The Library Vault

Have you been to a doctor’s office recently? Once upon a time, it was commonplace to have a conversation with a fellow patient in the waiting room. You might chat about the weather or discuss the latest news, anything to get your mind off the upcoming appointment. There was an understanding that while no one really wanted to be sitting in a waiting room, at least you were there together having a shared experience. The scene today is quite different… rather than pleasant chatter, you’ll find silence and a sea of people gazing into their laps. There will be no eye contact, no moment of connection, just glazed stares and siloed experiences. 

Of course, this experience of disconnection extends far beyond the doctor’s office. Whether you’re riding on public transportation, sitting in a restaurant, or gathering in your own living room, you’ll likely find at least one person glued to their device, choosing digital connection over human connection. We’ve all experienced the loneliness of being the human passed over in favor of the device. When the meme becomes more interesting than the attention-starved partner, or when social media takes precedence over the child seeking parental connection, we have a deep societal problem. 

We see the cracks that have already formed and many of us fear further degradation as AI takes center stage. This begs the question, are modern humans doomed to live robotic lives of disconnection? Or will our humanity prove to be more powerful than a machine? I’ll admit, in my more vulnerable moments, I fear that humans are on a fast-track to self-destruction. But when I look a little closer, I can almost always find glimmers of hope, signs that we will continue to stay human as long as enough of us stay awake for the journey.

What does staying awake look like in our day to day lives? How do we ensure our wakefulness when so many others are “falling asleep”? I’m a firm believer in starting with your own little corner of the world. Take a mental walk through a typical day for you and look for moments where you can stand to be more present. If you routinely have coffee with your spouse in the morning, notice your level of attentiveness. Are you doom scrolling on your device or are you actively engaged in conversation? Are you enjoying a shared moment of connection before the busyness of the day ensues or are you trapped in the chaos of your own mind? If you’re not sure, go ahead and ask your partner. They will undoubtedly illuminate you on your level of presence or distraction. 

As you move through your day, reflect on how you’re showing up in public spaces as well. The other day I was walking out of the library behind a mother and her toddler. The mom had the baby propped on her hip, his head was swiveling back and forth as he soaked up the world around him. I managed to catch his eye and then gave him a little wave. His sweet face broke into a huge grin while we shared this simple moment of connection. There was no one paying attention to witness this glimmer of humanity, but it happened just the same. It’s hard to say how far those ripples traveled, but I know I carried this interaction with me throughout the day. I hope the toddler felt it too. Next time you’re out, pay attention to the kids and adults in a space. Chances are high that at least one child will be looking for human engagement, only to find a room full of unconscious, distracted grownups. Aim to be the person that isn’t looking down. 

Once you get into the habit of looking up, you can then start the process of turning inward. It’s our creativity and rich inner landscapes that make us human. When someone is existing in a state of “flow” they become fully alive. Human flow can be experienced while dancing, gardening, cooking, painting, making music, woodworking, swimming, drawing, writing, sailing, acting, running, building… the list goes on and on and on. You’ll recognize the feeling of flow when you’re in it. It fills us with life, breath, and purpose. Flow keeps us human and, frankly, we need more of it. 

In a world that often feels complicated, the answer is really quite simple, look up and look in. Make sure the people in your life feel seen, whether they’re sitting around your dinner table or bagging your groceries. Look them in the eye and acknowledge the worthiness of their human experience. And then uncover what makes you feel alive. What would you choose to do even if you never got paid for it? What does your human spirit long for? The answer to that question will be anything but robotic.

If you would like to make some more human connections, don’t forget the library! Join a book club, come to a concert, attend Storytime at the farmers market, meet up for Books & Brews, or simply stop by and ask a librarian for a recommendation. Check out our Calendar of Events for all of our offerings. Let’s stay human, together.