World of Distraction

This morning I went for a long run. It was dark and stormy skies so I decided to run the loop at my local park just in case the rains came. There were several people walking and running this morning. Not crowded but busy. As I ran, I people watched. People watching is one of my favorite past times. It is always interesting to look at the people around you. I smile. I say good morning. Some respond in kind, but mostly people are in their own worlds.

We are so connected these days. Everyone has a cellphone. People look more at their phones than they do the people around them. Or even the people WITH them. Addictions to cellphones are commonplace now. Most people check their phones every few minutes, whether it rings or buzzes or not. Social media, Google, and other Apps have people constantly on their phone. I'm not sure if these people are looking for connection or entertainment, but one thing is certain, they are distracted.

I hear the birds singing as I run. I hear some children laughing on the playground. I hear the park staff mowing a field of grass. I hear my feet hitting the pavement. And I watch.

I see the people walking and talking to someone on their phone. I pass them again and again, but they never finish their conversation. Always on their phone. 

I see the people running with ear buds in for music (I can still hear their music because it's so loud). They are lost in their thoughts.

I see one woman who is listening to an audio book. I'm not sure if she is wearing ear buds because I can hear parts of her book each time I pass her. 

I see a man with ear buds listening to music. I think opera of some sort. Definitely not English in language. And he is singing. Loudly. This makes me chuckle.

Distractions. Phones, Ipods, ear buds, etc. Blocking out the world around us. Phone calls, facebook, text messages, music, podcasts. We can't just take a walk anymore. We don't run in nature anymore. Is it the silence? Is it the birds singing? Is it our own thoughts? What are we trying to distract ourselves from?

I am as guilty of this as any one of these people. I listen to music and podcasts when I run sometimes. I reach for my phone during a lull. I pick up my phone sometimes to check it for no reason. I google. I facebook. (When did "facebook" become a verb???)

But some days, I long for the days before cellphones. (Yes, I was younger so that may be part of it. LOL) But I remember a time when I could be alone with my thoughts, with the quiet, with the birds singing - not reaching for a phone - a device - to keep me company. Because I WAS ENOUGH.