by Maria Koropecky, Spiritual Wellness Coach
In 1993, I had a chance to go spring skiing in the Austrian Alps. I remember climbing onboard a tour bus along with several seasoned skiers of all ages on a mild, Saturday morning in April. We left from Munich, Germany and headed toward the “Sound of Music” neighbourhood of Salzburg, Austria. The drive through the chiseled mountains was spectacular! I stared out my window the entire trip and I marvelled at how beautiful the views were, from each bend in the road to the next.
But while I was enchanted by all of the natural beauty around me, the other people who were travelling with me, who had been up and down this road many, many times before, could care less. I was struck by how they were more interested in their Game Boys (remember, this was before everyone had cell phones) than they were in awe-inspiring mountain vistas that other people from other parts of the world would spend big money to see with their own eyes!
That was the first time I noticed that people were choosing technology over real life experiences.
Fast forward to 2018. Over the weekend, I was in a restaurant eating brunch and I noticed a couple sitting together at a small table but she was more interested in her cell phone and a magazine than her husband. He clearly wanted to have a good conversation over breakfast and occasionally she would look up and say a few words and then go back to her activity. I was sad for him.
“Play with me, not your phone!”
The next day, a friend of mine posted this telling photo on Facebook. “Play with me, not your phone!” is from a campaign in the U.K. that’s urging parents to put down their cell phones and be present with their kids.
It hurts me to think that kids are feeling neglected because their parents are more interested in something or someone out there more than they are their own kids who are right here.
I don’t know how you feel when someone you’re sitting with is replying to an interrupting text to someone who isn’t even in the room while you’re talking and trying to express yourself, but I sure don’t like it.
And believe me, if kids are feeling ignored in their formative years, this will cause some damage in their future relationships.
Unfortunately, being distracted is nothing new. Cell phones and digital devices are just a modern version of an old problem.
Remember the 1974 song, “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin?
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when”
But we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then…
A song worth listening to, for sure!
So, here’s our chance to be more mindful in our relationships and not let technology, (that still has its place in our modern lives), interfere with face-to-face conversations.
Create 3 No-Phone Zones Starting Today!
Take a stand in your relationships and be clear about these three no-phone zones. Tell everyone that in these three situations, cell phones and laptops are not allowed. Instead, try to encourage real, meaningful conversations with all of the people you care about. You’ll be amazed at what people have to say!
1. Meal Times at the Dinner Table
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner offer great opportunities for people to connect. I know many of us are on different schedules and have different food preferences, but that doesn’t mean we can’t share meals with each other. It’s a perfect time to work together as a team preparing meals and cleaning up. It’s also a chance for everyone to tell a story about the topic of the day!
2. Bedroom
People who don’t bring technology into the bedroom — like tv’s, laptops, and smart phones — sleep better. Also, as you’re winding down from your day, this is the perfect time to connect with your partner and have some pillow talk. It’s also a magical time to spend with your kids as you’re putting them to bed.
3. Car
Of course, this is more of a safety issue but you can also use the time in the car to check in with all of the passengers. And if you’re on a long-distance road trip, well that’s a perfect time to get to know each other better!
I hope this blog post inspires you to give the no phone zones a chance!
But if this idea pushes your buttons, ask yourself, what’s that about? What are you trying to avoid? Why do you feel your phone is more important?
Just remember, if you continue to choose your smart phone and technology over the real people in your life, you’re missing out on the beauty that’s around you!
Spiritual Guidance Available
Would you like to have some spiritual guidance on this topic? Consider signing up for a Free Crystal Mapping Session with Spa Therapist and Spiritual Wellness Coach, Maria Koropecky. Subscribe to this Ammolite Wellness Coaching blog and book your free Crystal Mapping Session today.