Have you ever found yourself so engrossed in dialogue that everything else simply faded into the background?

Cast your mind back to those enriching exchanges where your phone lay untouched, perhaps buried at the bottom of a bag or forgotten on the passenger seat.

When was the last time you walked away from a conversation, not just stimulated but ablaze with inspiration?

My favorite story of your Mom is when we were driving you and Charlotte to Camp Rim Rock and missed the exit and went an hour out of our way because we were chatting and not paying attention. Even funnier is that I don’t think you both even realized what happened because you were both chatting away as well ; ))

**i’ve asked family and friends to submit memories of my mother! if you have any, please submit HERE.**

I’ve been reflecting on these lost treasures – the art of conversation. In this blog, we’ll explore how we can reclaim the depth and engagement of verbal interaction, even in our digitized lives.

The Vanishing Car Rides and Pajama Parties

I reminisce about life back when I conquered middle school corridors. Back then, the car ride was my canvas, sans smartphone. Pajama parties were less about the perfect selfie and more about the unruly plot twists of make-believe. Before the relentless intrusion of social media, existence danced to a rhythm of creative unpredictability, even at the tender age of thirteen.

Those car rides to camp were a gateway to realms untethered to the digital world. Strapped into our seats, my friend and I basked in laughter and ‘horse’ around conversations, a tradition we continue to embalm amidst the whirl of exit signs on our drives today.

“Like mother, like daughter,” they say.

Disconnect to Reconnect

Lately, I’ve been ruminating over a topic that’s losing its luster – the art of conversation. It’s a poignant thought. When was the last time you truly saw someone as you spoke with them? How often do we listen – truly listen – capturing the essence and emotion in their words? Admittedly, I sometimes falter, ensnared by the fleeting thrill of a nearby beep or buzz, even as a dear one confides in me.

Our hunger for instant gratification, for those spurts of dopamine, is palpable. We’re ensnared in a perpetual rush, always on to the next thing. It’s not my place to preach the downfall of today’s brisk-paced lifestyle or its toll on us. Rather, I intend to stir introspection and inspire change.

A Prompt For You:

Are we passively relinquishing the richness of fresh perspectives and insights that others’ unique experiences are prepared to bestow upon us? Do we even stop to think about what we might be missing?

Learning to discern between inadvertently overlooking others and recognizing their unique ways of expressing care doesn’t come easy. We need to choose, with intent, to sever the cords to our digital devices and immerse in the presence of the people around us.

A Weekly Challenge for Mindful Engagement

This week, I urge you to:

• Devote at least two hours to converse with someone you value to focus on the relationship, without the digital interruptions.
• Begin a day by jotting down three personal characteristics to be mindful of – witness the influence this has on your day.
• Establish a daily ‘Do Not Disturb’ session on your phone to bask in quietness.

I’d love to hear from you! Share your mindful moments in the comments – tell me about the connections you made, the laughter shared, and the wisdom gained when you chose present engagement over passive scrolling.

Let’s inspire each other to be more present, one conversation at a time.