Fair warning – I’m about to make a statement with a random anecdote as my only bit of clearly unscientific “evidence.” Putting away your phone and taking a walk will make you more creative.
Tonight, I took my dog (giant blue-nose pit bull, in case you’re curious) on a stroll to my local grocery store in Malibu. As the sun set, I barely noticed. My head was down, staring at my phone. I was checking MLB scores and simultaneously tweeting and emailing. I reached the store without actually knowing how I arrived. I was hypnotized and taking stock of my shopping list.
I hadn’t planned on it, but I left the market with three heavy bags that housed eggs and milk, meat and veggies, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a handful of other odds and ends.
This meant that I’d hold the leash in my left hand, one large shopping bag slung over my shoulder and the other two in my right. It also meant, to my dismay, my phone would be in my pocket.
As I cursed at myself for not driving instead, I hiked down a pitch black Pacific Coast Highway with my dog and 100 pounds of food for my home.
Then I noticed something. The ocean was loud, bellowing a consistent low-level roar. The stars were glowing with just enough light to illuminate my path. A comfortable breeze provided slight resistance but felt totally worth it; the upside was a light bounce on my skin.
As I took it all in and started to feel grateful, my mind exploded with creative thought. In my head, I solved an issue related to an article I’ve been working on. I vividly rehashed and analyzed my day. And, I decided to write this quick blog.
I’m not going to be giving up modern technology any time soon, but next time you’re out, take some time to experience your surroundings. I had a unique experience simply because my phone was in my pocket; let me know if you have one too.
Kap
Agreed. Thanks for the reminder
Joe says
I just experienced something similar this morning. I live in downtown west palm beach and as I left my apartment to go to the gym I decided the 80 degree sunshine with a slight breeze and no clouds was too much to pass up. So instead of the gym, I put my phone in my pocket and made the 2-mile run to the ocean. One word to sum it up: refreshing.
Enjoyed the waves, the sun, the scenery and the unexpected cardio.
Keep up the great work Kap.
Curt Bickley says
My wife and I walk an hour a day with no phones…Love it. Big Brewer fan, still remember your walk off home run that one Sunday afternoon…I enjoy reading your stuff.
Justin Yates says
Just got myself a cheap pair of roller blades and have been cruising around west la for the last couple of days…I definitely know what you’re saying. Just an hour or two out an about, you appreciate, contemplate and start to consider the details of the buildings, the sidewalks, the people around you. It makes me think about them, their stories. I felt this same experience walking the streets of NYC before the age of the smartphone. As I write this on my iPad I can’t claim to hate on new technologies, in fact, I’m incredibly passionate about these devices. Even I know though, the value of just putting it down and experiencing life as it is happening around you. It can be far more entertaining that what you’re reading on your phone.