There is, of course, a solution to phone addiction: get rid of the damn thing. Three years ago while riding behind my husband on his motorcycle, I was moving my phone from one jacket pocket to another (the one I considered -- oh irony! -- more secure) when his elbow hit my hand. My phone went flying. I saw it hit the ground just before a truck ran over it.
I intended to replace it but didn't actually NEED it, so never got around to it. I have an old flip phone with talk & text that I carry in my car for emergencies, but it didn't take long to break the obsession to keep checking for . . . well, whatever it is we keep checking for. I now have no desire at all to have something that's so intrusive & all-consuming of my time & attention. I see couples sitting in restaurants, each staring at their phone instead of each other, & feel both sorry for them & a little smugly contemptuous at the same time.
I'm an engineer & far from a tech Luddite, btw. But when a tool becomes your master it might be time to rethink the relationship.
May you find a way to keep your eyes wide open when you return to your familiar surroundings and native language. I just returned from a mostly silent writing retreat in Taos where I took the opportunity for a news and device fast as well. My cup was filled to overflowing. I’m grasping for ways to maintain the inner calm I cultivated. I think one day/week sans devices and one day/month of silence might be my ticket. And here’s one takeaway: food tastes better when one isn’t rushed or talking. Each bite is a journey unto itself.
Safe travels. Be kind to yourself. So looking forward to a writing spa day.
Safe travels and so glad to have shared the adventure with you!!
Thank you for reading about my adventures! It's been a dream. xxN
Omg the veggies, the flowers. Wish we had them here
There is, of course, a solution to phone addiction: get rid of the damn thing. Three years ago while riding behind my husband on his motorcycle, I was moving my phone from one jacket pocket to another (the one I considered -- oh irony! -- more secure) when his elbow hit my hand. My phone went flying. I saw it hit the ground just before a truck ran over it.
I intended to replace it but didn't actually NEED it, so never got around to it. I have an old flip phone with talk & text that I carry in my car for emergencies, but it didn't take long to break the obsession to keep checking for . . . well, whatever it is we keep checking for. I now have no desire at all to have something that's so intrusive & all-consuming of my time & attention. I see couples sitting in restaurants, each staring at their phone instead of each other, & feel both sorry for them & a little smugly contemptuous at the same time.
I'm an engineer & far from a tech Luddite, btw. But when a tool becomes your master it might be time to rethink the relationship.
Good for you! What a happy accident that turned out to be!
Just fabulous, Natalie! And your watercolor is wonderful.
Merci mon amie! xN
Hi, Natalie
I look forward to your messages from France. Like being there for a few moments.
Thanks!
Merci!
I love hearing about your journey! Thank you for the beautiful writing and sharing:)
Thank you, Wendi.
Natalie,
May you find a way to keep your eyes wide open when you return to your familiar surroundings and native language. I just returned from a mostly silent writing retreat in Taos where I took the opportunity for a news and device fast as well. My cup was filled to overflowing. I’m grasping for ways to maintain the inner calm I cultivated. I think one day/week sans devices and one day/month of silence might be my ticket. And here’s one takeaway: food tastes better when one isn’t rushed or talking. Each bite is a journey unto itself.
Safe travels. Be kind to yourself. So looking forward to a writing spa day.
Marla, Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful note. I look forward to seeing you as well. xN