Being present in the moment means you experience things in
real time without being sidetracked by interfering thoughts, worries or distractions.
If you’re with someone, it means you’re connecting and listening. If you’re
alone, it means you’re more engaged with your activity, relaxed or in flow.
Recent research suggests that our biological
ability to connect with and have empathy
for others can be affected by cell phone use. When interacting with
someone, the cell phone becomes like a third wheel vying for attention. Even
when you’re alone, your cell phone is like a 5-year-old, or worse, a group of
them, constantly interrupting.
Want to improve your presence and connection? Don’t do the
following with your device:
Use it when you're having face time. I know you can
multitask, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. You cannot truly engage
with someone or with a group of people while responding to your virtual world. This
includes meetings; so annoying to wait for someone to weigh in while they’re
finishing their text. If you’re speaking loudly on your phone while in a group,
you’re as involved with what the groups thinks as you are with the person with
whom you’re speaking.
