In an ever-increasingly tech savvy and interconnected world, it seems we have all fallen victim to our technology. It has become the norm to check our emails throughout the day, play Candy Crush on the bus ride home and scroll through social media in our off time.
Then there is the new classic experience of walking into a casual restaurant and a group of people are mindlessly scrolling together; the chips have arrived, but the conversation can’t start until a unanimous agreement is made to be present. When the phones get put away, genuine connection can take place.
Remember when we used to come together to enjoy a meal or play a game? When bored, we used to seek the chest filled with board games, or pull out a deck of cards to play Goldfish; we didn’t always retreat into our personal bubble and stare at miniature computers. So, what has happened to “family time”?
“Family time” seems to have also fallen victim to the world wide web and the interest of everyone to be in-the-know. Carving time to be with one another allows us to understand each other through our verbal and non-verbal cues. The experience of just living alongside the ones we love, actually increases our happiness, mental health, boosts confidence, lengthens life expectancy and many other wonderful things!
When a group of friends or family come together to play Settlers of Catan, or are bonding over giant Jenga while enjoying a beverage I can’t help but feel giddy! They are the cool ones; the cutting edge of what it means to be a modern adult. I am almost surprised every time I observe or get to be part of such an actively present group of people. When we choose to connect with those around us, and really spend the time it requires to cultivate healthy relationships, everyone benefits. Targeted advertisements and easy escapism is always going to be a reach away, but when we pull out a board game to be present, that is when we are really living.
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