I feel like those of us over a certain age (ie didn’t grow up with cell phones) actually long for the days when we didn’t feel so tied to emails, news, and every little reminder. Each week I set aside one day (usually either Sat or Sun) that I don’t look at my phone, check emails, or go on social media. I call it my “electronic sabbath,” lol 😂 It can be hard, especially if I’m traveling, but I find I get so much done and feel refreshed when I do.
Also, have you seen the original “Shall We Dance” film? It’s Japanese and IMO way better than the Sarandon/Gere version.
I agree, Betty. The first time we went to Italy was in 1993. We were there for almost three weeks and it was magical. No computer, no phone, no way for anyone to reach me. A time long gone.
I will look up the original movie! I actually haven’t seen the remake, but I saw that clip from Susan Sarandon recently and loved the sentiment. Not to sound harsh, but so many American remakes manage to lose the essence of the original (Th Vanishing, La Femme Nikita). I think mostly an aversion to subtitles!
It’s so true about travel. I did a lot in my 20s and wish I had more photos. But what’s nice is I have the memories that are printed on my mind! And yes, agree about remakes 🎞️
Ah, I just made pesto. I pretty much only eat it with pasta, though lately I’ve been spreading it on bread too (for sandwiches etc). I’ve never tried it in soup. I’m intrigued!
Oh, it's so true in a lot of ways. I have such a mixed relationship with my phone and screens. It gives me so much, and yet it takes away so much too.
I often feel in constant state of low level anxiety and I think the phone has a lot to do with that.
And as you say, the impact it has on relationships. How, with the constant notifications and buzzing, it makes it so difficult to give someone your full attention.
Far better to focus on getting the dopamine hit from genuine human connection, rather than a low level meme laugh.
But the struggle is real, Shell! Writing about it in this post is the first step to remind myself of this far more often than I do. In the meantime, I've recently started breaking the cycle of going to a screen upon waking. Taking even 15 minutes to sit outside while the weather allows 😊)and do a bit of writing and reflection has been so helpful. On the days when I don't (like today) — I already miss it!
Let me know how the combination turns out if you give it a try! While my sage may not be quite as stunning as yours (I’ve seen the photos of your gorgeous garden), it’s ready for harvest too.
Ah, the dream of those days before technology — when taking a vacation actually meant not working...
What a wonderful post. I often wonder if the revived interest in religion isn’t t in fact a reaction to the distancing, even loneliness, our device-dependency has wrought. I’ll feel better once I make that pea and zucchini soup!
Thank you, Ellen! I completely agree—there's definitely a growing trend of people seeking to fill a void through some kind of spiritual journey. It makes sense, especially since faith-based communities have long been a source of connection and belonging.
The soup is lovely and worth turning on the stove for 😊
Thank you Elizabeth. This is a topic I am passionate about.
The generosity to give someone your full attention. To look them in the eye and LISTEN, to think on WHAT your subject is saying and how THEY may feel rather than composing a response or considering how it relates to us.
Those responses are not unnatural or negligent. But the effort to overcome them, through empathy and discipline, is a virtue I admire. For it isn’t always easy. Especially today. We try and try but the neurological response to the “alert”, the “tone”, the “notification” is insidious and oft times undermines our best efforts.
So let’s do our best…to resist. And share the courtesy of genuine interest. 💗
Thank you for your thoughtful reply Jenn. Discipline is required for sure. I have found Apple watches and the like to be particularly insidious, as one can feel virtuous by not having a phone on the dinner table, but still keep up with every latest text and email!
I feel like those of us over a certain age (ie didn’t grow up with cell phones) actually long for the days when we didn’t feel so tied to emails, news, and every little reminder. Each week I set aside one day (usually either Sat or Sun) that I don’t look at my phone, check emails, or go on social media. I call it my “electronic sabbath,” lol 😂 It can be hard, especially if I’m traveling, but I find I get so much done and feel refreshed when I do.
Also, have you seen the original “Shall We Dance” film? It’s Japanese and IMO way better than the Sarandon/Gere version.
I agree, Betty. The first time we went to Italy was in 1993. We were there for almost three weeks and it was magical. No computer, no phone, no way for anyone to reach me. A time long gone.
I will look up the original movie! I actually haven’t seen the remake, but I saw that clip from Susan Sarandon recently and loved the sentiment. Not to sound harsh, but so many American remakes manage to lose the essence of the original (Th Vanishing, La Femme Nikita). I think mostly an aversion to subtitles!
It’s so true about travel. I did a lot in my 20s and wish I had more photos. But what’s nice is I have the memories that are printed on my mind! And yes, agree about remakes 🎞️
Ah, I just made pesto. I pretty much only eat it with pasta, though lately I’ve been spreading it on bread too (for sandwiches etc). I’ve never tried it in soup. I’m intrigued!
It is outstanding in this soup!
Oh, it's so true in a lot of ways. I have such a mixed relationship with my phone and screens. It gives me so much, and yet it takes away so much too.
I often feel in constant state of low level anxiety and I think the phone has a lot to do with that.
And as you say, the impact it has on relationships. How, with the constant notifications and buzzing, it makes it so difficult to give someone your full attention.
Far better to focus on getting the dopamine hit from genuine human connection, rather than a low level meme laugh.
But the struggle is real, Shell! Writing about it in this post is the first step to remind myself of this far more often than I do. In the meantime, I've recently started breaking the cycle of going to a screen upon waking. Taking even 15 minutes to sit outside while the weather allows 😊)and do a bit of writing and reflection has been so helpful. On the days when I don't (like today) — I already miss it!
The struggle is real!
Your breaking the cycle of checking at waking us a good one. I definitely need to incorporate a similar little morning ritual into my life.
I came for the tasty soup, but stayed for the thoughtful post. Thank you, Elizabeth!
Thank you for reading, Portia!
So, I’m thinking: sub the sage pesto I just made, because peas and sage play well together, but unsure on the zucchini angle?
Also, currently writing a flash essay on the freedom from forgetting my phone for a day…
Let me know how the combination turns out if you give it a try! While my sage may not be quite as stunning as yours (I’ve seen the photos of your gorgeous garden), it’s ready for harvest too.
Ah, the dream of those days before technology — when taking a vacation actually meant not working...
What a wonderful post. I often wonder if the revived interest in religion isn’t t in fact a reaction to the distancing, even loneliness, our device-dependency has wrought. I’ll feel better once I make that pea and zucchini soup!
Thank you, Ellen! I completely agree—there's definitely a growing trend of people seeking to fill a void through some kind of spiritual journey. It makes sense, especially since faith-based communities have long been a source of connection and belonging.
The soup is lovely and worth turning on the stove for 😊
Thank you Elizabeth. This is a topic I am passionate about.
The generosity to give someone your full attention. To look them in the eye and LISTEN, to think on WHAT your subject is saying and how THEY may feel rather than composing a response or considering how it relates to us.
Those responses are not unnatural or negligent. But the effort to overcome them, through empathy and discipline, is a virtue I admire. For it isn’t always easy. Especially today. We try and try but the neurological response to the “alert”, the “tone”, the “notification” is insidious and oft times undermines our best efforts.
So let’s do our best…to resist. And share the courtesy of genuine interest. 💗
Thank you for your thoughtful reply Jenn. Discipline is required for sure. I have found Apple watches and the like to be particularly insidious, as one can feel virtuous by not having a phone on the dinner table, but still keep up with every latest text and email!