We have got so caught up in an insular world that swings between

"We have got so caught up in an insular world that swings between our phones, our computers, and our heads that we have forgotten to look out of the window, and say, 'Hey! It's raining.'" These words by Vikram Bhatt are a sharp reflection on the condition of the modern world. In his eloquent observation, Bhatt speaks of a society so immersed in its own technological creations—so consumed by the incessant cycle of communication, work, and thought—that we have become disconnected from the simple, life-affirming moments of the world around us. We have forgotten to pause, to notice, and to experience the beauty and the reality of the world as it exists outside the small, insular bubbles we’ve created with our phones, computers, and thoughts.

In the ancient world, there was an understanding that the senses were the primary means by which humans connected with the world. The Greeks spoke of the importance of being present, of engaging with the natural world to understand the truths that lay beyond human intellect. Socrates often wandered the streets of Athens, observing the people and the environment, for he believed that true wisdom could only be gained through direct interaction with the world. To live solely in the realm of ideas or the mind was to miss the fullness of experience. Bhatt’s words remind us that we too have neglected this very wisdom in our own time.

Consider the tale of Zen monks, who lived in harmony with nature, practicing their meditation under the trees or beside flowing rivers. They understood the profound significance of the present moment and the inherent lessons that nature had to offer. A drop of rain on the skin or the sound of leaves rustling in the wind was a teacher—a reminder of the world beyond the human-made constructs. Yet, as modernity progressed, humans began to retreat further into their constructed worlds, where technology and intellectual pursuits dominated, and the natural world faded into the background. Just as Bhatt cautions, we have become so engrossed in our devices, our thoughts, and our own narrow worlds that we forget to step outside, to breathe, and to simply observe the world unfolding before us.

We see this phenomenon all around us today. The smartphones, laptops, and constant connectivity have created an environment where we are perpetually distracted, always looking at screens, ever wrapped in the noise of virtual connections. We no longer take the time to simply sit and watch the world—the rain falling, the wind blowing, the stars glimmering. The simple beauty of nature’s unfolding is drowned out by the chaos of notifications, emails, and social media updates. And in this, we lose touch with what truly matters—the moments that ground us, that remind us of our humanity, and that offer us the wisdom of stillness.

The story of Thoreau, the great transcendentalist, offers a powerful reminder of the value of stepping outside the confines of society’s busyness. When he retreated to the woods at Walden Pond, he sought a life of simplicity, away from the distractions of the industrial revolution and societal demands. He believed that true peace and insight could only be found when one stepped away from the noise and immersed oneself in the silence of nature. Thoreau’s journey into nature was a return to the authentic, a reclaiming of what was lost in the rush of progress and industry. In many ways, Bhatt’s words echo this same sentiment: in a world so consumed by our creations, we must not forget to reconnect with the real, the tangible, and the present.

The deeper lesson here is not just about technology or distraction, but about the way we engage with life itself. Are we so entrenched in our thoughts, devices, and routines that we forget to experience the world? To pause and appreciate the rain, the changing seasons, the very breath of life? Just as the ancient sages taught the importance of stepping out of oneself to observe the world, we too must cultivate mindfulness. We must look out of the window, figuratively and literally, and embrace the richness of the world in all its simple moments.

In our own lives, we must find balance. Yes, technology offers us immense power and convenience, but it also isolates us from the immediacy of the present moment. Let us take time each day to step away from the screens, to breathe deeply, to notice the world around us, and to cultivate the habit of being truly present. By doing so, we reconnect with the deeper truths of life—the truth that is found not in our devices, but in the natural world, in our relationships, and in the present moment. Let us learn from Vikram Bhatt’s caution, and remember that to live fully, we must not only think, but also feel, see, and experience the world as it is.