How Using Your Phone Dulls Your 5 Senses

Today, as I walked out of the office — with my phone in my purse — I heard birds chirping. It was such a pleasant sound after all this cold and cloudiness. And the thought crossed my mind, have those birds been chirping for days and I’m just now noticing? Am I just now noticing how the light breeze feels against my face? 

I walk around with my phone in my hand — multitasking! Gotta check emails! Gotta look at Instagram! Gotta stay up-to-date on Twitter! — and I’m not paying attention to anything else, not noticing what is around me. And I started thinking about how all my five senses are dulled when my phone is in my hand – which is a lot.

source

I don’t fully taste my food if I’m scrolling through my phone while sitting down for lunch. 

I don’t see anything around me if I’m focused on the bright screen.

I don’t really feel how soft and warm Maizey is if I’m texting with my right hand while petting her with my left. 

I don’t smell the fresh air when I step out of the house…

I don’t hear birds chirping… 

Honestly, it’s just sad. But I’m working on putting it away and being present, being mindful in each moment. Noticing what is happening around me, noticing and appreciating the little things. 

I’m so glad for the many ways my theme for the year is manifesting, helping me to think about and change so many behaviors, including this one.