Serenity: Being Untethered to the Demands of Today's Technology

     Good afternoon, 

I recently wrote someone who sent me several e-mails and voice messages, and didn't understand why I didn't respond right away.  I wrote the following as a follow up.  It reveals my attitude towards
the relentless demands we experience from today's technology.  Let me know what you think.

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      I don't devote myself to frequent e-mails, or texts.  For my sanity and serenity, I don't allow today's technology to rule my life, putting me on call 24/7.  I yield to a simple slogan: "Keep it Simple."  

      I enjoy being untethered to the demands of today's technology.  I know I'm an exception.  I've learned, through inventorying my priorities, to question values we take for granted.  Meditation creates distance from the harrying demands of society, giving me perspective, freeing me from timperious, unwarranted demands of electronic gadgetry that our society often assumes as legitimate. 

      We want to question the encroaching demands of devices, cell phones, iPads, etc., that were initially a convenience. Now, they are the master of many.  Such a lifestyle was unthinkable twenty years ago.   

      It's easy to overlook that George Washington's workday ended at twelve noon, while president.  How far we have declined from the life as it was meant to be. In our search for progress we've passed many qualities once held dear by man: ease, quietude, tranquility (without distraction).  

     Carefree, uncluttered days are almost a thing of the past.  I prefer serenity, clarity of thought to being a part of a collective that yields to the summons of the latest text, phonecall or FaceBook update.  I carve out a personal peace when I adhere to clear boundaries as to what will have my attention.  The tyranny of the urgent will not rule over the quieter but more important parts of   my life.  Making moments to breathe, reflect, study, be with friends and family, in real time, face-to-face are the dividends of being unleashed from electrical gremlins.  

      For many, a phone call as urgent---we need to respond!  It may appear so.  But, I find although they seem urgent, often, they are not important.  However, many of the important tasks do not scream for attention.  These I attend to first.  Clear priorities silences the siren call of technology.  Am I glad.   

      Yielding to the still voice within contributes to tranquility, ease and emotional safet.  Besides, appointments with clients precludes answering e-mails, texts and phone calls throughout the day. 

      The phone, computer, iPads and iPods are my servants, conveniences that serve me.  I am not theirs.  I'm thankful for my boundaries. They define me and keep me centered, happy, joyous and most of all, offer peace of mind.  I enjoy a life uncluttered from many unnecessary demands that scream for my attention.  

How About You? 
How do you handle all the demands for your attention and the distractions presented by today's society?
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