The other day having a coffee, a group of college students walked in and took a seat; without a word, they took their phones out and scrolled for a few minutes. Then they started occasionally chatting to each other; it was as if the phone was protection, used to fuel the conversation; when it got going, the phones went down for a few minutes, and then it was back to the phones.

This pattern seemed to continue.

Are we so afraid of who we are that we need Facebook, snapchat and countless others apps to fuel our conversations?

It got me questioning what are we searching for in all these apps? Is it meaning, is it approval, is it acceptance?

For me, life is about connecting with people; it’s about listening; it’s about helping each other.

We all crave attention. We all desire to be connected to something bigger than ourselves.

We naturally have a spiritual connection to God, but it is so subtly that we can take it for granted, searching for it somewhere else.

To feel a spiritual connection takes relaxation, calmness and peace, and when do we have time for that?

I have nothing against technology at all; only for it; I would not be connecting with you today, but it’s so important that we take the time to switch it off.

When I started to do this recently, I found myself feeling very sleepy and often fell asleep. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon; when phones, laptops, and tv constantly stimulate the mind, it continually processes information.

Take time today, 2 min, 5 mins, 10 min. Whatever you can spare, and close your eyes. Do it right now.

Feel the world around you, the noises, the sensations in your body, and know that you are loved.

The mind needs calmness for at least 10-20minutes of each day.

When you don’t give your mind a rest, all the tension and stress build-up, and over time it can lead to illness and pain.

If you feel overwhelmed at this time, I highly recommend trying the following. First, take time to be still the mind; no phones, no laptops or tablets, no tv.

It could be in the form of prayer, walking in nature, swimming, running etc.

When you give yourself this time, stress and tension will subside, and you will see problems and difficulties from a new perspective.

Done regularly, you will see significant changes in your life.

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