Why Your Phone is Your Ego & How to Fix It

If you are like me, you have your phone with you CONSTANTLY. If you had a GPS tracker on that thing, it would beat every other object in “steps.” There is seemingly nowhere it isn’t allowed, from the sanctity of the bedroom, the bathroom, even the worship hall.

What really bugs me though is when I see my daughter carrying around her “phone.” At three and a half, it’s a bit disturbing she’s mirroring this particular habit of mine. So I meditated on it, in this is what I came up with.

Your Phone is Your Ego.

Your phone is a manifestation of all that is the worldly you. It is your perception of who you are–from the lock screen to the aps on the home screen. What is the best indicator that your phone is your ego? The way you CLING to it, and frantically lose your temper when you are either denied it, cannot find it, etc. You take it with you everywhere, it tells you how to get places, it answers every random question that pops into your mind. Your phone distracts you from conversations, it interrupts movies.

It’s basically the worst friend you’ve ever had. Have I convinced you yet? If not, go on your merry way to this end state. But if you’re ready to move on, read on.

Your Soul is Way Cooler.

Your soul, your essence, is WAY cooler than the latest gif or meme. Your soul’s wit is sharper than any text, and your intelligence far greater than any google search. The first step in breaking up with your phone is realizing this. God formed you perfectly, no operating “companion” required. He gifted you with innate spiritual intelligence via the Holy Spirit. This is your operating system, your “intelligence” and it’s far from artificial. Think of it, what knowledge would you rather follow? Knowledge crafted by man, or one divinely transcribed? Exactly.

The key to breaking up with your phone is PICKING up activities that rev-up the Holy Spirit in you. How does one do this? It’s different for everyone, but below are some ideas.

Connect to Something Greater

A note, you already ARE connected, that title was just handy. You’ve already been gifted this divine intelligence, the key is dusting off the dang thing and using it. You can start by declaring your intention. It can be as simple as the simplest prayer.

“Who are you, Lord? And what am I to do?”

or.

“Hi universe, I’m here. Give me some pointers.”

Whatever you feel comfortable with, this is your system, your path. Offering your intention to the Spirit inside of you will, I repeat WILL generate a response. You can do this as quickly or as elaborately as your tradition dictates. Some folks like long prayers, and sessions of meditation. Others (including me) like journaling. You could be a “driving into work” person who meditates on the Spirit in traffic, or perhaps someone who enjoys the rituals of your religion.

The point is, find your thing and do that thing. You can’t build a relationship ignoring the other person. It’s no different from engaging with the Spirit.

Watch and Learn

Nothing is a coincidence. Not your toddler’s spilled milk (on the couch, of course) or the traffic jam, or the pimple or . . .  you get my drift. We try and avoid so much of life by numbing ourselves with the “refresh” button on our phones. But there is far more relevance to your mission in life than any update can provide you.

By tapping into the moment, you unlock that awakening. By engaging, rather than ignoring the things that so often derail our moods you judo-mind trick yourself into your life’s deeper meaning. I can’t tell you what it is, but I do know you can smooth over daily struggles by noticing instead of fighting them. By letting them be, and accepting, you’ll find a peace that surpasses all understanding. This is what it truly means by “mindfulness”. It’s more a letting go, a surrender.

There is no greater gift than releasing yourself from the obligation to control everything around you. There is no bigger challenge than catching the thread of why you are on this earth. I akin it to flying a kite. You are the kite, now find the wind.

***

Are these things hard? Sure, but the rewards are far more exciting than your daily horoscope. I promise you that if you learn to disassociate from your ego aka. your phone, you will get to the heart of your life’s questions way faster. That’s wisdom you can take to the bank, years of your life you can save from being depressed, anxious and overwhelmed. This is what Jesus describes as “living water.” The only thing you need in life, period.

Try Instagramming that!

–Elsie