Will AI technology separate us from our heart?

Imagine what it would be like to go back to your first heartbeat. To be again at the place of your origin. No thoughts. No feelings. Only cells dividing and creating the heart that shapes who you are. Feel the singularity and power of that heartbeat interacting with your body’s blueprint.

Your heart powers you physically and emotionally. And, we humans are most effective when we draw on both our heart and mind. We’ve been a head-based, left-brain society for hundreds of years or more. That orientation may be driving us to a collision point in the evolution of our species.

The wild speculation about the impact of AI now and in the future, brings up existential questions. My big concern is that we’ll shut off access to our heart intelligence and guidance.

At the same time, I’m fascinated with imagining our future and engaging in all things Universe and Cosmos. We just watched a Netflix episode titled ‘Terra’ in the Alien Worlds series. The futuristic series imagined what humans would be like hundreds of years into the future. The episode proposes that our advanced species would not need a body and exist from our brains only. Each individual brain existed inside of a box and formed a connected, neural network so the brains could function as one.

That made me shiver. The idea that as humans, we could lose our individuality and connection to our hearts is one that I don’t want to accept.

Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

What makes us human is our capacity to love, to experience emotions, and to be creative, be uniquely ourselves.

A cosmic, beating heart in an art installation

Every few years, we travel to Bentonville, Arkansas to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It’s an unexpected treasure with a collection that ranges from classic to modern. Aside from the expertly-curated art collection, I love the trails in the forest on museum property. Miles of walking paths and peaceful scenery make it worth the trip for me.

For the last few years, the museum has added a light and sound experience to the night forest. Visitors wander through the forest on designated trails and experience art shaped by lights and sound. In 2021, North Forest Lights was the first show that we attended. Awed by the creativity that went into developing the show, I practically floated through the experiential paths of lights, sounds, and mist. Each exhibit or installation was different. The one that fascinated me the most is pictured below:

Installation at North Forest Lights, 2021, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, photo by Tom Garland

Like a spaceship with a cosmic heart, it had pulsing lights and sound. I could have stayed mesmerized for hours sitting in front of it. Now, I can imagine myself in the presence of this cosmic heart feeling the original spark of my soul.

Here is a short video from the museum on the installation: The installation picture above is included and you can get a sense of the show’s mystical and inspiring nature.

Back to the ‘Terra’ episode

I wonder how the producers would have created the ‘Terra’ episode if we evolved to our heart instead of our brain? Collectively, we are making the shift to our heart, but it is ugly right now. The old ways are crumbling, and the cosmic heart wants to emerge.

I can’t claim that I am heart-led all the time. When I listen to my heart and sink into its knowing, my creations are much easier to bring about and I struggle less.

Here are two things to experiment with that will help open your heart’s awareness:

1. In your meditation, or on a walk when you are alone, move your awareness to your heart. Visualize your awareness right in the center of your heart. Ask your heart if it has a message for you and listen. Connect with your heart in the same way when you have a decision to make.

2. Imagine your heart is a rose. See it unfolding and expanding. If you aren’t used to this, you might feel some tightness as your heart’s energy expands. Stop with any discomfort and take some deep breaths. You can do this for a few minutes at a time. The purpose is to expand your heart’s awareness. If you have any heart issues, consult with your doctor before practicing this exercise.

Humanity’s evolution depends on each of us staying connected to our heart. We can make better decisions about AI and anything coming our way when we consult our heart as well as our mind.

Thank you for reading and sharing “The Light in Us.”