Do you feel alive? Are you so consumed with world events and the news that you cannot function in the world? Do you feel trapped? You cannot solve the world’s issues alone; you can only solve you; love, respect and forgiveness go a long way. Once you are done, move on to what you can do for the world.

Artificial Intelligence

I have been dabbling in the use of AI as a tool to expand my way of thinking. The other day I spoke about exercising, and the instructor commented about this being life and I hypothesized that she was speaking metaphorically. However, that was not the case. I went to bed early, only to be awoken by the thought that I had misinterpreted what the instructor was saying. 

I got out of bed, ran a comb across my head…  got dressed, and headed into the living room. Grabbed a bottle of water and broke out the laptop. It seems I have confused my cats. 

Chat GPT

I decided to pose the question to Chat Gpt first:

Feeling life… what does it mean to feel life? It is a little ironic, don’t you think that I am asking you this question? Is ironic the correct term?  I might have missed the point the instructor was trying to convey. She wasn’t speaking metaphorically. She was speaking about feeling. 

You are out of breath? What does that feel like? Your legs are burning? What does that feel like?

AI replied:

The question you’re grappling with – “What does it mean to feel life?” – is both profound and reflective. Indeed, it may seem ironic to ask this of an AI, given that I operate on algorithms and data, not personal experiences or emotions. However, I can undoubtedly help dissect and explore this concept.

“Feeling life” in the context of your instructor’s comments seems to be about acute physical sensations and the emotional responses they elicit. It’s about being fully present in the moment, acutely aware of the physical sensations your body is experiencing. When your instructor asks, “Are you out of breath? What does that feel like? Are your legs burning?” she’s encouraging you to immerse yourself completely in the present moment to engage with the direct experience of your physical being.

In a broader sense, to “feel life” could mean being deeply engaged with your experiences physically, emotionally and mentally. It’s about being attuned to the present, to the richness and complexity of your current experience, whether it’s the strain of muscles during exercise, the joy of a shared laugh, or even the grief of a loss. It involves a heightened state of awareness where you’re not just going through the motions but truly living and experiencing each moment.

In terms of irony, your use of the term is fitting. Irony often involves a contrast between expectations and reality. In this case, the expectation might be that life’s deeper meanings are found in grand, abstract concepts. Yet, as your instructor suggests, the reality is that life is deeply felt in the tangible, physical experiences of the here and now.

So, in reflecting on what your instructor meant, it seems she was emphasizing a form of mindfulness – being fully present and engaged with the physical sensations of the moment. This is a powerful practice, as it grounds you in the reality of your experiences and can lead to a deeper appreciation of life in all its facets.

Exactly true. AI got it right for the most part, anyway. The question that is always asked is: What is the meaning of life? The meaning of life is to learn. We incarnate as many times as needed in order to learn about living. The instructor pointed out that I am experiencing life. Because I can feel it; if my legs are burning, I can feel the experience. Can you experience life from watching television, YouTube, or TikTok? No.

However, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of experiencing life through these mediums. While they can offer empathy, knowledge, and a sense of connection, they are still a step removed from the direct experience of life. Watching someone climb a mountain is unlike feeling the wind on your face and the ground beneath your feet. These platforms often show a curated or edited version of reality, which can sometimes distort or oversimplify complex aspects of life.

Spoiler Alert

I recently watched a movie on Apple TV called Coda. It was about a deaf family. The filmmakers or storytellers did something profound in the movie. They were showing a musical recital. A beautiful duet singing a song. Some of the audience were brought to tears by this beautiful song. The deaf parents of one of the singers were also in attendance. When they showed the parents, the entire movie was muted. We experienced this scene as they did. They could see all that was happening. However, they could not hear anything. 

It is an outstanding film experience.

Movies

It is a form of storytelling that can evoke a broad spectrum of emotions, from joy to sadness, fear to inspiration. They can transport viewers to different worlds, introduce them to diverse cultures, and present complex moral dilemmas, all of which can broaden one’s perspective on life. Watching a film can be a deeply emotional experience, allowing viewers to empathize with characters and situations they might never encounter in their own lives.

YouTube

YouTube offers a more personalized and varied glimpse into human experiences. From educational content to vlogs, it provides insights into the lives, hobbies, and passions of others. For instance, watching someone’s travel vlog could give you a sense of what it’s like to visit a new place, or a tutorial might teach you a skill you’ve never tried. It’s a platform that offers both learning and entertainment, enabling viewers to explore various subjects and experiences.

TikTok

With its short-form content, TikTok is particularly effective at capturing fleeting moments and trends in life. It allows for rapid consumption of diverse content, from humorous skits to snippets of daily life. The platform can offer a sense of connection and community as users share and react to each other’s experiences and perspectives. It’s a window into the lives of others, showcasing the variety and relatability of human experiences across the globe.

Tapestry of Modern Life

YouTube and TikTok provide valuable and enriching life experiences, offering insight, empathy, and connection. They allow us to experience a wide array of emotions and situations vicariously. However, these experiences complement, rather than a substitute for, the direct, personal engagement with the world around us. They are part of the tapestry of modern life, adding depth and colour, but the fabric of life is woven through direct, personal experiences.

My final thought or words for tonight would be to suggest that to experience life or feel life is to try everything. Learn what it is to feel all the feelings and emotions of activities you wish to try. Experience as much as you can or have the means to. Never turn down the chance to experience life, good or bad; we are here to learn. Get out of your comfort zone!