Have you ever (or frequently) found yourself hurrying out of bed, gulping a cup of coffee, rushing to and from work, swallowing a sandwich for lunch while working, talking to someone and answering the mobile phone at the same time? Have you ever sat in front of the TV or computer screen to `kill´ time?

How terrible it is to `kill´ time when it is something so precious. However, we do so in many ways, either at weekends, when we have to decide what to do with it, or during weekdays, when we do not even realise we are living through it. We are sometimes so immersed in all the things we have to do in such an apparently limited span. Everything has to fit there, no matter how it is done. And what are the consequences of this `contemporary lifestyle´? We do not indulge every minute of our existence. We leave enjoyment for the weekend or the holidays, but do we really find pleasure then? Do we do anything valuable for the world in those moments of freedom? What calls my attention is that articles are being published on how to avoid boredom or conflict during the so long expected holidays, on how the family should assign roles to live in harmony when they spend more time than usual together in the same place!

And do we realise how children, adolescents and adults become `idiotised´, `robotised´ and automated by technology (call it mainly cell phones, Internet, MP3, Play Station, computer games)? Where are we heading? We read and discuss about the wonderful benefits of these devices, but aren´t they sometimes just a way to break out of life? Users argue that they communicate by these means, however, I think they are doing just the opposite by isolating themselves from face-to-face contact. Worst of all, youngsters do not yet have the criteria to cope with technology within certain limits (e.g. in terms of amount and quality of time spent in front of a screen). Some grown-ups may find it smart to buy the latest models to give their children, but do they consider the risks? The development of social skills may be seriously harmed by overuse of technology and addictions are already appearing and growing fast, especially in developed countries.

I am not against technological advances as long as they serve useful purposes for humanity. However, I am strongly against inappropriate or excessive use. I reckon we, adults, should seriously ask ourselves the extent to which overuse of technology (instead of using it as a tool or medium of entertainment within certain limits) is harmful to people, especially children and teenagers. We may argue that the Internet is a good source of information to learn about different topics. Nevertheless, students sometimes misuse it by just finding data, copying and pasting without understanding (or even reading) the content of the texts, so we should focus on processes, not only results.

We should also bear in mind the model of person we are showing children by doing everything in a rush, with little time for reflection, for being quiet, for remaining silent, for real interaction, for listening (we seem to be talking all the time), for reading books, for discovering art, for appreciating nature, for focusing on our breath, for doing things s-l-o-w-l-y, for helping others. Some of us should also reflect on the fact that giving children everything they want without limits only teaches them that `zero effort´ is needed to achieve what one wants. What will happen when the child grows up and faces reality and not everything that he wants can be obtained wilfully? And what about depletion of natural resources just to foster consumption of unnecessary goods?

I believe we are becoming a selfish and individualistic society in many subtle ways and we do not realise the harmful effect this may soon have on our planet and ourselves. Excessive comfort and unlimited access to luxury goods foster ambition and over-dependence at the expense of natural resources and less fortunate human beings.

I very often hear young people choosing university courses to make money once they graduate and what is worse, they believe that they have the right to go to state universities and study for years for free without considering how they will give society back this extraordinary benefit once they become professionals. What about thinking that whatever we study or do will be of service to others, not just a way to fulfil personal (especially economic) needs?

I wonder whether we (mainly parents and educators) stop for a minute and think about what children are watching (us leading this chaotic lifestyle!) and doing now (that may seem cool or fun to some grown-ups). Do we imagine that these children will eventually grow up and rule the world in a few years´ time? Are we showing a good model to them? Do we set limits when necessary or are we afraid of doing so? Do we aid them in their studies? Do we encourage them to study in a quiet environment so that they can concentrate and learn? Do we listen to them? Do we have time to sit down with them and discuss dangers of, for instance, overusing technology, of unhealthy eating habits, of leading a sedentary life, of not studying enough? Each family is not an island that can do whatever they want without considering the role every person plays in society - in the present time and in the future.

From my point of view, there is a way out and it starts by conscious thinking, by active reflection on our harmful habits and by taking creative and responsible decisions to take care of nature and to show solidarity to those who cannot have the same access to education, health or a proper income. It only takes stopping for a while, taking a deep breath, making silence and rediscovering our essence human beings as part of a planet that is home to us all.

This starting point may lead us to set better examples for our children, therefore, for the future of our world.