I’m in my 10th year as a choir/band mom. My oldest began choir her 6th grade year which led the charge for all her siblings to join in music in one form or another. This means that I’ve sat in many auditoriums, theatres, and stadiums getting my ears tickled by the sounds of music. It’s funny how we’ll be sitting through the program and recognize a song that a different child sang or played at another time and place.
The songs haven’t changed much, but there has been a dramatic shift that has not gone unnoticed. As the students are giving the gift of music, the audience is inevitably on their phones. It’s devastating, really. The addiction to phones steals priceless memories that cannot be replaced.
I was recently at the happiest place on earth watching an entertaining performance by the main cast. A couple standing next to us was trying to capture the moment with a perfect picture. They took a picture, then looked at it on their phone. Then took another, then looked at it. Then took yet another one and looked at it. This continued until the show was over. They had missed the event entirely.
They were so intent on sharing that they were not present.
I work virtually and my phone helps me get my work done throughout the day. It is a tool I use to serve my job, not the other way around. I do not serve my phone. When it dings, I don’t jump to its command. But I fear our phones are becoming a dominant voice that’s drowning out the voices and attention of our loved ones. How can we turn this around?
Here are 4 tips that may help you be fully present this holiday:
Move your social media to the last page on your phone. This helps me not default to tapping on social media when I have an extra minute. As you’re swiping to get to the link, ask yourself if you really need to check it right now.
Turn off notifications. I have a strong dislike for notifications. They’re interrupters and upset my flow during the day. Again, I don’t jump to the “ding” on my phone. It’s there to serve me and I will check it when it fits my schedule. If it’s an emergency, they’ll call.
Remove the pressure of having to capture every moment. My husband recently took me to a concert. The hall forbade any recording or pictures. It was so delightful to sit and listen and not worry about having to take video to share with others. This was a special memory for just my husband and I to share.
Put the phone down. This is hard, I know. But feast your eyes on the faces you’re with. Breathe in the smells of the season. Delight your heart on the giggles and smiles that are shared. Be fully present.
