What trail of curiosity do you follow without the use of your smart phone? A path of curiosity that leads you to a deeper awareness of life?
Trail of Curiosity Without a Smart Phone
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against smart phones. I have one, use it daily and often, and thrive leveraging its capabilities for better productivity. This innovation is one of the greatest since the invention of software and desktop computing. I use my smart phone for research, answering questions, looking up tidbits of information, communicating, and of course, cat memes. The device is a super-computer at my fingertips.
What I worry is that digital devices are way over-used, so much so that we have lost touch with human relationships, especially with those closest to us. Have you ever watched people in a restaurant communicate or seem to relate only through their smart phone? They are heads down, not looking at each other, but absorbed in the contents of a blue screen that is a little more than the size of an index card.
Our Life in the Digital Age
Again, don’t get me wrong. Digital devices are a vital part of our life experience today . It is not the only part. My point is there is life beyond digital. Plus, there is more to curiosity than just the results of the 1’s and 0’s on a digital screen.
A world of curiosity begs us to pay attention. This curiosity is mostly in analog mode and can only be accessed through our senses, feet on the ground experiencing of life. Follow that trail of curiosity and see what happens.
Step Away From the Blue Screen
I must remind myself to step away from the blue screen and let go of the digital universe every now and then. By hiking the trail of curiosity without a digital device, I become more aware and surprised by profound wonder, re-charged by human connections of the soul and a more significant meaning to life.
Trail of Curiosity on a Different Trajectory
What kind of world do you experience along the trail of curiosity?
I was recently fly fishing in the central mountains of Oregon and to my surprise, the location had a cell signal. I decided to power down my phone and keep it in the pocket of my waders. There was no need for the compass, GPS, or camera on my phone. I had a guide with me who knew where we were and what direction we were going. Plus, I used a single-purpose digital camera for photos and did not connect with any social media during the experience. Life slowed down, and the time standing in a flowing river, casting a line back and forth to the cadence of solitude was vibrant and invigorating, to the point of inebriating gratitude.
Time to Re-Charge
Yes, there is a life beyond the smart phone. Give yourself a time out every now and then to look up from your devices and outward into a different landscape of curiosity. The time does not have to be a prolonged period. 10 – 20 minutes, a half hour, or even an hour away from all-things digital is plenty of time to re-charge your inner spirit.
Notice the world of possibility, inspiration, and creativity. Breathe in fresh ideas. Enhance your perspective through curiosity in analog mode. Pay attention with all your senses.
What happens when you step away from your smart phone and seek curiosity on a different path? What do you learn? In what ways does the down time re-charge or re-boot your inner batteries of soul or spirit? Does anything change for you?
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