“Wherever you are,
be there totally.” 
Eckhart Tolle

I was in The City to meet my friend, Tom, for lunch yesterday. To avoid the worst of the commute traffic, I got an early start and arrived at Java Beach Café on Sloat Boulevard at 7:15. I would be meeting Tom at Java Beach Café on Judah Street a few hours later. I enjoyed a bowl of oatmeal, chatted it up with a few people who were there, then put my backpack in the trunk of my car before walking along Sunset Dunes from Sloat to Judah Street. 

It was a pleasant day for walking in The City. The clean ocean air, the cool breeze, and the sound of waves crashing against the beach created a peaceful environment. Dozens of other people were walking (alone, with friends, or with their dogs), riding, or jogging along the Dunes, as well. A thought crossed my mind which I’d considered many times before. I couldn’t help but notice how AirPods, ear buds, or headphones, whatever term you want to use, are a significant obstruction to communication.

In an article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Jim Taylor mentioned that “the presence of earbuds seems to now be the rule rather than the exception.” I’ve noticed the same thing. As I made my way toward Judah Street, I couldn’t help but notice that people of all ages were plugged-in to music, podcasts, or some other type of programming while they walked. I’ve done this myself, but I don’t do it anymore. Earbuds interfere with connecting with others.

When I’m out walking, I like to acknowledge the presence of those I encounter along the way. A simple “Good morning,” or a nod of the head accompanied by eye-contact, enables me to let the other person know I see them, that I’m aware of their presence, and that they matter. When people are using earbuds, it’s rare that they will acknowledge me in any way.

It is this situation which leads Dr. Taylor to make the claim that “the simple act of wearing earbuds and listening to whatever you listen to is causing potentially irreparable damage to ourselves psychologically, emotionally, and socially.”

Social connection is a key component of our health and overall happiness. When our attention is focused on what we’re listening to, it is likely that we will fail to notice those around us. 

There have been countless times when I’ve wanted to greet someone, but because they were wearing earbuds, and I didn’t want to disturb them, I didn’t bother making the connection. I consider earbuds a signal to others that they don’t want to be disturbed.

I’m saddened to see young people today sitting in a restaurant with their families with earbuds in their ears. I see it when I’m driving, too — Mom or Dad is driving the young person to school while the young person is focused on what’s streaming through their earbuds. It’s sad. It seems that the increase in the number of people using earbuds is resulting an a decrease in authentic human connection.

“Ultimately, it is up to each of us to decide what we value, what our priorities are, and the kind of lives we want to live,” Taylor writes in his article. “The only real power we have to influence our own lives is our ability to make choices that we believe are healthy and life-affirming.”

“Just being awake,
alert, and attentive
is no easy matter.
I think it is the greatest
spiritual challenge
that we face.”
Diana L. Eck
Encountering God