Touch and Technology
Those that know me know that I tend to like technology. Gadgets and toys have fascinated me for quite some time andin the past I always wanted to have the latest smart phone, laptop, wireless products or hybrid car. My budget has limited my choices over the past few years and fortunately I can no longer keep up with all the new products. I say fortunately because I’ve learned to slow down and look at life differently, oh I still have a healthy curiosity about what’s new in the marketplace. But something has changed for me; I’ve started to notice what I’m missing when I’m distracted by technology.
I’m working on finding balance and perhaps letting go of those things I don’t need anymore and replacing it with a more personal approach to life like the power of “presence” and ”touch” when I’m with the important people in my life. One of the most cherished gifts we give each other is the honor of our presence, it means we care enough to pay attention and listen to what someone is saying to us.
Does this sound like simple common courtesy? Well, it is but it’s not so common anymore. As our world and the tools we use change so does our behavior, we are constantly interrupted by alerts and notifications to tell us we have an email, a text message, an appointment reminder or a phone call. Oh I can list all the features and more that are available on just cell phones now, taking pictures, videos and accessing the internet so we can communicate via facebook or my space to name just the minimum of applications. Having dinner with family and friends we rarely get anyone’s full attention anymore with iphones, blackberrys, ipads, notebooks or laptops being whipped out at the slightest whim and once one person is distracted it somehow gives permission for everyone to grab their cell phones or laptops to check their status.
Emerging technology is creating new issues for us as we think about how we communicate, somehow it’s easier to be abrupt or rude through emails or texting when we don’t have to sit across the table from our peers. There is also a willingness to share intimate information online without realizing the consequences of the world wide web.
As I visit with some of my senior clients and friends I’m reminded of how lonely some of them are for a few minutes of our time to sit and talk or to touch their hand. It’s true the power of touch and the power of being fully present for another human being is an amazing experience if we can put our gadgets down for a few minutes. I still remember one elderly woman telling me she yearned to be touched, she was talking about the intimacy of holding her hand.
Take notice this week of how often you take a deep breath and just relax into a conversation with family and friends. If you have an elderly friend or family member I invite you to take some time to practice being fully engaged with them.
Have a fabulous week!
Mary Chapa, RN
Do you have an aging parent that needs a little support, Eliza One provides nursing care coordination for busy adults. Like a daughter, sister, friend easing life transitions.
July 6, 2010
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Tags: aging parents, technology, Touch · Posted in: Life Lessons, Senior Caregiving
Mary Chapa, RN is a multi-talented woman with a background in nursing leadership, quality management and business development in both health care and private industry. Mary is also a writer and passionate holistic health practitioner living in Minnesota.
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