The Pull of the Phone

That little tug from your phone? It’s not always worth your attention.

The urge rises.
I notice.
I pause.
Not everything needs my attention.
Not now.

The phone buzzes.
The tug arrives.
That tiny flicker of discomfort.
That urge to check something. Anything.

I’ve written full essays on distraction.
But this Gatha? It’s what actually helps.
It’s a pause I can take in real time.

This isn’t about judging yourself.
Or declaring a war on screens.
It’s about having one small moment where you get to choose.

The Gatha doesn’t scold. It notices.
It names the urge.
And then it reminds you: not everything needs your attention.
Not now.

For individuals, this can reclaim presence from the scroll.
For teams, it can protect attention in meetings, conversations, and collaboration.
Presence is productive. And kind.

You don’t have to respond to every ping.
You don’t have to feed every impulse.
You can pause.

If this helped you take one breath before reaching for the phone, share it with someone who might need the same.

Visit the full Gathas@Work collection:
https://learn.agileclassrooms.com/blog/categories/mindful-gathas-at-work