Last night after a group meditation, a discussion transpired about "mindfulness" around technology. Technology, like anything has its pros and cons. How often are you at a restaurant and you or someone you are with are checking their phone while dining with other people? Have you ever seen or been part of a group of two or more diners who are ALL on their phones at once? How often are we with our children and are looking at our phones rather than noticing what they are doing? How often do we check our phones for the latest update on Facebook, Twitter, text message, e-mail, etc.? Why are we behaving like this? Is it out of boredom, distraction from loneliness or sadness, or fulfilling an addictive need? Is it because our job requires us to be tethered to our e-mail at all times? Most of us have certain practices that we live by, possibly determined by our culture, religion, or personal beliefs. Do we choose to "be present" in our life? Do we choose to engage with others in a meaningful way? If so, let's think twice the next time we reach into our pocket or handbag for our phone in that reflexive manner. Perhaps ask ourselves if we are authentically looking for something we need such as directions or information or if we are escaping the moment with distraction.
