This is so true: "Even when we’re not on the phone, I feel that our presence has diminished. We are scattered, distracted, and alienated from those around us."
I would love to read a post in which someone spells out why it's good to be present. Either it's too obvious to need spelling out, like why we generally prefer to live than die, or we have all been brain-washed by 1960's hippies and a cult of eastern mysticism.
Not being present is hardly a new thing. As a teenager back in the 1970's I used to spend lots of time daydreaming. I view smartphone addiction as an extension of that; 'guided daydreaming', if you like. I view many other activities, including reading, in the same way.
So what does being present involve? Listening to the kitchen tap drip? Staring at the ticking clock on the mantelpiece? Why is that preferable to imagining yourself on some planet in the Andromeda Galaxy?
I'm not saying that 'being present' isn't a better way of living. I just want someone to explain why, rather than simply assuming it's so from the outset.
Interesting question. For me it is good because when I am more present - embodied, focused, engaged with the senses - life is richer. By contrast, when I am distracted whole days can go by in a haze. I am not really alive.
I also enjoy daydreaming but there is a difference between staring out of a train window and staring at a screen.
After walking away for 10 minutes and having breakfast, I think I have a solution to my own question. Not being present is a natural reaction to the sheer ugliness of the modern world.
When we are in bed with a beautiful woman we love we are present. When our team is winning the FA Cup final we are present. When we're drinking with friends we are present and we don't even have to try. It comes naturally. No need for yoga mats and breathing exercises.
But when we are in bed with someone we don't love we close our eyes and pretend we are with someone else. When we are in a horrible city centre surrounded by drunks and drug addicts and people alien to us we escape into our own thoughts or our iphones.
Of course it would be better to be present, just as it was better for Neo to take the red pill, but who wants to be present when you are undergoing an operation or being tortured? And parts of modern life resemble low-level torture. Better to read Jane Austen.
Great series. Love how engaged everyone is. This actually reminds me of my youth when we would go to fairs and you had to eat 3 cream crackers in under a minute to win a tenner. (its impossible btw. not enough available saliva fyi) And good to see still some crazy shit happening on buchanan street. i used to live up in glasgow back in the day. And cheers for the shout out...
Yeah i was at uni there..loved the city. And for a meet up for sure. I work thru the week but could def meet for a cuppa at some point..lemme know when you around…
Maybe that’s why street photography has taken off in the last couple of decades: a chance to engage with the world around, to really see
In the future, all street photography will be of other street photographers.
That’s a fun thought
What an interesting, fun challenge!
This is so true: "Even when we’re not on the phone, I feel that our presence has diminished. We are scattered, distracted, and alienated from those around us."
What's going to happen to us, I sometimes wonder.
Maybe we need more challenges. :)
Games in general can definitely help bring people together and break down barriers. Sadly this can’t happen when we avoid each other by scrolling.
Ooo, interesting!
I would love to read a post in which someone spells out why it's good to be present. Either it's too obvious to need spelling out, like why we generally prefer to live than die, or we have all been brain-washed by 1960's hippies and a cult of eastern mysticism.
Not being present is hardly a new thing. As a teenager back in the 1970's I used to spend lots of time daydreaming. I view smartphone addiction as an extension of that; 'guided daydreaming', if you like. I view many other activities, including reading, in the same way.
So what does being present involve? Listening to the kitchen tap drip? Staring at the ticking clock on the mantelpiece? Why is that preferable to imagining yourself on some planet in the Andromeda Galaxy?
I'm not saying that 'being present' isn't a better way of living. I just want someone to explain why, rather than simply assuming it's so from the outset.
Interesting question. For me it is good because when I am more present - embodied, focused, engaged with the senses - life is richer. By contrast, when I am distracted whole days can go by in a haze. I am not really alive.
I also enjoy daydreaming but there is a difference between staring out of a train window and staring at a screen.
Yep, that's a good reply. You're right. There is something vague and hazy about not being present, like being half asleep.
After walking away for 10 minutes and having breakfast, I think I have a solution to my own question. Not being present is a natural reaction to the sheer ugliness of the modern world.
When we are in bed with a beautiful woman we love we are present. When our team is winning the FA Cup final we are present. When we're drinking with friends we are present and we don't even have to try. It comes naturally. No need for yoga mats and breathing exercises.
But when we are in bed with someone we don't love we close our eyes and pretend we are with someone else. When we are in a horrible city centre surrounded by drunks and drug addicts and people alien to us we escape into our own thoughts or our iphones.
Of course it would be better to be present, just as it was better for Neo to take the red pill, but who wants to be present when you are undergoing an operation or being tortured? And parts of modern life resemble low-level torture. Better to read Jane Austen.
Did you attempt the challenge 🤔
I always try it at the gym and can’t do 100 seconds even on a non rotating bar. One day!
Great series. Love how engaged everyone is. This actually reminds me of my youth when we would go to fairs and you had to eat 3 cream crackers in under a minute to win a tenner. (its impossible btw. not enough available saliva fyi) And good to see still some crazy shit happening on buchanan street. i used to live up in glasgow back in the day. And cheers for the shout out...
Amazing. Never knew you’d been in Glasgow. I am in London towards the end of the month if you are around for a chat.
Yeah i was at uni there..loved the city. And for a meet up for sure. I work thru the week but could def meet for a cuppa at some point..lemme know when you around…
I love this - great photos and description. Brought joy and a smile :-)
Wonderful! Thank you.