On Being Lost in the Moment

Large events used to just be attended by humans. Then cameras came along. Then cell phones. What used to be a gathering of flesh and bone in the crowd became a mix of wires, screens and plastic.

Somewhere along the line, it became more important to capture the concert on your phone for others rather than take it in yourself. That little brick in your hand became the one you went to the concert for so other people could see what you spent your time, energy and money to get to.

That inanimate object in your pockets is also taking away your ability to story tell. Rather than recounting the smell of the place, the way the music made you feel and the people you met, you’re flipping through your photos to show a quick one minute clip.

Experiences are meant to bring you joy in the moment, but they can also be a consistent source of joy when you recount the experience. The key word is YOU. Not your phone.

The next time you go to a concert just try and turn your phone off. Listen to the music. See the smiling faces around you. Get lost in the moment.

You can always go on YouTube or Instagram and find videos of it, anyway.