“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” — Albert Einstein

 

Having just spent a week in the north woods of Wisconsin caring for my mom after her surgery, one thing was very clear: The lack of Internet and cell phone reception brought its impact on my life into sharp focus.

Even more apparent was my 15-year-old son’s withdrawal symptoms including being bored, irritable and wow, unable to talk to his friends without Skype. When I asked if he could just call them, get this, his reply was, “I don’t have their phone number.”  At least he didn’t bring up the fact that I haven’t let him have a cell phone but since there was no reception anyway, it would definitely have been a moot and mute point.

In all honesty, I felt withdrawal too and I grew up in a world where cows, sheep, dogs and cats were my confidants to post comments to acres of farmland were not just my playground but the shared photos of my mind jumping out of the haymow with my siblings and friends was the unfilmed video of the day and my mom’s home cooked meal for the family, gathered around the table, was eaten with love and gratitude rather than positioned for the best angle prior to upload on Facebook.

I have found myself SMH, that is “shaking my head” for those unfamiliar with the acronyms of texting. Are we truly in danger of losing our humanity, replacing the tangible with intangible gibberish and soundbites? It appears we are on the threshold of producing a society that looks at a screen rather than faces, a virtual reality that is anything but real.

When did it become more important to collect superficial “likes” and toss the intimacy of real love? How does visual connection replace the clasp of a warm embrace? Where does this artificial existence end and spiritual humanity begin again? Well, there’s an “app” for that.

 

Just press this button

You control not just the power button, but the power to not let technology turn your life into a toxic relationship of co-dependency on superficial consanguinity and connection.

Turn off your phone, shut down your computer, give your notebook a rest and begin to pay close attention. Your life doesn’t have to be one of deficit but can be one of abundance, overflowing with the genuine authenticity of spirit. Step away from what doesn’t allow you to look into a person’s eyes and see their soul and open your eyes to community, friends and family. Just stop it and start living. Do I have your attention?

You can begin true connection at the following events:

• This Saturday at 11 a.m. is a dedication for Dan Lee to be held at Clisbee Park in Cassopolis. The event is open to the public and is to honor Dan Lee by naming the basketball courts after him. It will be a day of fun for the kids, including $2 haircuts for boys, $1 manicures for girls as well as games and a bike give away.

• The fun doesn’t stop there though as you can head over to Dussel’s Farm Market and Greenhouses at 21765 M-60, for their Pumpkin Contest and day full of fall fun that starts at noon.

• I’d like to cordially invite you to the next 3/3 CommUNITY Potluck to be held Oct. 19 at Turtle Lodge Event Venue, right across from the Vintage Courthouse in Cassopolis. Always the third Sunday at 3 p.m. or whenever you can arrive and lasting until the music stops.

This month we will be having a costume contest, so if you are wanting to have a Spooktacular time, bring a dish, a smile and wear something for “Howl”oween. The popcorn and karaoke are fantastic.

Hope to see you there.

 

CeeCee Wilson is the organizer of Cass Can, Inc. and owner of Last Tagine in Paris, LLC.