What popped into my head as I stood there waiting was that many young people these days don’t know how to be still. It was a couple of minutes or so before we got into the room. I used the time to reflect on the class coming up, how the day had been so far, and a couple of other things. It’s rare that I don’t have several things on my mind that I want to contemplate deeply. That’s not intended as a brag of any sort. I just usually have a lot on my mind, and I like to think about stuff. But as I looked around, I saw bent heads and scrolling thumbs all around me.
I think this constant need to be in contact, or to check social media, or whatever the cause is for having the phone out ALL the time is a bad thing. Too many people don’t know how to just be still and think about things. I teach writing, as I’ve mentioned before (I think), and I see the impact there. When asked to brainstorm for topic ideas, as often as not lately, I have students say they can’t think of anything to write about. They can’t think of any topics that are worth their attention. I don’t think that it ever occurs to them that part of their problem with coming up with something to write about is connected to the incessant need to see something different every few seconds on a tiny screen.
I find a lot of value in just being present in the moment. I rarely have my phone out, not that it would make much difference in my case. I happily own a flip phone. I don’t check email. I can’t get directions. I don’t surf the net on my phone. I make phone calls as needed and send an occasional text. Aside from that, I have learned to be still.