As I approached the gorgeous summit of Soames Peak with my daughter, I stopped to pull out my phone to do what we do now when we see something we want to share with the world: take a picture!
"Mommy, it is so beautiful." Talus said, "Let's just look at it."
Just look at it? What a novel idea - and words of wisdom from my young daughter.
To just look at something and take it in - no capturing the moment, planning the perfect post or status update, deciding who to email or share it with. To just allow myself to enjoy the present moment and keep the image in my mind and in my heart stored with all the other memories.
The whole experience made me think about where we are with technology today. We seem to be less present, less in the moment. When for example did it become OK to start texting in the middle of a conversation? Why do we feel we need to be connected 24/7? Do we feel that we are missing something? Is that other "world" really so important?
Now, if you think I am getting on my soapbox, think again! I too can be totally swayed by my device and have had to stop myself from scrolling Facebook on occasion totally immersed and completely not engaged in what is happening around me.
This is one of the reasons why I advocate for being in the backcountry as much as possible. What I love about being outside and far away from civilization is that I simply cannot be connected to anything, but what I am seeing, touching, and feeling in the moment. I am centred and fully present. For me, it is a reminder about what I value in life.
My daughter gave a good dose of awareness that day. She knows a world without Facebook, tweeting, and texting, and one where she is absolutely present 100 percent of the time. Lucky her!
And by the way, our hike up Soames hill was fabulous. The air felt like the start of spring; we saw clear views all the way out to Howe Sound; and basked in the sunshine at the peak while eating our snacks. If you are looking for a picture from that day, you won't find it here. We were too busy being present.
Until next time, see you out there!
Editor's note: Lydia Watson handles marketing and community education for Off the Edge Adventure Sports. Her column appears regularly in Coast Reporter.
