Mindful Connection In The Age Of Clocks And Screens

These days, we keep one eye on the clock and the other on our phone screen. It is stressful to always be on the go and in the know. Too often there is no time to relax and really enjoy the moment.

We have clearly lost sight of the things that really matter in life. We have become slaves to the clock.

These days we hardly notice or appreciate our friends and family. We are either preoccupied with our social media news feed or in such a hurry to get to our next destination. How often do we give a meaningful hug to those we love? We see more value in getting somewhere fast or getting something else done.

Can you remember the last time you gave a loved one a really good “squeeze”? Seriously! I mean a real, unhurried, sincere, meaningful hug? Have you ever received such a hug? Do you know what it feels like to get a real hug? It’s quite healing, affirming, and refreshing. What is that feeling? It’s love! And that is the true meaning of life, to give and receive love.

With the rise of digital technology and our increasing obsession with screen time and addiction to social media, many of us are not used to connecting in a personal, warm way. Some of us are not even capable of having a meaningful conversation these days. Ever since smartphones came on the scene, you see people everywhere with their heads down. If only they were busy praying! No, they are texting while their lunch partner is doing the same!

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you ~ Carl Sandburg

Technology addiction and its impact on screen time, social life, and human connection has become a major concern, and the statistics are alarming. Did you know that on average, people spend about three hours a day on social media, with teenagers spending almost nine hours a day? This high usage contributes to internet and social media addiction, which affects approximately 210 million people worldwide. Addiction is particularly concerning among young, single women, who are the most addicted segment.

One of the most significant concerns is the shift to a disembodied life, where online interactions replace face-to-face human connections. This shift has led to an increase in loneliness and a decrease in the quality of our relationships. Embodied relationships, where physical presence allows for the expression of love and presence, are critical to a fulfilling life. As social beings, we are wired for love and connection, which we cannot get much of from our watch or phone screen.

Beyond mental health, technology addiction has physical health consequences, including digital eye strain and sleep disturbances due to blue light exposure. It also affects social relationships, leading to isolation and difficulty maintaining meaningful connections.

Most of all digital addiction significantly impacts our spirituality. The constant distractions offered by digital devices has lead to what can be described as “spiritual ADD,” where people find it increasingly difficult to focus on spiritual awareness and contemplate deeper life issues due to the endless barrage of notifications and the atomized nature of digital information. These distractions challenge our ability to live intentionally and maintain a calm, centered spiritual life.

We have become consumed with the superficial and impersonal, while truly connecting with spirit and the people in our lives takes a back seat. Before we know it, the moment for sharing and loving exchange may be gone, for time doesn’t stand still for anyone.

Sometimes I feel that life is passing me by, not slowly either, but with ropes of steam and spark-spattered wheels and a hoarse roar of power or terror. It’s passing, yet I’m the one who’s doing all the moving ~ Martin Amis

However, we can stop and take the time to realize that there is more to life than living by the clock while glued to the screen of a device. We can choose to live more mindfully and meaningfully. We need to reevaluate and redesign our lives so that we can live them in a way that is more in line with our heart’s desire and our soul’s true purpose.

I am reminded of the children’s song: “Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream, merrily, merrily, merrily, for life is but a dream!” If we don’t slow down, that dream may be over before we have a chance to truly appreciate and enjoy it.

One of the best ways to stop chasing the clock and reduce your screen time is to cultivate a daily spiritual routine of mindfulness, presence, and a deeper connection to your inner self and the world around you. Try some of these strategies to create a more balanced relationship with technology and time:

Digital Detox

Schedule a regular digital detox where you consciously unplug from all electronic devices for a period of time. This could be for a few hours each day, during meals, or one day a week. Use this time to connect with nature, meditate, read, or engage in any activity that nourishes your soul and brings you joy.

Another smart strategy is to create technology-free zones and times in your home, especially in bedrooms and during meals. This encourages face-to-face interactions with family and friends, fostering deeper connections and reducing reliance on digital communication.

Mindfulness Practices

Begin your day with mindfulness meditation. This practice helps you become more aware of the present moment and reduces the urge to constantly check your devices. By focusing on your breath or a mantra, you can train your mind to be less reactive to the distractions of technology and more attuned to the present.

Challenge the cultural emphasis on productivity and accomplishment by allowing yourself to simply “be” without having to do anything. Spend time sitting quietly, observing nature, or listening to soothing music. Mindfulness practices can help you break free from the constant need to chase the clock and achieve, allowing you to find peace in the present moment.

Intention Setting

Before you use your device, set an intention. Ask yourself why you are picking it up and what you hope to accomplish. This practice encourages mindful use of technology and ensures that it plays a purposeful role in your life, rather than being a source of constant distraction.

Gratitude Practice

Cultivate a practice of gratitude and begin to count your blessings. Take time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. This can shift your focus from what you feel you are missing and may be looking for online to instead appreciating what you have in the present moment, reducing the need to escape into the digital world.

Physical Activity

Engage in physical activities such as yoga, martial arts, walking, or any other form of exercise that connects you to your body. These practices not only reduce screen time, but also improve your physical health, reduce stress, and enhance your mental well-being.

Spiritual Study

Set aside time to read spiritual books or listen to spiritual teachings that inspire you. This is a much more meaningful way to use the time you might otherwise spend on screens with activities that contribute to your spiritual growth and soul evolution.

Community Service

Engage in acts of service or volunteerism. Do things that touch people’s lives and help make the world a better place. Giving back to your community can be a fulfilling way to spend your time, providing a sense of purpose and connection that transcends the shallow, toxic interactions often found on social media.

By incorporating more of these spiritual practices into your daily life, you can create a more balanced relationship with technology and the clock, leading to a more mindful, fulfilled, and connected existence.