Technology is something that is embedded in our lives. Whether this be for the better or for the worse, the key is how we deal with it.
There are a lot of advantages to this rapid technological development, such as helping people to connect and shortening distances (think about Facetime, for instance). There have also been huge developments in the fields of health and medicine in improving health checks, examinations and treatments.
However, on the other hand, technology is enabling people to avoid real contact, face-to-face conversations and relations. We hardly receive greeting calls on our birthdays anymore, just instant messages. Technology is so embedded in everything that we do that we don’t even notice it is there (unless our computer, email or internet stop working, of course!). The consequences of this are that we’re losing ourselves and the ability to feel emotions and show feelings.
The big question here is how to find balance while using technology. Are we even able to notice that we’re addicted to it?
At the beginning of the year, I went on a family trip to a beach in Brazil. During those 7 days of relaxation, I was able to find the click I needed to find my balance. At Peninsula do Maraú, there’s no cellphone signal and using the hotel’s Wi-Fi was a nightmare. I have to confess that for the first two days it felt awkward and, at certain moments, I was frustrated with the situation, but after these days had passed, we could hardly sense its absence anymore. We were so focused on having a good time with our kids and being able to connect with the amazing nature and beauty of the place that we felt ABSOLUTE peace. We went together on long walks on the beach, the kids went scuba diving, we built sand castles, read some books, took a nap together by the ocean; we got lost in our thoughts and we were able to find each other.
I’ve decided, actually I’ve realised, I could carry all of that with me, deep in my heart and use it whenever I want or need it. And more than that, I’m capable of creating these feelings independently, wherever I am. So, every time that I feel I’m getting lost again, I close my eyes and access my refuge full of my feelings, sensations and emotions and disconnect. I’m creating time and space for quality time with my kids and husband by turning our phones and computers off and being together.
What I discovered most of all is that it’s impossible to live without technology, but it’s even worse living without love, family, friends and relationships, which are built with lots of effort and presence. So, find your balance!