Social Intelligence

An interesting article yesterday in USA Today called "Sociability: It's All In Your Mind." The article features an interview with Daniel Goleman who wrote a new book called "Social Intelligence." Goleman comments that the quality of our relationships is under assult in modern life. Technological forces represented by all the electronic gadgets found in a home draw each family member's attention to a solitary world and away from real connection with family members. This once again points out the need for belonging. People, especially kids, want to know they belong. Yet the very instruments we hook ourselves up to limit human interaction. We need to remind ourselves more often to pay attention to the human moment. Put down the cellphone, get away from the computer, take off the ipod. Pay attention to what's going on with people around you. Engage and interact with others. Goleman says to be "fully present" when you're with others. So may we make the time to be with others in a "fully present" mode.
I think I need to meet a friend over coffee without my cellphone being on. How about you?
These are the days my friend!
Jim "Train"