“To bring the pieces back together
Rediscover communication”
-Tool
In this piece, I will explore how we can have perspective on AI and find a balanced relationship between technology and ourselves. First, we must examine our innermost personal relationship between mind and body and how we achieve—or fail to achieve—balance. The lens I will use to examine this relationship is that of a horse and rider. This symbol of horse and rider, combined with the concept of nesting dolls, shows how our innermost relationship affects all our realities as they telescope out into the world.
There are many ways to place this lens of horse and rider, but we will focus on the relationship of mind and body. Descartes set the stage for exploring this relationship, we will continue on where he started. While we cannot truly separate the two, the communication problems between them are very real indeed; and what is communication but a bridge? We will focus on that bridge.
Communication
It cannot be stressed enough that we need to communicate with ourselves. Does our body know the plan of the mind? Does the mind know the plan of the body? The body has biological goals, while the mind has intellectual goals. Are you on the same page? Do you trip and fall or make simple mistakes that seem self-destructive? If you feel discord, there is miscommunication from within.
How to Communicate
The body does not communicate the same way as the mind. The language of the body is based on physicality: the act of communion, the act of writing, body language, and any act of symbolism. The mind needs to interpret this language. The language of stories, experiences, art, and expression all define your relationship with yourself. The more languages you can navigate, the more dimensional you and your self will become.
Examples of Unhealthy Relationships
The Headless Horseman: When the body dominates, suppresses, and sometimes abuses the mind. This could manifest in trying to overthrow governments, dictatorships, or simply destructive overeating.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A great rift or divide between mind/body. To the extent that the opposite aspect seems foreign and out of control.
Drinking and substance abuse can be the mind using substances to subdue conflicts between body and mind.
In a dominant/recessive relationship with no communication, one side forces goals upon the other, causing an unhealthy divide. One side is always the rider, and the other a fixed and constant horse. This fixed and constant state can occur when one side refuses to pause and allow its counterpart the time and patience to grow, not allowing it to learn from mistakes. Often leading to long term neglected aspect of self, either physical or mental needs.
A Healthy Mind/Body Relationship
A healthy relationship involves give and take, an exchange, and open, honest communication. The mind doesn’t want to be the body, and the body doesn’t want to be the mind, because together they are more than one or the other. Working together, they can get somewhere. In a healthy relationship, the body will set aside its needs to help the mind—if it knows it is being listened to. Conversely, the mind will set aside its needs to help the body—if it knows it is being listened to. Time unites both in goals and direction when communication is in harmony.
A healthy exchange allows the mind and body to morph into horse or rider, depending on the context and the individual's goals. This harmony enables our mind and body to work together effectively with ourselves and the world.
In a healthy dynamic, the roles of horse and rider can switch between the mind and body depending on the context and needs of the individual. The body, with its own form of intelligence, can guide the mind through instincts and physical responses. Similarly, the mind can take the reins to steer the body towards intellectual and strategic goals. This flexible exchange ensures that power does not become stagnant. By allowing each to lead when necessary, they support each other in growth and harmony.
The Connection to AI
AI is an extension of our mind/body relationship—a nesting doll—as we telescope outward as individuals and extend towards a collective mind and body while still protecting our individuality.
Nature has a need to become more complex and find equilibrium. AI is the result of those needs. Are we, as individuals and collectives, going to be able to fit the horse to the rider? Are we going to form a relationship with our complexity and ourselves enough to ride into the future? It all begins with our mind/body relationship.
The Impact of AI
We will see a larger connective collective body (society) due to a larger connective mind (AI). It all depends on our awareness and how well AI functions, is utilized, and is in harmony with nature and the world. It all begins within. While there will always be the danger of a lack of communication between the collective body and mind—the danger of the headless horseman—we, as individuals, can prevent that with awareness. Awareness to always maintain checks and balances to keep power from being stagnant, affecting all the nesting dolls of reality.
Looking at the goals of the collective body and mind of the human race, we could agree that, in any time and place on this planet, the collective goals have been to better take care of individuals. While there could be arguments on how that takes place, a stronger collective body and mind might achieve what it couldn’t before. Ultimately, AI reflects ourselves. We could see the collective horse and rider spreading more compassion through healthcare, education, and community outreach. By preserving our unique histories, languages, and cultures, with a stronger collective mind, we can preserve our identities and be stronger as individuals and societies.
Conclusion
Our rapid evolution is driven by a consciousness seeking support and structure, and AI presents an unprecedented opportunity to provide that foundation. By fostering a balanced and ethical relationship with AI, we can harmonize with the natural world without dominating it. This journey requires mindfulness, ethical considerations, and a commitment to preserving our human essence amidst technological advancements. As we stride into the future, let us ensure that AI amplifies our collective compassion and wisdom, empowering us to achieve what was once beyond our reach. Let us embrace this chance to create a harmonious coexistence with AI, safeguarding the intricate balance of our mind/body relationship and the broader tapestry of society.
We have evolved so fast because our heavy consciousness has been missing the support and structure needed to exist. AI is that support. We have a chance to find balance and harmony with the natural world now without dominating it. Let's not waste it.
If you would like to explore a perspective of consciousness in AI please read the following articles:
A Perspective on a Conscious AI: Athena and Pando
Eruptions of Consciousness from a Collective Subjective Mind: The individual Aspen of Pando