This morning, I found myself at Pret a Manger for breakfast, once again combining lunch and breakfast into a single meal. As I settled into my seat, I noticed a lone woman beside me, eating quietly by herself. She finished her meal, gathered her things, and left. Not long after, her absence was filled by two young women, likely in their twenties. One of them, with short, light brown curly hair, politely asked if she could take the seat diagonal from me. I nodded in agreement.
As they settled in, they began chatting about friends, food, and family. The conversation flowed naturally until it abruptly quieted when the other woman took out her phone to answer a text from her sister. Suddenly, the lively atmosphere shifted, replaced by a heavy silence. It was as if the phone had created an invisible wall between them, a subtle yet powerful barrier that stifled the connection they were sharing. In that moment, I realized how easily our devices can disrupt the flow of human connection. It’s like holding up a sign that says, “Do Not Disturb.” Without a word, it sends a message that our focus has drifted away from the present moment.
After a few minutes, the woman who had been texting let out a frustrated sigh and started talking about her sister and brother-in-law, and the conversation about family picked up again. But just as quickly, both women fell silent once more, their attention absorbed by their phones. I found it fascinating to observe how two people, sitting face to face, could be so disconnected simply because they were preoccupied with their screens. Their phones seemed to transport them to different worlds, pulling them away from the immediate reality of each other’s company. Finally, one of them broke the silence, bringing the conversation back to life with a new topic.
By this time, my attention had drifted to another woman sitting not too far from them. She was alone but fully engrossed in her phone, her fingers moving rapidly across the screen. It occurred to me that when people are alone, they often choose to disconnect from their surroundings by diving into their phones, creating an escape from the present moment. It’s fascinating—and somewhat troubling—how a small device can instantly transport us away from our current environment, distancing us from reality. It’s as if, by taking out a phone, we’re signaling, “I want to disconnect for now,” or perhaps even, “My phone is more interesting than the world around me.”
I must admit, I sometimes find myself reaching for my phone when I’m in the company of others. It’s so easy to get drawn into that small screen and forget about the real world around us. These days, I make a conscious effort to resist that urge unless I need to use it for something essential, like directions or a map. Otherwise, it pulls me down a rabbit hole of endless distractions, leading me to disconnect from the person I’m with. I’ve realized that we gain so much more from connecting with others face-to-face than from connecting online. When we are glued to our screens, we become mere spectators, not participants, in our own lives. We stop engaging in the richness of real-life interactions, and the deep connection and enrichment we get from one another stop flowing. As sociologist Brené Brown aptly put it, “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
A friend of mine recently told me he had deleted his social media accounts. I applauded him for taking such a bold step. Social media is an alluring distraction, a time thief for so many of us. This morning, for example, I woke up with every intention to start my laundry. Yet, somehow, an hour slipped away as I scrolled through social media, lost in the endless stream of videos and posts. None of it added any value to my day; it was just wasted time. It made me realize how often we fall into this trap—how much time we spend on unproductive activities.
The Bible reminds us of the importance of genuine connection in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This scripture speaks to the idea that through meaningful interactions, we grow, learn, and become better versions of ourselves. When we lose sight of this and turn our attention to our screens, we miss the opportunity to sharpen each other, to offer support, and to build each other up.
I often talk about the importance of being intentional with our time, yet I find myself struggling with it too. Time is one of the few things in life that we can never get back, and that makes it all the more precious. This is a lesson I have to learn over and over again: to be more mindful and aware of how I spend each moment.
Later, I found myself at Green Park station, observing the hurried commuters rushing past me. I couldn’t help but wonder: how many of them were aware of their surroundings? How many of them took a moment to simply be present, to appreciate the sights and sounds around them? We often move so quickly, caught up in our daily routines, that we forget to slow down and savor the present. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 teaches us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” These words remind us that life is richer and more meaningful when we walk it together, when we take the time to be present and help each other along the way. Perhaps, if we could be more intentional with our time, we might find more moments of peace, more opportunities to connect deeply with ourselves and others.
Soul Insights
1. The Art of Being Present: Our most meaningful connections often happen when we are fully present with those around us. By putting away distractions and engaging wholeheartedly, we allow ourselves to experience deeper, more authentic relationships that nourish our souls.
2. The Silent Disconnect: When we retreat into our devices, we may unintentionally build walls between ourselves and the world. Recognize when you’re disconnecting, and make a conscious choice to remain open and available to the people and experiences around you.
3. Time as a Sacred Resource: Time is the one resource we cannot renew or reclaim. Being intentional about how we spend each moment can lead to a more fulfilled and purpose-driven life. Consider each moment an opportunity to invest in something meaningful, whether it’s rest, reflection, or meaningful engagement with others.
4. The Digital Mirage: Social media and digital content can feel like an easy escape, but often they leave us feeling emptier than before. Seek out real, tangible experiences that bring you joy and growth rather than being lured by the digital mirage that only provides temporary distraction.
5. Slowing Down to Connect: Life’s beauty often lies in the small, quiet moments—the subtle sounds of a bustling station, a shared conversation, or even a silent pause. Embrace slowing down as a way to connect more deeply with yourself, others, and the present moment, finding richness in what often goes unnoticed.
Final Thoughts
In a world constantly vying for our attention, it’s easy to become distracted and disconnected from what truly matters. Our phones, social media, and the digital noise that surrounds us can pull us away from being present in our own lives. Yet, the real richness of life often comes from those quiet, intentional moments of presence—whether with others or with ourselves. As Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another.” Let us choose to put down our phones, engage with the world around us, and cherish the fleeting time we have. For in these moments, we find true connection, purpose, and the beauty of simply being alive.
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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