What Wimbledon Taught Me About Being Present

I recently returned from a bucket-list trip: Three girlfriends and I were given an incredible trip to Wimbledon and London. I have always wanted to go to the Championships, and the experience exceeded every dream and expectation. The tennis was incredible, but the small details might be what made it truly magical for me. The stunning landscape and flowers, the elevated dress of fellow attendees, the traditions and nods to the past, the sweet perfection of Pimm’s Cups and strawberries and cream and the civility were some of my favorites, but I think one of the most memorable aspects of Wimbledon was the presence and silence of the crowds.

In a world where we can’t seem to look up, spend hours looking at screens and are constantly distracted, attendees at Wimbledon were fully engaged in the moment. Phones came out to take pictures or video the big-win moments, but attendees were not glued to their phones while waiting in lines or the minute there was a break in the action. Centre Court holds almost 15,000 people, and No. 1 Court seats a little over 12,000. We sat in both courts for over six hours, and the silence was stunning. Everyone was fully immersed, and when there was a gap in play or a break, people interacted and laughed with strangers and seatmates around them. It was beautiful—and glaring how different the experience was than day-to-day life back home. We met new people, shared incredible moments, laughed deeper and enjoyed everything a bit more. The presence changed my perspective and my conversations. It made everything better.

En route home, it was jarring how much everyone around me was on their phones—heads down, disengaged, multitasking and not fully present. In airports, lines, at work and at home, we are almost never without our phones or our laptops. We apologize for multitasking or not listening, but we don’t change behavior. We turn our phones over to say we are going to be present but pick it up dozens of times in an hour to ensure we haven’t missed anything. The minute we are bored or uncomfortable or alone, we turn to our phones for entertainment.

I understand we need to be responsive to our clients and work, but I would challenge all of us to take more time away from our phones. I can almost promise you it will make a positive impact on your experiences and relationships. Below are a few things I have tried recently that made an impact on my ability to be present:

• I started small and left my phone in another room for thirty minutes or an hour. I’m working towards an hour or two break in the morning or evening.
• I have been telling clients and friends I am trying to be more present and acknowledge I am setting down my phone so I can fully engage with them.
• I asked my family to leave all phones in another room for dinner or in the car if we are going out to eat.
• I no longer take my phone on a walk or to exercise. (I send a quick note to my family and let them know I am off to exercise and won’t have my phone for an hour.)
• I leave my phone in another room if I need to concentrate on a big project for a period of time.
• I have leaned into picking up the phone to call people rather than only texting.
• When friends come over or we host, I leave my phone away from the activity.

Life is precious and short. How you show up matters. Even technology needs to unplug. Let’s all challenge ourselves to be a bit more present and enjoy what is in front of us. I welcome your ideas on how  you are finding ways to be more present.