Are We Living in the Real or Virtual World?

I recently heard a discussion, on the radio, about how the world has changed. One contributor said that the world hasn't changed! It was the person's opinion that people have changed how we/they are in the world, while the basic physicality of the world remains constant! I agree with that opinion, or at least I'm sitting with it as a stimulating question as I observe people in the world around me and observe how I am in the world.

The world is truly a beautiful place, providing us with all that we need to build shelter, to grow food, to challenge our personal talents and resources, to feed our senses with beautiful sights, sounds and scents. The world/earth is our greatest gift which produces many sights to draws a heartfelt aaaah when we open our eyes and ears.

Our own power of co-creation adds further by making something different, or artistic, or functional from something more basic. Look back at the beautiful decorations and floral arrangements, etc that arrived before our eyes at Christmas time, along with the songs and sounds that stimulated memory and new thinking!

Are we in danger of racing through the day and not observing the natural beauty or built beauty around us? We are more highly stimulated by media visuals, banners, messages, etc looking at what pings in our hand or ear rather than expecting to find a message of beauty and renewal as we drive, walk, run, sit with people ...

I recently observed children in an environment that was not familiar to them. There were lots of items of beauty and items of relevance to the Christmas season. They noticed nothing in the environment, even when asked about what they saw before them. They seemed to be desensitised of all awareness of the people, objects and physical beauty before them! They had almost no real presence in the moment or presence with anyone in their company! They did not interact with any person present or with the environment!

Could we use this month to take time to feel, see, hear, smell, listen to and enjoy the gift of the present moment and the gifts it offers without the constant intrusion of virtual reality? Let us feel what it is like to be really alive in the moment as we spent time with friends and family, move through our piece of today's experience of the world and build real memories without needing to record them on the phone! Let us live in the real world with gratitude and appreciation!

Cathy Burke
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes