Ritualized listening and the lost art of being fully present

Lessons from leaving my headphones behind

Riverside Park, New York City, November 2024

We typically complain about how smartphones are distracting but overlook how wearing headphones or earbuds can also affect our attention. Recently, I decided to change my routine. I typically exercise outside while listening to a podcast or audiobook, but last week I tried something different. I went for a 45-…