Chill for a sec
Our new normal in the twenty-first century consists of having access to our devices at all times.
Not sometimes, all the time! This has drastically changed the effectiveness and efficiency of
communication. Which is always a good thing especially when it comes to a health crisis like the
one we are currently experiencing. However, our devices have become so etched into our
culture that we cannot live without them. We need them. Without our phones, we get anxious
and scared. We feel less than whole as a person if it isn’t attached to our hip. This is when
things can become a problem. When we feel powerless over our devices.
This constant stimulation warps our mind. We constantly check our phones over and over again
not because we want to, but because we have lost all control over our impulses which in itself is
already hard to control. And now we’re a slave, bonded to a device that allows us to consume
information by the truckload. The state of the world on social media can be overwhelming
sometimes. It can leave you with a wide array of emotions that kill your motivation and drive.
You actually start to see the world through a black screen. Mentally, clutter is expected. With
clutter in our mind it makes it very difficult to focus on the things that are important to us. Like
our goals, dreams, and aspirations. It makes it hard for us to have an in depth conversation
because our attention span decreases. Which means we lose an invaluable skill, listening.
There has not been enough time for sufficient public health research yet on the effects of social
media on young brains, but I would be willing to bet that the findings will be disheartening and
perhaps a bit scary. Hell I know it’s affected mine.
Peace is hard to obtain because you have to intentionally take inventory of your life and
eliminate the things that don’t serve you. Things we’re lowkey addicted too. That’s hard because
we are creatures of habits and breaking any habit is very challenging. With peace, we’re clear.
We can see things that were initially visible. The long road to obtaining peace is constantly
asking yourself, is this helping me? Do I need this? I’m not advocating to get rid of your phone.
We need our phones and they help us navigate through the world in a productive way.
However, balance is the goal. Having the capability to say “I need to focus for these three
hours” is a major accomplishment. And just like anything, it takes practice. It takes work. You
must demand it of yourself. Declutter your life by eliminating wasted things and time. Take a
walk in the woods where noise is nonexistent. Let your thoughts roam free and not be held
hostage by the ways of the world through a black screen. As a matter of fact, leave it in the car.
No worries on site. Gather your insight.