No distractions
This week marks the 75th anniversary of VE day. The end of the Second World War in Europe. The early May bank holiday in Britain has been moved from Monday to Friday 8th so that we can all celebrate. Little did anyone realise when that was decided that we’d be in the middle of a pandemic.
The anniversary made me think back to the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of D-Day last summer. World leaders and veterans gathered in England and Northern France for moving ceremonies of remembrance and thanksgiving. I was moved to write the following at the time but didn’t publish it. I think now is a good time to revisit it.
I’m going to show my age here, but remember when there were only three television channels? Remember when we used to sit down to watch television and we did just that, nothing else? We couldn’t pause it or rewind it or watch it again later on catch-up so we concentrated. We gave it our full attention.
Now, with so much choice, I often find I sit down with the intention to watch something and half an hour later I’m still choosing. I’ve added five more things to my watch list but I haven’t actually started watching anything. Then, once I have chosen I let myself get distracted by my phone and the tv rarely gets my full attention.
Last June I sat in a room with eleven other women and we just watched a programme in practical silence for 90 minutes. That may sound dull to you or unbelievable in this day and age but it was incredibly powerful and made me reflect on how much I miss by multitasking.
Twelve of us, for ninety minutes and not one phone appeared in that time. Had anyone said, “No phones”? No, it was just a given. Common courtesy to everyone else in the room.
We had gathered to watch the BBC’s coverage of the D-Day commemorations. It was so moving, more so because of the level of concentration in the room. I realised that I miss this. It made me resolve to be more intentional about my own television consumption.
I don’t get much free time in which to sit in front of the tv so when I do it should be with real intention, watching something I want to see that will entertain, move, educate or make me laugh out loud. And, I should just watch. Nothing else. No texting, no scrolling, just watch. Allow myself to be rather than do.
And when I do this I feel rested, I feel relaxed. Which, after all, is why we often say we want to spend time watching television.
When I give myself permission to stop multi-tasking and give my full attention to the programme I feel like I’ve had the relaxation time I crave.
Eleven months on I have more time on my hands than I expected, and more time to watch television than ever before. But I’m trying to watch with intention. Often I’m choosing to watch virtually with someone else. And yes, that means looking at my phone or a chat box as we make comments but I’m choosing to be in the moment with that programme or film and that person.
What in your life would be better for a little more attention and intention right now?
Today we remember a turning point. Peace in Europe after six years of turmoil, fear, worry, injury and death. There may not be the street parties envisioned when the bank holiday was moved but we can give thanks, remember the sacrifices made and remember that just as life returned to normal then, it will return to normal for us again.
Have a lovely long weekend however you’re spending it.
