“Life can be found only in the present moment.”
-Thick Nhat Hanh
How was your weekend? Was it a weekend of connection? A connection to someone else’s soul, or a connection to the virtual world? This weekend, I celebrated eleven years of marriage with my amazing husband Carlos. I am not much for celebrating “special events” because I believe everyday should be special. So, I make it a habit to tell the people that I love how much I love them today, not just valentine’s day, Christmas or anniversaries. It’s about today! Regardless, we made reservations to our favorite restaurant to try to find a deeper connection, on our special day. As we approach our table I notice there were other couples trying to connect. Unfortunately, not with each other, but with the virtual world. Many couples were looking at their cell phones. As if what was on their phones was more interesting than the person they were with. I pointed this out to my husband and he joked that maybe they were checking in. Letting the Facebook world know that they were having a fabulous time. When in reality what my husband and I were seeing was quite the opposite.
This made me think about the topic for today. Are you connecting with the people you love? I mean really connecting? In your family do you have a policy that at dinner time you focus on each other? When you spend time with others, are you constantly checking social media? If you are you are lacking human connection. Here are three tips on how to connect spiritually so you may have a more meaningful life!
Set time to connect with loved ones.
It is very important in my family to have time to connect every day. I have discovered that dinner time is connection time! When we have dinner in my home, we turn of all electronic devices. This is a time to simply talk about our day. I ask my children to share two of their favorite parts of the day, and one challenge. My children have gotten so used to this routine, that they have reminded me to turn off the TV if I have not done so, when I am done cooking! It works for us because this has become a habit. They understand this is family connection time, not virtual world connection time!
Drop that phone!
I have not done this, but I have seen friends that have a tub where cell phones could be dropped during a party. I think it’s a great idea! If you have an issue with this at family functions or parties designate a phone drop box for the evening. Tell your guests that you really value them and want to really connect without distractions. Some will argue that they may need in case of an emergency, I would say that if they are expecting an emergency, then they should stay where the emergency would happen. In reality a few hours of no phone interruptions will not harm anybody.
Focus on the NOW.
When you are having a conversation with someone. Focus on being present. Put your phone on vibrate and give them undivided attention. Whatever is happening out there, you will be able to get to soon enough. Also, if you are trying to have a conversation with someone who is focusing on the virtual world, bring it to their attention and don’t attempt to engage unless they are giving you the attention you deserve. Remember you teach others how to treat you! Teach them to treat you well by focusing on you on hundred percent, because you deserve it!
In conclusion, there are many benefits to connecting with the outside world. I have been blessed to have connected to some super amazing people. But I have concluded that social media can take us away from our loved ones. Remember we are only here for a very short period of time. Make the best of it by truly connecting to others souls. Show them that you value them, by stay focus and present. Love your loved ones in the flesh not on social media! Until next time, Believe. Change. Become!
NancyJ
