So much so it motivated me to make some life changes and in particular my relationship with the super computer in my pocket than never leaves my side. life experiences and addiction for each of us is different, but I’m sure we can all relate to how unhealthy our relationship to devices has become in such a short period of time. While screen time for most of us is part of our working day- its the constant hit of dopamine from the apps on phones that seem to have distracted most of the Western world since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007. For me my problem started back in about 2011 that at first removed all boredom, but slowly it started to take over.
So I’ve now been ‘phone sober’ for about 3 months and without the constant distraction I’m experiencing life once again more in the moment. Quitting my phone so far has been very similar to that of cigarettes with a definite period of loss in the first month with a re calibration to daily routines.
I’ve started journaling for respite and also take a daily sauna at O-Studio that has helped level out the dopamine and create more connection to people. The most overwhelming positive of not using social media has been far less anxiety and the ability to concentrate on the days tasks better. Colours I swear seem brighter, smells are sweeter and life feels more like an adventure again. Sleep is also much much better. I’ve been reading more books and I find that it really calms my mind as I ponder on each and every word like some kind of meditation.
With minimal constant distraction from my phone I’m finding that I have to sit with myself more and on occasion the feelings/ thoughts within me are very loud and confronting. Like it used to be. Remember that? The phone it seems for me has been a very powerful tool to avoid boredom but like all modern conveniences there are trade offs, and for me it has been that feeling uncomfortable became unbearable.
I’m wanting to experience this new frequency more and more and ‘being quiet and listening’ has become a bit of a mantra for exploring more mindfulness in my daily life. It’s quite astonishing actually that just outside of being bored a whole new world exists with so many rewards. The fact that I’m even saying this is an utterly bizarre statement, but the good news is that being present, for me is more addictive now than constant distraction. I’m grateful for it and seek it out daily.
But how has not being distracted constantly related to creativity? I’ve been reading more photobooks instead of scrolling that has engaged a sense of wonder and inspiration. Journalling has been fantastic for ideas and concepts surrounding work that is underway and also future projects. It has also been a great way to express how I’m thinking and feeling without the anxiety surrounding judgement online. Movies and music are now more inspiring too because I’m present and it’s all going into my eyes, ears, and soul instead of being pulled away to a virtual world every 5 minutes.
I’ve been carrying my camera with me more too, due to having my bag and journal with me daily, that equates to capturing more images as a whole. Overall my aim is for creative thoughts and ideas to cater to making work rather than feeding the machine with this my most precious resource- time and attention. How many images and points of view have I shared on social media over the past 14 years to just disappear into the digital algorithmic abyss? Maybe not using social media as a distraction is in-fact a creative superpower in 2024?
I’ve attempted to portray my experiences through some new imagery over the past few months with new work and ‘re observed’ work from my archives. This work is super loose but explores the positive and beautiful places/ moments / state of mind away from my phone and more intimate personal moments. A profound realisation looking at my personal work through a new lens is that this elusive state of mindfulness has always been there as part of my photographic experience and process- and has been a powerful subconscious guide to this point.
In 2024 ignoring the phone might well be the most rebellious act of our time.
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