Photo by Flickr user (F)oxymoron

I’m fairly new to the social media revolution and admit I often use my landline. If I’m going to stay in touch with young people, though, I’ve found I have to adapt. Last year I sent my niece an e-card for her birthday, and when she didn’t pick it up, I phoned. She apologized, “I never check my email. Only use Facebook.” I’ve had business contacts tell me the best way to reach them is with a text. I thought I was doing well by using email, my cell phone and Facebook. Add Twitter, and I’m in a quandary, my mind spinning.

My address book now has symbols next to names so I can remember how best to contact someone. Once you’ve figured out the best way, how about offering a moment of respite? All the external noise is so strong, it takes a commitment to get quiet and focus inside. But that’s always been true, I believe. Whatever the form, we’re easily distracted by our external reality. So, how about bringing meditation into your social context? Tweet or text someone you care about the following message: “Enjoy a deep breath. Count to 10 and exhale slowly.”

We all need this reminder to appreciate the air we breathe and our precious time. You can Tweet me if you’d like. See my tag below. Let’s collect great meditation messages that can fit into the 140-character limit and give ourselves, and our friends a moment of refreshment.

Susan Scott Morales is a meditation teacher, psychotherapist, published poet, novelist, and community contributor to AnnArbor.com. Tweet her @susanscottmoral, reach her at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or visit her website: susanscottmorales.com.