I was reflecting today how NOT being on social media has changed what is happening in my body.
Not only does Time feel more spacious, not only am I not scrolling as the bad habit it is….my body feels more calm and more at peace.
I don’t doubt that all that activation/adrenaline/stress in your body that accumulates when you are on those platforms isn’t felt when it is removed.
When I was on social media, I started to notice it didn’t feel good. I’d have all kinds of activation in my body just from seeing something, or reading something, and being aware of my own triggers aside….I just didn’t want that to be a part of my body or life any more.
I very much feel it. I do think “accumulate” is the right word and probably the intention behind these programs; they are so addicting that one hit isn’t enough. Constriction in the chest, or having racing thoughts about how WRONG someone is, or just witnessing the stupidity of humanity.
Before you know it, you actually think it’s “real”. Being away and off….I wonder how much I was seeing of other people was truly “real”, aka actually happening in this physical reality (not just on a screen?).
It’s not longer of my concern, actually. In the last month, I do not know what other people are doing. I do not know what they are saying. I do not know what’s “going on” or what people are gossiping about or who they are ripping apart.
I do not know and I do not care and my life is the better for it.
My girls were sad I am not able to get the silly cat memes they used to send me there:. But guess what….now we can look at an occasionally funny one together and laugh in person.
I’ve connected with more of my long distance friends since Instagram and I broke up and I feel more aware of what’s actually going on with them. Hearing their REAL voice, getting updates of real life, and finding so much value in the sharing.
I am liking my bubble and have found I am missing nothing by swearing it all off. I am able to focus and grow the relationships that matter, and that feels warm, and fuzzy and PRESENT.
I no longer have the dopamine hit of scrolling, but I am finding more joy in what’s in front of me.
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