Space, the final frontier… These words of Captain James T. Kirk were heard at the start of every episode of Star Trek. In the years since that show premiered, humans have gone into space, walked on the moon, visited Mars, and sent probes to the edges of the solar system.
As technology has taken us into space as explorers, techonology has also invaded our space.
When was the last time you went out to dinner, sat at a social gathering, or went pretty much anywhere else where there weren’t at least a few people with necks bent down, peering into a small box in their hand?
Confession time: I am often the one doing the peering.
Before it seems I am yet another person bemoaning the evils of smartphones, let’s be fair. There are many benefits of this technology. How else would I be able to figure out whether someone is saying Laurel or Yanny?
Seriously though, there are benefits to smart phones. Lives have been saved, people have made positive contributions to the world, and much good has been done thanks to these advances in technology.
But like most things, it has a dark side, an underbelly we often ignore, refuse to acknowledge, or simply don’t care about.
One of our biggest threats is the elimination of space. Not necessarily physical space, but emotional, mental, relational, and spiritual space. The places where intimacy, vulnerability, and reflection do their greatest work.
If I am busy scrolling down my news feed, I can ignore the feelings of regret, shame, anger, and disappointment.
If I am texting whoever I can think of, I am neglecting my ability to embrace solitude due to my fear of loneliness.
If I am checking email, I can bury those emotions I just want to forget.
If I am playing a game, I can rob myself of time to unleash my own imagination and creativity.
When these things invade our space, they invade our humanity. I am not trying to blame all school violence on smartphones, but, how much anger has been built up and undealt with due to disconnectedness? How many people have been ignored, excluded, or forced to hide their feelings until it is too late? (This is not a post about gun violence in schools; this is simply one example that comes to mind.)
How many people struggle with depression, anger, disillusionment, and a host of other problems at least partially due to the invasion of our space, those gaps where when we can reflect on and face the things we don’t want to talk about?
I invite you to join me. Starting today I am going to be more intentional about taking back my space. When I come home, my phone is coming out of my pocket and going somewhere away from my body. I am turning off almost every notification. When I go to dinner, visit friends, or attend other social gatherings, I will leave my phone in the car unless I have a specific reason to take it.
Allowing my space to be invaded has made my journey of healing more difficult. It has often fueled anxiety, empowered depression, and instigated anger and impatience. No more. Today, I am taking back space, the final frontier of my peace.
Breaking Into Peace 