More than ever before, the cell phones are the new sign of prosperity, a bit of snobbism. In Goa, I have seen even a toddy tapper on duty proudly brandishing a cell phone strapped to his waist alongside the traditional 'kati'... Cell phones are becoming so popular among teens here in Kuwait that school administrators are now starting to monitor use more closely. Even though most kids have cell phones for the sole purpose of checking in with their parents, there has been a shift in the true need for the phones. The focus is rapidly changing from personal safety to simply personal use. Restaurants are filled with people sitting across from one another, each speaking to a third party on their cells... Seeing strangers in this predicament is fine, but the other day I saw it happen in my own proximity. I was looking forward to hear some news from Goa when two of my friends agreed to meet me after coming back from vacation. Rather than catch up with their lives, I found them both on the phone, constantly making or receiving calls and sms. The situation was hilarious!.. It made me aware of another health hazard of this new addiction: never being where one is, never being with whom one is, and missing the present moment - the here and now !.. Such a scene makes me aware of how we are all becoming prisoners of our conveniences: imprisoned in our cells...cell phones, that is. Modern technology is showering us with innocent distractions but unless we utilize them, we will be used by them and lose the most precious contact - with our own innermost being...