Modern Privacy
An interesting article by Karen Kisslinger, titled Re-inventing Privacy in the Age of Always-Available, looks at presence, meditation, and privacy in the current age. (via The Coffee Sutras)
They are always “on” and available, and what is most interesting is that they want to be… They value that, and many actually experience anxiety if they are cut off from electronic connection…. And find themselves, heaven forbid, in silence. My students, however, agree with me that everyone is distracted. I always ask them, “How many of you have been talking to somebody this week about something that was really important to you, and you suddenly realized that they were not there, not listening… Not present?” Everyone raises their hand. One the other hand, I say, “How many of you have been talking to someone this week and you suddenly realize that you have absolutely no idea what they just said to you and you’re supposed to make an appropriate response?” Everyone raises their hand. So, we’re all plugged in, tuned in, IM’ing and e-mailing but when it comes down to being present with the person next to us with full awareness, attention and presence, we’re often terrible at it.
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