So, I was talking with my friend John the other day, and I mentioned that I tend not to like to have long phone conversations. His reply: “Yeah, I noticed…”
Food for thought.
I think that tendency comes from a few sources.
The first would be phone conversations with “boyfriend” in high school… You know the kind: “So, what are you doing?” “Oh, nothing.” “Yeah? And what are you doing now?” “Oh, just listening to you…”
The second source could be years of studying and practicing Buddhism, 4-1/2 of which I spent as a nun, while much emphasis was placed on avoiding “meaningless activity” and “meaningless speech”… I generally didn’t watch TV (which is why I still think of buildings first, when I hear the word “House” – I was an architect, too) or spend time on the internet (which is why I feel like a real dinosaur as I jump into this postaday thingy).
The third source comes from spending years as a workaholic single mom of a child with special needs – I often just didn’t have the time.
Now that I’m back “in the world”, I’ve got a lot to learn about it (especially as others experience it), and I’m learning the value of friendships and connecting with others.
Several of my new blogging buddies write about getting pissed off, the mind, and dreams (one of my favorite topics and a new category to add!). I’m finding there are more people out there of like minds than I imagined.
So I’m getting back on the “phone”.
Cheers!
leslee hare 
I would agree completely and blogging has enabled me to recognise, that it is not only me and that rather than waste time, being bored, I can read a blog like yours (by choice) and be inspired, thanx bud ;-)
thank you, Melody, so glad to know you!
It’s much more enjoyable and inspiring to read what people write and reflect on those ideas, rather than wasting time in meaningless conversation. I can’t wait to read more from you!
thank you! I look forward to finding the time to read more of your posts too!
Hey Leslee, your post does leave a thought for talk moment :) The whole thing about conversations on the phone really, I think does have a lot to do with who and what your motives are. What are most difficult are the conversations that are borne out of an obligation of a sort…like the “girlfriend” thing. Yes its “what are you doing, how are you”? I love those conversations that flow all over the place, with an interaction that is unpredictable and exciting. ( But then don’t we all). Being comfortable with others in phone conversations is a strange element. Again depending on the “who” and the “why”.
Yes, Walter, I know what you mean… This past year seems to have left little time for those free-flowing conversations. I’ll keep a wish for 2011 to offer more opportunities! Will email soon…
I think most of us could come up with a responsible list of reasons why we checked out of life. I know in your post, you are specific about a simple phone conversation, but in your reflection you come up with life decisions and responsibilities that shaped your connection with the world as a whole. I love the way you identified it with “so, I’m getting back on the phone.” The most simple actions can generate the deepest thought if we take the time to download our brains.
yes! thank you! we can find mindfulness (or whatever we like to call it!) in the smallest things :)