I Don't Like What I See In Them

The Gift of Being a Human

The perks of AI no-doubt make our lives easier in many respects. But could Artificial Intelligence ever replace us as walking talking human beings? It is a topic that I never thought I would be seriously contemplating. But, as I dig into the nature of being a human, there are some broad, interdisciplinary perspectives that encompass physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. These aspects collectively help define what it means to be human, touching on both the biological and the existential elements of human experience:

Physical Body - of course!

• Description: The biological aspect of being human, including our anatomy, physiology, and physical capabilities.

• Key Points: Humans are highly evolved organisms with complex systems such as the nervous system, circulatory system, and sensory organs. Our physical bodies allow us to interact with the environment, experience the world, and perform necessary life functions.

Consciousness and Awareness - and yes, we have a choice via our free will

• Description: The ability to be self-aware, to think, reflect, and understand one’s existence.

• Key Points: Consciousness is the awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Humans have a high level of cognitive functioning, including the capacity for abstract thinking, memory, and metacognition (thinking about thinking).

Emotions and Feelings - stemming from our present observations or memories of the past

• Description: Emotional experiences, from basic emotions (anger, joy, sadness) to complex emotional states (guilt, empathy, love).

• Key Points: Humans experience a wide range of emotions, which influence behavior, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. Emotions are deeply tied to our evolutionary survival mechanisms but also contribute to our social and moral lives.

Language and Communication - based on social conditioning from family and peers

• Description: The ability to use language to express thoughts, share information, and form relationships.

• Key Points: Humans are unique in their use of complex language, which is central to culture, education, and social interaction. Through language, we convey ideas, tell stories, and connect with others across space and time.

Social Connections and Relationships - ideally, through those that care about and support us

• Description: The inherent need for social interaction and community.

• Key Points: Humans are social creatures who thrive in groups. We form relationships, build families, and create communities. Social bonds are critical for emotional well-being, survival, and cultural continuity.

Morality and Ethics - both often stemming from authority figures in our younger lives

• Description: The ability to distinguish right from wrong, to make ethical choices, and to act in ways that align with moral principles.

• Key Points: Humans exhibit a sense of justice, empathy, and compassion, and we often create systems of moral codes, ethics, and laws to guide behavior. Morality helps regulate relationships and societal cohesion.

Creativity and Imagination - how this is encouraged or discouraged sets a course for life

• Description: The capacity to create, innovate, and envision possibilities beyond the present moment.

• Key Points: Humans have an extraordinary ability to imagine new ideas, create art, solve complex problems, and invent technologies. This creativity allows for personal expression and has been a driving force behind human progress.

Spirituality and Meaning - is it programmed into us or is it allowed to blossom from within us?

• Description: The search for purpose, belonging, and transcendence, whether through religion, philosophy, or personal reflection.

• Key Points: Many humans seek answers to existential questions about life, death, and the universe. Spirituality and the search for meaning can provide comfort, direction, and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.

Time and Mortality - as far as we know, no other life forms consider these things

• Description: The awareness of the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

• Key Points: Humans are unique in their conscious awareness of their own mortality. This awareness shapes much of our behavior, from planning for the future to creating legacies, and it influences our values, goals, and how we approach life’s challenges.

These aspects, which are certainly not all-encompassing, combine to create the multifaceted nature of being human. No matter how proficient artificial intelligence may become, there are vitally important attributes - I recognize them as being precious GIFTS - in existing as an organic being born of a higher order, a loving intelligence.

The human attributes form the foundation for how humans experience and navigate the world, from individual survival to social cohesion and cultural expression. Each aspect interacts with the others, and together, they shape the richness of the human experience.

The Mirror of Relationships

Relationships are our #1 greatest teachers in life. It is through interaction with others that we are inspired and learn something or, to the contrary, it is via contrasting struggles that we are better able to further define our interests and desires, thereby evolving ourselves in our life journey.

Relationships act as mirrors, reflecting back to us the parts of ourselves we may not fully recognize or understand. Through interactions with others, our triggers, insecurities, and unresolved issues often surface, offering us a chance to see the unhealed aspects of our psyche. These raw moments, though uncomfortable, are opportunities for growth, as they invite us to confront and heal the wounds we may have been avoiding.

As we become aware of these unhealed parts, we are called to heal ourselves by facing our past traumas, emotional wounds, and limiting beliefs. Relationships push us to become more self-aware, allowing us to see where we need to evolve. By doing this inner work, we cultivate healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, leading to personal transformation and growth. Healing ourselves through relationships ultimately empowers us to become more whole.

When we heal and evolve, each of us contribute to the collective evolution of humanity. Our personal growth ripples out to those around us, creating a positive impact on our communities and beyond. As we each work on ourselves, we raise the collective consciousness, fostering an environment where love, understanding, and empathy can thrive. In this way, our relationships not only help us heal, but they also play a key role in the broader evolution of humanity.

Consciousness, self-awareness, empathy, and love are gifts that we embody

I, personally, take advantage of the efficiency that AI provides with regard to navigation, health & safety, education, and progress in general. But I will not fear being subservient to it, because I believe that the Creator is of love, as are we, and there is no greater power that exists. I have faith in our children as they are more closely aligned with this truth, as well. In this great time of chaos, the impending changes are palpable long before they come to a culmination. Just know that the old paradigms are crumbling and they must do so in order to make space for the next era. This is an era that will, no doubt, be expansive in nature as we embark on our subjective journeys with a desire for more - more harmony, more joy, more beauty, more vitality, and meaningful connections with others.

When we are no longer satisfied in a relationship or career, the time has come to reap the wisdom that it has revealed to us. This wisdom is growth that expands our self-awareness and subsequently impacts those around us, too. Be not too quick to point fingers at others, as what we see is a reflection of our state of awareness.

There is nothing more beautiful or valuable than the miracle of being YOU.