I constantly read about the newest innovations in the tech industry. I’ve seen a trend rising with mobile and television technologies. More people are going to their cell phones for social media interaction, and there has actually been a expansive decline in the last quarter pertaining to how people receive the news. The trend is we are interacting via social media platforms on mobile and receiving our news via newspapers (online or not) and television.
My personal feeling is that I don’t want to use a television–except for watching sporting events. Commercials often bore me to death. When I want to watch a show I want to watch a show–not waste my time potentially lowering my IQ from ill-mannered commercials. The trend is Americans are watching more and more TV. We’re feeding off of it. Its directly shaping our realities–how we think and feel (its telling us).
My question for you is when will TV become reality? We are already moving towards mobile TV. The decline of “presence” is occurring. People are throwing their immediate conscience into their mobile devices to keep up on what is occurring in the world around them–and thusly losing their own presence. How can we be contactable without consistently directing our conscience towards mobile technology? There has to be a better way.
In effort to remain present I’ve taken a few precautionary measures.
1. I use a sleeve case for my cell phone.
In order to check my phone I have to really want to check it. With a sleeve for a case it requires extra effort to take it out to check it.
I use my cell phone case as my wallet also. This makes it so every time I leave my home I only need to grab one thing. My wallet and cell phone are one.
2. I carry my cell phone in my back pocket.
I treat my cell phone like my wallet. I only take it out when I need it.
3. I practice the use of Airplane Mode on a daily basis.
Separating my personal and professional life is important to me. I feel like its far too easy for me to get sucked back into “work Heath” if I’m always easily contactable. Since I began practicing the art of Airplane Mode I have felt myself become significantly more present. The effect of this simple task has been astronomically positive for my relationships.
Often times when I’m meeting or talking with someone and feel my phone vibrating from a call or text message I register that in the back of my mind. Its always on my backlog until I check it.
When I eliminate my conscience effort of remembering to check my phone I’m more present. I have less to think about, less to distract me and therefore I’m more present in my interactions with others.
I’m also beginning to find new ways to honor the Sabbath. He rested on the seventh day, so will I. This may sound “Godly,” but trust me its not as hard as you think it is.
I enable Airplane Mode on Sundays so I can use my energy for rest, recovery and of course football. Resting on Sunday has enabled me to have a more productive and centered Monday and rejuvenates me for the rest of the week.
Why am I saying all this? I want to encourage you. I want to encourage Airplane Mode Sunday. I believe its something everyone ought to practice in effort to not only allow yourself to rest once a week–but also to allow your most cherished relationships to manifest by way of your improved, rested and present mind.
What have you and your friends done to keep each other from overuse of your mobile devices?
How do you feel about your own cell use?