If you recall, technology was supposed to solve so many problems, i.e. make things more efficient, save time, provide more free time, etc. I’m not disputing that there are significant benefits. There are and the examples are numerous. And although there are certainly efficiency and time saving aspects to technology, I don’t feel like it provides me any more free time. Everything just moves so much faster. And whatever time it saves is just filled with other tasks.
The Old Way Versus the New
When I began my career in technical sales, we were just transitioning from drawings being done manually (on a drafting board with a mechanical pencil) to computer aided design (CAD). Back in the day (as I love to say), an order would be secured, followed by drawing time of 2 or so weeks, with approvals and/or changes taking another 2 weeks, and the drawings being mailed both ways. Now the initial drawings are done much faster with CAD. They’re sent via email in the push of a button. Approvals are done in days rather than weeks. Although there is unquestionably gained efficiency and time savings, it is now accompanied by more pressure and greater stress, given how everything is so compressed.
More Things, Less Time
There are more things to do and less time to do them. I don’t know about you, but I have far less time as compared to the days before email, notebook computers, smart phones, social media, and wifi. It seems like there is no “off” button on any of these things….no way to disconnect and as such, no downtime.
I don’t help the situation either, showering with the TV on in the bathroom, watching it when preparing something in the kitchen, doing the same or putting in a DVD when on the elliptical. The radio is on in the car or I’m on the phone. There’s never any quiet, most of which is my own doing.
Some Proposed Solutions
Over the course of the last several years, I’ve been doing some things to decrease the noise and increase the peace, which include:
- Prayer
- During my commute in the morning, I say 5 rote prayers, including one I wrote years ago, which aligns with the lessons God has so clearly taught me. I then spend the rest of the 30-minute drive thinking and praying….no radio.
- Prior to daily Mass, 3-4 days per week, I pray in front of the Eucharist, sharing with God my thoughts, feelings, dreams, and challenges, then listening for His guidance
- Very intentionally having the TV turned off and the devices (smart phones) set aside when talking to my wife, both during meals and otherwise. She is my focus. I try very hard to do the same when talking to anyone else as well, especially my kids.
- Reading good books, every night, for 20-30 minutes, before turning the light out.
In the noisiness of life, the above have helped quite a bit. I hope they help you. Please let me know your thoughts at [email protected].
May God Bless you on your Path to Peace, Joy, and Fulfillment!!!
Mark Joseph
