Pensée 49

There is an increasing trend of needing to share everything we, as humanity, see and do. This is mostly done via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media. Though this abundance of sharing our lives and experiences can have its advantages (e.g. the organization and co-ordination of the Arab Spring and the Umbrella Revolt in Hong Kong) I feel we are losing something, missing out on something in our focus & frenzy to tell the world of our experiences.

There are some things, some moments that should not be shared, Instagrammed or re-tweeted. The pictures never do the moment justice. The spoken word loses out on emotion and inflection when it is typed up and shared. We miss the moment, we miss out on that special something in our constant desire to save the experience. One ought stop every once in a while, pause and savor the moment, take it in, and relish it.

There are many things like this, for example, walking up a hill to see a spectacular sunset or sunrise. There is a certain amount of effort required to experience these things, be it getting up early, walking up the hill or even making the journey to the Arctic Circle to see the Aurora Borealis. If one is unwilling to make the effort required to experience these things first hand, one will only ever see just a moment, a glimpse, a fraction of the many marvelous and wondrous things in this world.

One can of course make the argument that there are those who are unable to make the required effort, be it through disability or otherwise. For these, a picture or video is their way to explore & experience the wonders of nature, architecture and civilization. Indeed pictures and videos are great tools with which to learn and explore all the things, both great and terrible, in this world. However, those who are able to get up, get out and explore the world around them, ought do so!

Finally, as we share, capture and tweet about these things, one ought take a minute to enjoy the moment, the experience for what it is, without the distraction of technology & social media.