Today I wanted to talk about something that's been on my mind for awhile now. At first I didn't want to create a post about it, partly because I feel like the topic has already been discussed to death and partly because I can't offer any sort of tangible solution. Nevertheless, I decided it was worth putting out there, if only because we can collectively grapple with it.
The topic is distraction. Namely, failing to live fully and wholeheartedly in the moment because of the distraction of technology. This is how it looks for me: I am going through my day, and suddenly I start to feel a little sad, or even lonely, or maybe just bored. Instead of letting myself feel those emotions, I slide open my iPhone and distract myself. Maybe I text someone, or maybe I just click on one of those infuriating Buzzfeed links on my Facebook timeline. Either way, it's nonsense and I end up numbed out. It's like I have forgotten how to be still and just let emotion wash over me- good or bad.
This issue is especially poignant for me with our wedding less than two weeks away. Sam's family arrives in Houston Thursday, and it's going to all be here before we know it. I know everything will fly by and suddenly it will all be over. I so wish I could slow down time to capture each moment and hold on to it as long as I need to, to appropriately experience and process it.
Let me be straight with you- obviously I don't think technology itself is evil or bad. I have a blog, an Instagram, a Twitter, and a Facebook. But learning how to manage and utilize technology in a positive way without letting it numb me out is what I'm after. I have this amazing design professor who is incredibly well read and just a general delight. We often talk in her class about this very subject- how we can learn to curate technology and avoid unnecessary distraction. Working productively in a creative field requires a lot of focus. Developing unique ideas and following them to fruition demands a great deal of brainpower, and if you are consistently distracted, your work will be subpar.
All this to say, I'm trying to become more conscious of my dependence on technology, and I'm learning to let myself just be still for more than a few seconds and actually feel emotion.
Louis CK says it best in this Conan interview (which is amazing) -
"Just be sad. Let yourself be sad. Stand in the way of it, and let it hit you like a truck. You're lucky to live sad moments."
So can anyone relate with my love-hate relationship with technology? How do you deal with it?
Sam, wonderfully stated. I can definitely relate. Sometimes when I feel down/sad/overwhelmed I instantly look for that distraction (it's often Facebook or my phone), but in reality, does doing that make me feel better? No, not really. It pushes the sad feelings away for a little bit, but then they come back later. Really, I've always thought that a good long snotty cry in a hot shower does wonders for cleansing your body and mind. It's definitely ok to be sad and embrace it for a little bit.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Louis CK always manages to make serious things funny-- but it rings so true. I totally relate to that feelings or being numbed by technology... but still feeling reliant on it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletexo Lily http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
I watched that interview with Louis C.K. a while ago, and I tend to agree with him. I find myself falling back on technology a lot when I'm bored/tired/upset. Granted, I'm not doing that in the car...that's just dangerous and dumb...but I do find myself doing that at home a lot. It's something I think we all should learn to be conscious of, and learn to keep checking in to make sure it's not taking over our quiet moments.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great day!
Hi Sam,
ReplyDeletedon't think i've ever posted a comment on your site but you are on my blogroll:) anyway I feel the same. I have 3 girls (10,6,3) and the 2 older ones are always on their Ipods or netflix, or watching youtube videos on how to make such & such....either way, it has been driving me crazy. I've been trying to do things with them to "connect" and to help them and myself "disconnect" from everything that is totally distracting us from real life. I myself try to stay away from the phone and computer (hard, cause I blog and create on my computer) but I've been so much better! Thanks for feeling as I do and saying it!!!
Bianca.