MINDFUL MONDAY- PHONE ETIQUETTE

Phone Etiquette you say?  Today, the MINDFUL MONDAY tip is recognizing & giving yourself permission to know that IT IS OK to not answer your phone! I know this sounds down right silly but Mondays are all about practicing awareness.

Our ways of communicating are evolving as a society.  So often our cell phones are connected to us- physically. I mean, it has become an extra limb! At times it feels like I'm connected to my phone 24/7, and I know we can all relate to that feeling.

But when we are in the moment of life, can we ever step back- maybe by choosing NOT to answer the phone?

For example, at the grocery store & the Clerk is ringing you up. Be kind & respectful to them by putting your phone away. Apply the etiquette you've always known--by getting off the phone and looking at the person I front of you. By this, you are acknowledging that you are present, aware...Mindful!

I recently got chewed out by a man. We were both shipping packages at UPS. While waiting in line, I was on my cell phone talking care of business. This man yells "Do you think we all want to hear your conversation?" I was shocked! SPEECHLESS, I mean, I was just waiting in line. I thought to myself (after a few swear words in silence) "What if the person I was talking to on the phone was standing in line with me. I'd still be having the same conversation, just in person". Even though I felt scolded by this man, maybe he was right. I could have placed that call when I got back into my car, right? (blue tooth is a great invention). Not everyone wants to hear our conversations in their ear, especially at restaurants and stores. So don't get mad, just get even by being aware of the people around you....that's Mindfulness too.

Let's face it, our lives are jam-packed with all sorts of ways to communicate. In order to find balance in the highly social arena, practice mindful phone etiquette. Think about chosing a time that's convenient for you to chat. Next time you have your hands full or your child is crying- remind yourself that its OK to not answer the phone. Call back when you have a moment to focus on the conversation. I know the person on the other end of the line will understand for the delay. Plus, they don't get all back ground chaos or our distractions and that's being polite too.

I hope you've enjoyed this moment of reading....

Have a great MINDFUL week!