“On your mark, get set, go!” and the race is on! Just like
American Pharoah won the Tripple Crown at Belmont this past weekend, we are
constantly running out the gate and doing what we have to do to finish whatever
it is we set out to do. For me personally, it is rare to slow down until I
finish. And, with modern technology, I am always connected – whether to my
phone or laptop. It is not until my head hits the pillow at nite that I stop to
slow down. This is a habit that sometimes serves me well and other times, it
doesn’t work at all. We are so connected that we aren’t really connected at
all! As a nutrition and health coach I try to connect the importance of a
healthy mind and healthy body and how the two work hand in hand.
Human
beings have this unique ability to focus on things that aren't happening right
now. This allows us to reflect on the past and learn from it; it allows us to
anticipate and plan for the future; and it allows us to imagine things that
might never occur. While at the same time, it seems that we often use this
ability in ways that are not productive and furthermore can be destructive to
our happiness.
When
is it that we actually “disconnect” from technology? For many, the number one
time is when a couple is having sex. What would you do if your phone beeped
with an incoming text? Would you respond to it? That would be the end of that
relationship- I would think! Another time technology takes a back seat is
during exercise. Many people escape to the gym to get away from their phones
and many clubs (including gym, golf, and tennis) have a no-cellphone policy for
the very reason that everyone needs a break.
So, why am I spending a page here writing about this? My
children have each just finished another year in school and in a few years they
both will be off to college. My head says “WHOAH, SLOW DOWN! IT’S NOT A RACE!” And
so, as my summer has officially begun, with a new “summer schedule” I want to be
connected in the moment with my family and friends. I want to be able to enjoy
what each day brings! I don’t want to think about what could have been (regrets)
or what will be, but I want to think about what is going on right now and enjoy
it for what it is! This weekend we were in the city and it couldn’t have been
more spectacular! We enjoyed the streets as I imagine tourists do. We rode the
buses and subways, walked until our feet ached, visited areas of the city that
we don’t often go to, listened to music in the park, ate lunch at spots that
aren’t our regular hangouts, went to museums and even tasted foods from food
trucks around town.
“You must live in the present, launch yourself
on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island
of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is
no other life but this.” - Henry David
Thoreau
What
will you do for yourself to be in the present? I am interested in hearing your
thoughts!
