Cell phones are everywhere. It is more common to see someone with one than it is to see someone without one. These little boxes of handheld technology have permeated every aspect of our lives. In fact, there is not much you can't do with a phone. "There's an app for that" is true. They've replaced cameras, gps, tv, reading real books, the need for real face to face interaction with others, snail mail, going shopping, newspapers, magazines, alarm clocks, writing things down.. the list goes on and on and on.
There are some things that phones can not replace though. Real life, hands on experiences with the world around us. The ability to tangibly reach out and experience our surroundings. The wonder of watching events take place with our own eyes instead of through a lens. Human interaction on a base level..touching, talking, watching body language, experiencing a moment together. There have been so many times when we have gone out to eat and I've been saddened seeing a family or couple who are so immersed in their phones that there is no human interaction.
I would be a liar if I said that I haven't allowed my phone to take precedence at times when it shouldn't. This little plastic and glass gadget rarely leaves my side. And even though we have fairly strong rules about cell phones in our house and in public, I still find myself tethered in a way that is pervasive. There are notifications for every social media, messengers, and programs to share pictures and videos. It isn't until I turn my phone off that I realize I enjoy the silence and the lack of being available constantly.
There has been an article that has been circulating over Facebook. Have a read here:
http://www.oddcrunch.com/why-you-should-get-a-divorce/0
It got me thinking about just how much I've allowed my phone to become something I rely on..when I don't need to. I've been known to put people in real life on hold to take a call or check a message. That's not only unacceptable.. it's just shameful.
Kendrick and I have decided to create a challenge for ourselves. I'm hoping that you will join us and share your experiences with us. There is no question that this will be difficult on some level for everyone involved. The alternative is to continue to create an immunity to life experiences.. and to be honest, real life is more rewarding than anything a phone can offer.
Here's the challenge. My goal is to try this for two weeks to start, and then report my findings to you.
1. No phones at any meal
2. No checking or using the phone in the company of others unless there is an emergency.
3. As a passenger, no use of phone. Take the time to talk and look at the world around you in a different way.
4. Agree on a time to allow yourself to use your phone for entertainment. Up to an hour a day, no more.
5. Instead of using your phone to soothe your child, interact and play with them.
6. Set aside a place (a basket or bowl) for people to deposit their phones in during specific times like meals and family/friend/couple activities.
7. If you are at an event that you want to take pictures, but don't have a camera.. turn your phone on airplane mode and put it away after taking a few pictures.
8. If you use your phone as a gps, that is fine..but it should otherwise not be used in a vehicle for anything but that.
9. Use a computer to check your email and social media at moments throughout the day. Do not use your phone to check Facebook or any other social media unless you don't have a computer. If this is the case, use part of your allotted hour of entertainment to do so.
10. If you are outside, no phone use. Take the time to enjoy nature. There is no need for a phone in a situation like this.
11. Uninstall messengers. Use your computer at the proper times to check your messages.
Keep this list handy. Discuss it with those who are taking the challenge with you and come up with times and plans that suit your needs. Add to the list to make it work for you!
I do understand that there are some of you that use your phone for work, I understand this completely. Try to incorporate the challenge in other ways.
Comment on my Facebook post or on this blog to let me know you are involved! I am excited to see who will try it.
No comments:
Post a Comment