The Quest for Meaning Beyond Screens

I recently embark on a holiday to the picturesque island of Kos in Greece. This beautiful destination is renowned for its stunning landscapes, adorned with sprawling olive trees that seem to stretch endlessly across the horizon, and the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, which are nothing short of mesmerising. However, amongst this natural beauty, I couldn't help but notice something alarming: the sheer number of people around me who were glued to their mobile phones. It was shocking to observe that even during shared meals with friends and family, many individuals were more engaged with their screens than with the vibrant surroundings or the people they were dining with.

Now, don't get me wrong; I, too, check my phone periodically throughout the day. However, I have always drawn the line at using it during meals, as I believe that dining together is an opportunity for connection and conversation. This observation led me to ponder a deeper question: why do so many people appear to be so disconnected from their immediate environment and the company of others while attempting to 'connect' through their devices? This reflection brought to mind a thought-provoking quote from The Invisible Sensei (if you haven't checked out his podcasts, make sure you do):

I find myself searching for an answer, to a question I don't yet know.

Just read that again...

As human beings, do we possess an innate urge to seek out something greater than ourselves, or are we constantly in pursuit of answers to questions we don’t even know how to articulate? This line of thinking led me to consider the role of religion in our lives. Does it provide individuals with the answers they seek, or perhaps it offers a framework for questions that remain shrouded in uncertainty? In this context, I began to wonder: has social media supplanted the traditional role of religious gatherings or communities? Now, before anyone feels compelled to send me emails regarding this blog post, let me clarify that my intention here is not to delve into the complexities of religion itself, but rather to explore the broader human experience of seeking meaning and connection.

While I do not identify as a religious person, I would describe myself as more spiritual. Yet, even that label feels somewhat vague, and I find myself questioning what it genuinely means in today’s fast-paced world. Nevertheless, I can certainly relate to the sentiment expressed in this quote. I'm also on the hunt for answers to those tricky questions that just won't reveal themselves. It is in this pursuit that I have discovered the impact of Karate and other martial arts, which I believe help fill that gap.

For me, attending the dojo—delving into the rich history, philosophy, and discipline of martial arts feels like a journey toward self-discovery. Every lesson I pick up and each kata I practice gets me a step closer to figuring out the questions I haven't even thought of yet. I’m pretty sure that once I nail down what I'm asking, I can start the journey to find the answers I’m after.

Thinking about these ideas, I can't help but question whether we should use social media for real social connections or if we should go back to the old ways—meeting up in person at places like dojos, sports clubs, and yoga classes, instead of just trading likes and comments online.

For me, the dojo is like my personal church. It's a place where I find peace and connection, where I can meet people who share my interests and have meaningful interactions that go beyond just working out. It's where I can be mindful and present without the distractions of technology. This makes me wonder: could the answers we're looking for be inside us all along? Do we really need to seek validation and meaning from outside sources?

We're naturally social beings, but it feels like we're moving away from that, thinking we're being more social through our online interactions. The irony is hard to miss; you probably found this post through social media, which just shows the contradiction we’re living in.

So, I really encourage you to spend more time at your dojo, church, or yoga class instead of getting lost in endless social media scrolling. Look for those real connections and experiences that truly enrich your life and help you find the answers you're searching for.

Jez

#socialmedia #karate #dojo #martialarts #searchingforanswers #InvisbleSensei