Effort and Intention

One compulsive action I’ve recently taken up is checking my phone for text messages. Prior to cell phones, I did not have this habit. I had one land line and, if someone needed or wanted to contact me, he or she would call my home. If I were home, we would connect. If I was not home, we would connect after I received their voice message – sometimes several hours later.

Prior to acquiring a cell phone with texting abilities, my attention focused on the people/task/event in front of me. Since acquiring a cell phone, I am more “connected” with the world with more frequency, which I’m not finding to be beneficial. This past month, putting my phone out of reach for several hours each day has helped change my habit. I check my email and text messages with less frequency. This has assisted in cultivating detachment. This change has redirected my attention towards, and attachment to, my target.

I found ease in changing this habit – all that was needed was a bit of effort and intention. Next month I plan to leave off another habit.