I am a huge advocate of digging into the recesses of the heart and finding purpose and passion in life. However, lately I have been lacking the energy to “self-explore”. Sure, I love coming into the magical state of a new consciousness, but what if I took a little bit of that energy and explored someone else for a change?
Everywhere I turn there is talk of being “connected” and while I cherish the newly forming bonds I am making with online friends, there is something to be said for hearing a friend’s voice or seeing him/her face-to-face. I live for telling a compelling story and enjoy the sincere expression in literally seeing my companion’s eyes.
There are family members dear to me who live more than a few miles away and I find myself getting caught up in shooting them an email attached with photos instead of picking up the phone or Skyping with them “face-to-face”.
Physical connection is crucial and I believe we are losing an indispensable bond in a sea of texts, direct messages, Facebook likes, and tweets.
We must feel compelled to witness a friend who is really alive out there – breathing, laughing, and crying. To hear her thoughts rather than read them on a screen and feel the compassion in her voice as she debates a viewpoint or divulges a secret.
I am working on exploring that tangible connection and making the most of the air I breathe with my loved ones by taking an oath that commits me to actively seek fellowship with those around me. In the next week:
- I promise to call at least one person instead of texting or emailing.
- I commit to meeting a friend for a coffee clutch instead of chatting on Facebook.
- I pledge to start listening more. By exploring and supporting the desires of someone else’s heart instead of constantly proclaiming my own.
The word “connect” has lost its meaning. Overused in our daily vocabulary, we need to seek camaraderie and reignite the genuine physical closeness of hearing a boisterous laugh instead of LOL’ing through an electrical device.
Resist the urge to let your true self be replaced by text messages, your email address, or a Twitter avatar.
As a writer, making a connection with my readers is imperative and I focus on leaping over the lack of our physical presence together, always eager to speak to your heart. My ultimate goal is to bring you around a cozy campfire of mutual support and intimate understanding as you read my essays.
I want to link us in emotional congregation with silly stories and brutally honest accounts of my life in the hope that you will “see” into my eyes and “hear” my laughter.
Until we “meet” again…
-Elizabeth
*Image courtesy of PJR
A friend of mine in Toronto has me hooked on the idea of the Phone Pile, which helps people who go out to eat together stay focused on each other: When you get to the restaurant, everyone piles their phones in the middle of the table, where they must stay until the end of the meal.
You’re allowed to answer yours if you’re a parent with children home, or if you’re on-call for a job, but otherwise, the first person to pick up their phone to play with a social media site, take a game turn, etc, before the check has been split, pays for everyone.
Yes, Melissa! I love the idea of the Phone Pile and will mention it to friends! When I am with my kids, I have found myself silencing my phone. It is a vicious luxury sometimes… Thank you for your suggestion! -elizabeth