Connecting Inwards by Removing External Distractions

A cursory glance at articles addressing technological device usage indicates that on average people spend nearly three hours a day on their smartphones, two of those hours on social media, and the same — if not more — amount of time watching television daily. Those numbers increased with the rise of COVID and the many individuals stuck at home. But as we are now back to our regular routines, will we be able to give up the record time spent on our devices in order to find more meaningful ways to elevate ourselves spiritually, or have we become too attached to the images on the screen and in the palm of our hand?

It’s easy to see how quickly we can become dependent on our devices. After all, with a swift click on the screen we can connect with hundreds and thousands of people worldwide. We can check out the latest news, find the best bargains, or share photos faster than it takes to read this article. We can stream movies, binge watch television shows, or play video games to pass time or keep us entertained. And while, yes, there is value to many online and educational sites and it’s an easy way to stay in the loop with friends and family, we do lose a bit of ourselves in the amount of time we spend on our devices. Humans are social beings. That means, we can do so much more by creating in-person connections instead of relying on emails and texts. It means that every extra hour we spend on social media or surfing the web, we dull our senses a bit to recharging ourselves in a spiritually beneficial way. How can we expect to ignite our souls with so many external forces competing for our attention? 

In order to elevate our relationship with Hashem, we need to let Him be our priority — be it through learning, mitzvot, or prayer. In our tefillot every day, we say in the Shema “do not stray after your heart and after your eyes after which you tend to stray.” This is a biblical commandment from Sefer Bamidbar (15:39) and the source for shemirat einayim, guarding our eyes.

Rashi comments that “the eyes see, the heart covets, etc.” It begins with the eyes. The more careful we are with our eyes, the less likely we will come to sin, let alone squander our precious time. And while it’s difficult these days to ditch the smartphone or chuck the computer (although, anyone who has experienced a true Shabbat will testify that the day without our electronics is the best day of the week), we can power down more often. By checking the digital wellbeing screen on our smartphones, which indicates screen time use, the number of phone unlocks, and more, we can set app timers or create goals to cut our usage. We can also set up filters so we don’t come across harmful images. These small changes are sure to make a huge difference in our productivity and general well-being. 

When we remove the computers, phones, and social media, we set ourselves up for achieving higher spiritual levels. We become less affected and influenced by what we see or hear. If we tune out the media, images, and words—which in many instances are negative—we nurture the holiness embedded within us. As the sparks of holiness rejuvenate inside of us, we yearn to learn more Torah, pray with better kavanah, and do more good in the world. In other words, we become closer to Hashem. 

Somehow, behind the darkness of our eyelids, we can see clearer. We get a glimpse of what Hashem wants from us and who we can truly become. There is a sense of clarity when we remove the distractions from our surroundings. But once our eyes flicker open, our spiritual selves must again contend with the physical world around us.

The idea of tuning out to tune in, is not a novel concept. In fact, we see similar ideas in Judaism itself. When we say the Shema each day, we cover our eyes. One of the reasons given for doing so, is to shut out any distractions so that we can focus on what we are saying — that Hashem is One. Similarly, when lighting Shabbat candles or often, even praying, we close our eyes. In each of these cases, one can argue that the closing of the eyes gives us the ability to tune out our surroundings in order to focus on what we are doing at that moment. It helps us concentrate more on our prayers, thoughts, and relationship with our Creator. 

Somehow, behind the darkness of our eyelids, we can see clearer. We get a glimpse of what Hashem wants from us and who we can truly become. There is a sense of clarity when we remove the distractions from our surroundings. But once our eyes flicker open, our spiritual selves must again contend with the physical world around us. The good news is that the more time we spend unplugged, the more we can use the strength we’ve gained for a higher purpose in our lives. It also becomes easier to weed out the trivial and focus on the important.  

It is challenging to be in a constant battle of physical and spiritual. But where our devices are concerned, we can have the upper hand. With the press of a button, we can practice shemirat einayim and choose to create an environment that supports our neshamas. By reducing our time on these devices, we not only elevate ourselves spiritually, but we also set a healthy example for our families and those around us. Without those distractions, we can communicate better with our loved ones and spend more time engaging in real, meaningful work. When we close our eyes to distractions, we can find ways to improve ourselves, be it through classes or introspection. Ultimately, though, powering down gives up the opportunity to power up our connection to Hashem.