Life Off-Screen, or, In Praise of Single-Tasking

I went for a walk with Rufus today, and a driver almost didn't see us. She was putting on her make up. This made me think, multi-tasking is almost always dangerous and/or rude. How many times have you been earnestly talking to someone, only to realize that they're fully absorbed in a virtual conversation with someone who isn't even there?? RUDE.

There is much to be said for single-tasking: doing one thing, and doing it well. For your consideration: Are you aware of your surroundings? Do you hear the birds singing, or notice the beautiful cloud formation? Have you ever come close to walking into a moving vehicle because your attention is fully focused on a palm-sized distraction devise? Do you look people in the eyes when they talk to you? Do you remember what you've read, or does it just get lost in your brain with all the useless information you've acquired?

I'm reading The Winter of Our Disconnect by Susan Maushart. She and her three teenagers went screen-free for months. I try and occasionally do it for a week or two at a time. It is easier for me, since I don't have any "smart" devices, or "i-" anything.