Living In Distraction

I read an article that spoke of the difficulties of dating in the modern world. I'm not sure dating has ever been easy, but the changes that our digital interconnection has brought have clearly made it a rough go. I am no longer on the market, so this doesn't apply to me in the dating sense, but I saw parallels in the article that extend past the interaction of dating. I really think that the same problem exist in all modern relationships.

I think about all of the tools of communication that I have accessible. I can call, text, email, Facebook message, Snapchat or connect to people in dozens of other ways. Through all of that connectedness, I really don't feel more connected. If you have read my previous posts, you know that, while I am very social, I have difficulty in sustaining relationships. I think that the false sense of connectedness that technology brings adds to my disconnectedness from others. It's the lie of real human connection and access that the technology mimics that creates the discomfort I feel.

I was with a friend recently. While we were together he checked his phone every 5 minutes, and texted responses to a conversation he was having with someone else. That experience elicited several emotions. I was jealous that the other person was actually the center of attention while I was in this persons company. I was angry at the poor manners exhibited by paying so little attention to our interaction, and I was sad that this person placed so little value on our interaction. How can someone be present in the moment with me if they are so distracted?

It is possible to not be distracted by everything that demands our attention. Modern technology is always making the attempt to grab our attention away. What if we wrestle it back, and reclaim our connectedness. What if we set aside some time daily to just "be" with someone. Talk with them. Look at them. "Be" with them. Is it possible to silence the distractions and just "be" with someone without the technology interrupting?

I'm going to try tonight. I'm going to silence my technology, and give "being" with someone a chance. I'm not going to tell anyone. I'm just going to do it. Hopefully the receiver of the attention recognizes and connects with me. If not, then the really important part is that I make the attempt.

Peace to you my friend.

Thanks for being.