idea – watch a dog out for a walk and usually their energy, curiosity and excitement with EVERYTHING is joyful to see. So for us humans, rather than walking and listening to music or scrolling on our phones, walk with no accompaniment:
…notice the scenery
…take in smells.
…follow our noses to interesting things or views
…spot people
There is interesting stuff to see, no matter how little or seemingly insignificant, everywhere around us if we only stop and notice. But in this digital age we live in, the choice to unplug and be present to what is right in front of us can be a challenge.
Next time you are outside walking somewhere, be deliberately conscious and present to your environment. Notice the beauty that is all around. Easy on a glorious sunny day in spring when there is new life budding everywhere. Look up at buildings, spot interesting shop signs, be attentive to people you see.
Being present in a digital age has never been more important. It may all sound quite trivial, but being aware of and enjoying THIS moment is so important because THIS moment is never coming back.
