Social NOT Media: Real Time, Faces & Voices

Esther Ruth Friedman
Sep 15
2 min read

Recently, I played a benefit gig with friends to raise money for Kerr County TX’s ongoing flood relief. Then Chris and I drove to Western, MA to hike, enjoy breweries, and have dinners and laughs with friends. I played at an in-the-round songwriter showcase with my old friend Frank Critelli and two new musician friends, Charlie Diamond and Erik Rabasca. In the 90s, Frank and I frequented Boston’s thriving open mics. He moved; we lost contact, until recently. It feels great to reconnect, face to face, in real time.

I’m writing about this to continue my "I’m ditching my personal social media accounts" media campaign. I am writing to encourage real time with real people. In cyberspace the worst of human nature bubbles to the top. Too much time online poisons my faith in humanity, decency and belief in goodness. Music, the Berkshires, and real laughs in real time, restore me. These things are good for my embattled soul.

At one point, we were driving back to our Airbnb after a dinner with friends, I turned to Chris and said, “Most people are nice.” I’d forgotten. So, I’m going to delete social media accounts to remember.

The closer I get to the exit, the calmer I feel. As I tell my clients, steering towards calm, clarity and empowerment is the reclamation/recovery. You own and safeguard your time, attention, focus and energy.

Colorful trees with a fence surrounding them. — Photo by James Peacock on Unsplash

I urge you to also steer towards more real-time connection. More social NOT media time: Real faces, real voices, real people, real conversations, laughs, cries, vents, projects, plans, hugs, etc. After all, neuroscience research shows that we are wired to regulate each other.

As of September 30th, I’m out! The Gentle Souls Revolution accounts will share blog posts, newsletters and music/show info. Here is where you will be able to connect with The Gentle Souls Revolution come September 30:

The Gentle Souls Revolution website: this is the main hub where you will find all information for Gentle Souls plus my music and performance information. Bookmark the page and you have a one-stop-shop to check in and get information you need by bypassing social media all together.
Sign up for the Gentle Souls Revolution email list. I send a once-a-month email to members of my email list with helpful information, links to blog posts I write, and music/performance information.
Subscribe to the Gentle Souls Revolution Substack blog. Whenever I publish a new blog post, be notified to read it.
Subscribe to the Gentle Souls Revolution YouTube page. Not only will I be posting helpful videos for Gentle Souls, but I will also include my music for you to enjoy.
Follow the Gentle Souls Revolution on the following social media channels for helpful social media content without the drama:
BlueSky, Facebook, and Instagram