"Je vis dans l'instant, sans prendre de photos pour le garder."

Living in the moment. It’s one of those ideas that sounds simple but can be pretty tough to pull off in our fast-paced, hyper-documented world. We’re often so busy capturing experiences—taking photos, posting updates, or even just planning the next thing—that we forget to actually experience them. This quote is all about putting your phone down and being truly present. It’s about soaking in the here and now without feeling the need to immortalize it through a camera lens or on social media.

Historically, this idea has been around for ages, even if the technology aspect is relatively new. Think about it: ancient philosophers like Laozi and even recent thought leaders like Eckhart Tolle emphasize the importance of being present. But in today’s context, where our lives are so intertwined with our devices, the message feels especially urgent. When you’re constantly snapping pictures, you’re not just capturing; you’re also diverting your attention. You’re splitting your consciousness between the moment and the documentation of the moment.

Let’s talk about a real-life example. Picture this: you’re at a concert of your favorite band. The lights go down, the first notes play, and what do you see? A sea of glowing screens. Everyone’s recording, snapping photos, or live-streaming. But then there’s that one person—maybe it’s even you—who decides to leave the phone in their pocket. You’re singing along, feeling the bass in your chest, seeing the band with your own eyes (not through a screen). When the concert ends, you might not have a perfect video to post, but you’ve got something arguably more valuable: a vivid, undistracted memory of an incredible experience.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start small. Next time you’re out for dinner with friends, resist the urge to photograph your meal. Turn your phone off—or at least put it on airplane mode—when you’re in nature. Practice the art of single-tasking. Focus on one thing at a time and give it your full attention. You might find that your experiences become richer and more fulfilling.

Let’s imagine a scenario to illustrate this. Picture a family going on a vacation to a beautiful beach. The parents are excited about capturing every moment—they’ve got their cameras ready, phones at hand. But their teenage daughter decides she wants to try something different. She leaves her phone in the hotel room and steps onto the beach. She feels the sand between her toes, the cool breeze on her face, and the sound of the waves crashing. She plays in the water, builds a sandcastle, and talks to locals—all without worrying about capturing the perfect shot. At the end of the day, she might not have a photo album, but she has something better: genuine, unfiltered memories.

Life isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a series of moments—some big, some small—that we experience fully when we’re not distracted by the urge to document them. So, next time you find yourself reaching for your phone, ask yourself: do you really need that picture? Or would you rather just live the moment? Try it—you might find that the best memories are the ones you didn’t capture.