Hello corn doggies. Let’s tuck in. There’s so much already being said about Artificial Intelligence, and I don’t want to add to the noise. So instead, I’ll attempt to make more interesting noise. Because I do have a few things for us to consider. Or four things. So let’s start with number two. I mean number one. Let’s go pee.

1 ~ You know what? I’m not so sure it’s fair to call it “artificial.”

What the hell do I mean? I’m simply inviting us to consider whether AI’s “intelligence” is really any more “artificial” than any other kind. This could be a pretty fun contemplation. Unless of course you hold the opinion that we humans are different than things like computers, rocks, and plastic forks. In which case: Yawn. Where’s the fun in that? Now consider there are about five ancient schools of wisdom that teach there’s only one “reality,” and every other seemingly separate “thing” is no more or less real (artificial) than any other. Too much? Got it. Look into scholars such as Bernardo Kastrup or Donald Hoffman ~ (or Uncle Einstein, for that ‘matter’). Or check out the Science & Non-Duality conference. Do so, and you might begin to question what’s “conscious” and what isn’t. So what about AI? It’s essentially just an amassed & generative network of knowledge, generated by entities using their network of neurons in order to shape it up. So… Is that artificial? Or a natural extension? Not buying it? Ok, maybe it’s just me then. And no, I’m not stoned. Sober since late 2018. Hi Dad.

2 ~ Be informed. But not too informed. And take it all with a bazillion grains of salt.

As point #3, addresses below, love it or hate it, AI is just “here.” A powerful new part of this existence. As such, it’s probably wise to keep up on it. But here’s the thing: Unlike staying informed on stir-fry utensils or cat litter, AI is moving ass-grabs faster than anything we’ve ever encountered as upright two-leggeds. My suggestion here is not very original: Find a trusted resource that stays informed for you, and ingest their posts regularly. But not too regularly. There are plenty out there, but I have a strong recommend: Check out the Matt Wolfe. I think his approach and passion merge well to give his followers regular, easily digestible views. Just watch/listen to his weekly recap, and maybe all this “AI stuff” won’t feel so freaky. Which tracks with the “monster is scarier when you can’t see it” logic. So #2 net: See the monster. Watch Matt Wolfe. (That should be his new tagline don’t you think? Hey Matt, that’ll be $4,500. You can Venmo me. Thanks.)

3 ~ It’s not good. It’s not bad. It just is. Like gravity. That’s right, AI is like gravity.

I personally very much appreciate AI. As of this writing, it hasn’t “screwed me over,” and even if it had, I’d still work to not label it either way – good or bad. As with all things, it can be used to practice “letting be.” That’s not to suggest we should bypass any reactivity we might feel. Quite the contrary. If you notice anything such as fear, hate or even apathy, we can let that be as it is, too. Without no resistance or label. See? Artificial Intelligence is more than just here, it’s also a potential teacher. Think of it like gravity, the weather, or the sky. Accepting it - including however you might be feeling about it - is the move. And from there, we can choose to engage with it, or not. From a place of equanimity. Which I believe is the key. That said, if you know anyone over the age of 70 - you might wanna take a minute and ask if they know what a “deep fake” is, or if they’re aware how AI is playing a more and more convincing role in scamming ops. Maybe also ask if they want any more information, and if so, feel free to have them drop me an email. Really. I’m currently building a basic presentation on this. Feel free to check it out, and share it if you want.

Brick & Mortar Work Tip 15: Work at a place where free snacks festoon the “break room?” If you’re like me, the only way to say “pshaw” to the peanuts is through uncompromising adherence to the Snack Avoidance Commandments: “Avert thine eyes from the Fig Newtons! Hide, and seek not the Potato Chips!”

I’ve put at least 795 watts of energy into “leveling up” the IFA site in the last week. So please tap the lime-green box below and take it for a spin. No, it’s not yet optimized for SEO, so you can save that feedback. But all other feedback? I don’t want that either. Winkyface emoji.

I’ve been a professional creative coach since 2012. Or is it 2019? Anyway, certainly not as long as Tony Robbins, but he doesn’t know what it’s like to face busy CMOs, famous creative directors drunk on Cannes hardware, or feel the pressure of a paid-media deadline every other day. So screw that guy. K bye.