Out With Your Phone & In With You

Over the past few years, or more, my cell phone has been attached to my hip. In my pocket, in a bag, on the table, sitting next to me on the couch. It’s my phone, my camera, my alarm, it keeps track of my grocery lists and keeps me in contact with all of those who are nearest and dearest to me. I feel it is an important accessory for my life and does help me keep track of me. I also know it can be a distraction in a doctor’s office or when I’m waiting for food at a restaurant. Even though my phone helps me feel connected to my life, I have started feeling more and more disconnected. As a therapist who so deeply believes in the power and importance of mindfulness I surely have not been a positive role model by existing in my phone rather than in life.

I also know for me, being on my phone so much can actually increase my anxiety and increase my constant need to be “doing things” all. the. time. This is not a way I want to live my life. I want to be someone who observes life and participates in what is around me. I was reminded of this today while in my car and saw the incredible change in colors of the maple trees lining the streets that I had not really noticed prior to today. So when I got home, rather than checking my email for the millionth time, I put my phone down, walked around the block and allowed my awareness to focus on the change of seasons. I returned home only after five or ten minutes but the change in perspective was incredible. I felt more tuned into ME, more tuned into my needs. I was able to hear my mind and body screaming for time outside and for time to sit and be still. If I had gone to my phone, I would have been caught up in more emails and spent more time on Pinterest creating a vision of what I want rather than doing something about what I want. Being in the moment sure can be a powerful thing.

We have all been told before, to put down our phones and engage in life, so I am here as a reminder and someone to challenge you. Put down your phone, for an hour or a day or a week. Use mindfulness by observing what is around you and participate in that. Listen to your mind and listen to your body. What can you learn about yourself by being connected to you?

Written by Sonja Kromroy, MA, LPC

Photo Source: ahmed aqtai