I forgot my phone — signs of the times

After reading an article today in the New York Time, I got to thinking about how we are losing something of great value, slowly but surely in this Digital Age of the Internet, smart phones, tablets and all manner of other electronic devices that seem at times to have taken over our lives. What we are losing is the ability to daydream and disconnect from the frantic world around us.

Mainly, I refer to smart phones, those ubiquitous devices that arrived about six years ago with the iPhone. I have two of them now. They are loaded with apps. I reach for the latest one I have — the iPhone 4S almost reflexively to check email or see if I have any text messages or voice mail. Not to mention reading countless stories or snippets of stories on Zite, Flipboard, or BuzzFeed. Or taking photos with my phone camera. It’s amazing. It’s never ending.

A few days ago I was at Waterfront Park on a nice, sunny afternoon. There was a breeze off the harbor. I sat for awhile on a bench overlooking the water, cooling breeze making me feel good. I was not there two minutes before I had pulled out my phone. No rhyme or reason, need or necessity. Just habit. Years before, in the days before computers and iPhones, I would sit there or at the park or nature preserve and soak in the peace and serenity, lost in thoughts for maybe a half hour. Daydreaming, if you will. Not so much anymore. It’s sad. I miss that time alone with my thoughts only and not a myriad other distractions from my phone.

I can’t leave the phone home — I have to always be in touch with home and the caregivers who stay with my mother whenever I am at work or off for a short outing. But what I can do is just leave it in my pocket. For a half hour maybe. And just relax and lose myself in my thoughts. Just for a little while. I think I can do it.

This is the YouTube video that has had 18 million views and provides a sad commentary on not only the lost art of daydreaming, but human communication and direct face to face connection in general. I can see why this video has struck such a nerve.

http://www.youtube.com/watch

cairo

The phone has become an important asset to have, especially in your situation (the caretaker needs to get hold you in case of emergencies). Take care of yourself 🙂

zhnee

September 3, 2013

I have a phone, but seldom use it. No iphone, however. I’ve never much like talking on the phone so it’s kind of a waste. Beside that, I like to sit and talk to myself. 🙂 I understand why you must have your with you at all times.

Sago

You are so correct–our phones are an extension of our lives that do threaten to take over. I don’t carry mine around but some of my friends do, without the good reason that you do…and of course you have to do that, I agree. What Kermit and I do is take his, which isn’t as “smart” as mine (no joke meant, his has only messaging and he never uses it to surf the web or take photos, etc.). With that simple shift as we go out, I can’t be tempted to look at FB or take a photo, etc. Restful, too. Day dreaming is important. I’ll check out that youtube video, too. Thanks for this entry.

EDIT: I meant I don’t keep mine with me at all times when I am home. I simply leave it on my desk, with the ringer turned off. I check for calls and messages from time to time, however. We still have a house phone, too; and I keep the sound on that turned down very low. So, I guess I have no cause not to day dream…oh, yes…I do!

~seafarer

I have to keep my phone on me at all times and forward my house phone to my cell when I am out. I never know when the inlaws will need me or my Mom… Yes, it is a very different world today… I remember playing as a child and dreaming about what could be… Life takes odd twists and turns… take care, friend! *hugs*

Gypsy Spirit

I don’t have a smart phone (Iphone) and am quite content to use my cheap old mobile device simply for txts and the odd photo. I never use it for internet although it has the capability. Yes we are a strange species, we humans….we seem to feel we need constantly to be on call – that the world will stop without us. hugs and smiles p

For you, I know the phone is essential. I really dislike how people are obsessively playing with their phone in company…grrrrr.

So true. I’ll try to watch the video when I’m on faster internet.

I have a simple, prepaid cell phone. I almost never have it turned on, unless I’m making, or expecting to receive, a phone call.