Phoneless in NYC

Oh, Happy, Warm, Day, dear Reader! Our New England weather has had a typical change over the last week. From snow showers and freezing temps to almost 80 degrees and lots of melting of the five foot snowbanks. Spring really must be around the corner. 

In celebration of the sunshine and blue skies, I spent the day in New York City this past Tuesday. I was staying with dear, long-time friends just 30 minutes outside the city. We were on our way and about halfway to our destination when I realized I didn't have my phone. Even though my friend was perfectly willing, and I suspect probably assumed we would have to turn around, I said, "No, let's keep going!". I almost immediately felt a sense of relief. 

It was wonderful strolling up and down the avenues and side streets. We stopped at a cafe with a few outdoor tables and watched people as we sipped coffee. It was noteworthy how many people had their phones in hand, ready for the next text, call, or alert. 

At one point I felt moved to go inside St Patrick's Cathedral. I hadn't been in a while and I loved looking up and around at all the beauty. There's actually a one-stall bathroom at the rear of the church near the chapel end. As I stood in line and looked around, I noticed a young man behind me with his eyes glued to his phone. I was awestruck by the art around me and I wanted to ask him if he was even aware of any of it.

I've been having fun lately with the issue of acting one's age. You've probably seen the T-shirt: 

"I don't know how to act my age. 

I've never been this old before."

Aside from not knowing what's "expected" of me and also not giving a damn, at times I'm grateful and maybe even thrilled to be approaching the 3/4 of a century mark. I appreciate not growing up with a lot of electronics and cell phones. I liked not being potentially available to everyone all the time. I didn't know it back then, however, I'm now aware how stressful it is to feel like I'm supposed to be always accessible. 

Don't get me wrong. I like my iPhone. It definitely serves many purposes. I like getting directions from it. I like talking on it when I need to connect with someone, although I'm not particularly fond of how much more texting there is between us all sometimes. The sound of someone's voice is often music to my ears. I like listening to my playlists at the gym and podcasts on my walks. 

I like taking pictures with my phone. I missed not snapping several shots while I was out in the Big Apple. I did have my friend take a picture of the Louis Vuitton building on Fifth Avenue and send them to me -- another benefit! 

Just a few days ago a new study came out. In states where there are no cell phone restrictions in schools, students are spending a third of their day on their phones. Other research has concluded that cell phones are affecting long-term learning retention. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has reported that while cell phones can be essential tools for accessing information, they also are linked to anxiety and depression as well as a disruption in personal interactions. This is leading to poor quality conversations and reduced emotional empathy related to less face-to-face practice. Is it any wonder there is a remarkable lack of compassion felt among many of us?!?

The bottom line for me is that I like having control over my phone. I don't ever want to feel like it's controlling me. Try going out without it. It might feel strange at first. If you notice a moment of panic, breathe through it and take that as a sign that you could use a little, quiet space from this device. 

Sending Sparkles and Love Your Way!