Is it possible in today’s stay connected high tech world to
walk away for a day from everything? Just finished an article that in theory
was touting Apple and Steve Jobs as birthing a new religious movement. The
author initially cites some ancient Greek myth that gave the impression that
writing and keeping records in the form of books diminished the mind’s ability
to think, remember and be articulate. I confess that my wife at times truly
believes that I couldn’t relax without my mac air or ipad mini at my side.
As we are driving to Flagstaff for the day to get away and
disconnect I get a barrage of texts from a few that give the impression that
their lives are coming to an end if I don’t respond. I tactfully tell the first
individual that we are gone and talk on Monday. The other, a teen, is more
persistent and I explain that I can’t help put power back onto his empower box
from Flagstaff. We eventually arrive in the high country and for the next 6
hours enjoy an incredible view at the top of the San Francisco Peaks.
I have grown accustomed over the last couple of years to do
stayvacations so we get an inexpensive room at one of the nice local resorts.
I’m actually learning to unwind by swimming, napping and reading. I know that
none of these activities are anything revolutionary but the reality is that the
tether from the iPhone to my side is difficult to disconnect. So I’m starting
to think the article that was touting any technological advancement would
impact our religious or ontological understanding of life might have some merit!
As we are enjoying a panoramic view from the top of the San
Francisco Peaks at 11,800 feet we are asked by a couple of teens to take their
pics. After taking the pic on an older camera I ask the typical Dave question, ‘where
are you gals from?’ The response began a conversation that lasted more than 30
minutes. I know back home I would have had another appointment that would have
limited my ability to listen and ask questions. What Anne and I discovered was
that both of these teens, which are Americans, had grown up overseas and were
in a totally different world. They were more apt to talk about how they had
grown up without T.V. or texting or even social media, as we know it. Yes, they
seemed rather normal and capable to talk and interact.
I know that one of the key ingredients of being a person who
can live their passions is knowing when it is time to get some rest and
relaxation and not be on an Adeline high. I recently had a conversation with a
close friend who had been living in South America doing mission work and was in
the process of transitioning back to the States. We were talking about the need
for down time and a way to allow our family to be more prepared to re-enter a
different world. One of the key leaders that was helping with the transition
for my friend had boasted about not needing a vacation and as my friend shared
this I knew that something was off.
It is a rather humbling experience to come to the conclusion
that the world will go on if I escape for a full day or God forbid a week. I’m
discovering how taking reading breaks during the day has helped me be more
fresh and capable of facing tough situations where there is lots of tension and
no apparent solution to someone’s family meltdown. So I admit that the apparent
religious paradox of the old marketing tool of the mac guy being the good guy
and the pc guy being the evil one clearly is outdated. So take a break and at
least put on hold the latest article on business management or leadership
strategy. Life will go on and your mind might be more exercised with a good
conversation that having you iPad glued to your face.
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