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On Beingness and Technology

I think about the potential of technology often. Whether it be artificial intelligence or blockchain, we are facing new found possibilities.

The efficiency is stunning, and the certainty is reassuring — and we have the possibility to try to think with the logic of technology — in a way — we can become reductionists: a belief that each piece serves a specific utility and no more — that the sum of parts is not greater than the whole.

Logical algorithms must assume a complete logical breakdown of systems, while humans can account for the subtle. If a mechanic takes a part a car to each of its pieces, and puts it back together, then it will likely drive again. If the best surgeon takes an animal and tries to dissect it, and put it back together, then obviously it will not live. There is a difference.

Human beings that break problems into their individual pieces and logically pieces them together — this is what computers do, not humans.

To not lose ourselves to technology, we must practice and honor that which is human: wisdom, love and compassion.

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The Discipline a Child Brings

A Dad’s Morning Schedule in the First 6 Months

A Child is the ultimate disciplinarian. With our daughters grand entrance, we have been forced to change our ways. Where there was disorder, there is now order. Where there was order, there is now disorder. And, we would not have it any other way.  I want to spend so much more time with Lila than is feasible, so instead I have had to become more disciplined.

The morning schedule:

5:30 to 5:45AM: Wake up and take Lila to her daytime crib. We do this so Sarika can get 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

5:45 to 6:45AM: Coffee; Meditation; Read something positive (right now it is Brian Johnson’s Optimize +1); Be a paranoid parent and keep checking to make sure Lila is okay

6:45 to 7:15AM: Morning movement

7:15 to 7:30: Shower and get ready

7:30 to 8:15AM: Wake Lila; Change diaper; and, Feed

8:15AM: Hand off Lila to Sarika

So far, the above schedule seems to be what generally is needed, but everyday things change. Sometimes Lila sleeps in a little, and other times not as much. I am learning to roll with the changes, and cultivating acceptance where I can’t do what I want to do.

I am lucky, Lila is a sweet calm baby, and Sarika somehow takes care of so many things with her epic multi-tasking skills.