7 signs you're addicted to your iPhone
Hi, my name is Cara and I'm addicted to my iPhone.
This 30-day challenge has made it pretty clear that I have a problem. My iPhone (and any screen, for that matter) obstructs my mindfulness.
Because I am working to be more mindful in my actions, I'm starting to notice when I compulsively check my iPhone. In yoga we learn to notice and become aware or our actions and feelings, but without judgment ... which is difficult because I'm tempted to slap my wrist when I reach for that small screen.
And as I make a conscious effort to use ALL of my senses to experience my surroundings, I'm noticing that I'm not alone. We are a generation of zombies. If this continues, I suspect evolution will take its course and humans will begin to have L-shaped necks that hunch over those darned screens. (I'm only kind of joking.)
Do you have a problem? If you answer "yes" to most or all of these signs, put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode and go look at something green outside while holding a tree pose. Pronto.
1. Right now, you're reading this post on your iPhone
Busted!
2. You check your iPhone first thing in the morning
After all, it's been 8(ish) hours and you could have missed something really great. Like another dog gif.
3. You have mastered the "walk-text"
I know it's a skill ... like patting your head while rubbing your tummy ... but what ever happened to just walking? You know, observing your surroundings? (Surroundings are those things around you.)
4. When you look particularly nice, you instinctively snap a selfie
The world deserves to know how beautiful you are right now. Just like they did yesterday. And the day before. But only from your signature angle. #Worque
5. If your iPhone dies you feel empty inside
But how do I get anywhere without GPS? And what if I'm missing all the good Snapchats? WHAT IF SOMEONE TWEETS ME AND I DON'T REPLY.
6. You live life through an Instagram filter
You know what would make this beach experience more organic? X-Pro II.
7. You can't just ... be
Better cram more information in that brain before you have to get in touch with your inner self. (Side note: Dogs have the best lives.)
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but I don't think that's the case with this Apple device.
Don't get me wrong, technology is wonderful. We have a world of knowledge at our fingertips. We can easily connect with people we love, even if they're far away. But it's easy to become a little too connected to technology and in turn, disconnected to the present.
So if you find yourself, like me, compulsively playing with your iPhone, take a pause. Start putting that baby in Airplane or "Do Not Disturb" mode. When you reach a long stoplight, use those moments to breathe and bring your awareness to the present instead of catching up on texts. If you go for a walk, use that time to soak up your surroundings instead of your Twitter feed. When you're eating, just eat. Focus on your food and not what everyone else is eating on Instagram.
When you live through the lens of your soul instead of the lens of your iPhone, you experience life authentically.
