Column: Turn off, tune in

0

Commentary by Amy L. Stewart

[email protected]

Believe it or not, before long, another summer will draw to a close. Soon we will return to the hustle and bustle of another school year, and then the cold, confined expanse of winter. As we reflect, how did we spend the summer of 2015? What priceless moments and memories will this summer contribute to the mosaic of our lives? How tuned in were we – to our loved ones, to nature, to the people and places around us?

If our response to these questions leaves something to be desired, the good news is, there’s still time. If our attention, our presence, offers room for improvement, perhaps we can try an experiment to give it a kick. What I’m proposing is that we turn off. The phones, the pads and pods, the laptops and the desktops. What I’m proposing is that we pull the plug and power off.

Just curious – how did you feel when you read that?

If you managed to keep on reading, go ahead and pick a time. A time that is long enough to make you feel just a little bit uncomfortable. A full evening, at least. Even better, a Saturday or a Sunday, or an entire weekend – even longer, if you dare. Challenge others to join you. Make it a family event. Put the devices away, out of sight, and leave them there.

Take a deep breath . . .

What do you notice? About the world around you? About the people around you? Perhaps more important, what do you notice about you? How do you spend your time? What are your conversations like? Are you more comfortable or less comfortable than you expected? Any surprises? What do you learn? How does it feels to be tuned in? How does it feel to your loved ones to have you tuned in? Could it be worth doing again?

Now – ask yourself, what were the priceless moments and memories of summer 2015?


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact