Sometimes I feel so sad at how our lives have become so dependant on the keyboards of our phones, tablets or computers. We are losing touch with each other...words on a screen are not enough and as I read many of the posts on various social media sites, I am becoming alarmed at how people are communicating with each other and the world at large. Many seem to have lost the art of good conversation and show a lack of respect for language and the feelings of others. Hiding behind the screen seems to give permission to speak negatively without repercussions. Words are communicated that would NEVER be said face to face. I am increasingly shocked at the anger, hate and vile thoughts of many social media users, spoken without knowledge of the inner facts of situations. It is a sadness for the human race. With all this access to communicating with friends and family afar, although this helps us keep in touch, it never replaces the human touch, the caring smile, the look of understanding that a face to face encounter allows. It also divorces us from quality time spent with one another in conversation.
As we start 2020, I for one am going to make more of an effort to find the time to have these face to face conversations whenever possible, to sip that coffee over a chat and to spend time with other human beings, to listen and to care. By slowing down, we are giving the respect our bodies, minds, and spirits deserve. Life is short and chasing excessive financial and career gains pale next to the beauty of meaningful relationships that help to shape and influence the quality of the lives we lead in this whirling lifestyle of the 21st century.
Take the time to breathe and move towards meaning and purpose.
Giving yourself time to talk
To another human being
That you have not seen
Face to face
in their space...for a while
Your spirit will grow
As you get to know
The person you have missed...
Just another on your list
Of that long list of 'friends'
That never seems to end.
© Poem and image: Alison Odendaal
Take, the time.
