"Roll Call ~ Nobody's Present"

I was going to see my mother yesterday, and on my way there, a tricked out red Trans Am kept swerving into my lane. I wanted to get away from Mr. "I'm living in the 80's", like I have room to talk, so I tried to pass him quickly. While passing him I realized why he was swerving so much. He was busy texting while driving! Now I realize that he is probably much more talented than I am, and can totally drive while texting, but more than the obvious neglect this individual was demonstrating, something else was even more evident. Of course, initially, I was perturbed at his total disregard for the safety of those driving, walking, or biking around him, but actually, my predominant thought was, "No one is Present anymore!" It's true! No one is present anymore. I am even guilty of this! We all committ the sin of multi-tasking, and I'm not really sure why. We have the same amount of time as always but we feel this compulsion to do 50 million things at once. It's like if we stop and really focus on one thing, our minds would blow up! Or maybe, for some of us, stillness, presence, means thought, and we don't want to think about anything. We use the TV to escape, FB to pretend we have a social life, and video games to take out our frustrations on, or just imagine we are doing whatever our avatar is doing. Everyone is doing and going so much, but are we really accomplishing anything or going anywhere? I know some of these "modern evils" are necessary but I'm not sure they are benefiting us to the extent we give them credit. I think we all, including myself, need to slow down, smell the flowers, and truly appreciate the moment. The moment could be drinking a cup of tea. But to be really present drinking that cup of tea. Like, feel the warmth of the cup in your hands. Smell the aroma of your brew. Drink and really savor the flavor. Really take the whole experience in. I know this sounds quacky, but try it and see if just for a moment, you actually slowed down, truly appreciated the gift, a cup of tea. Time for Roll Call ~ are you PRESENT?