Karen Restivo
In Other Words....
When it comes to fear, you need look no further than television, newspapers and social media.
Fear gets top billing in world events while love, compassion and joy are reduced to page eight or sound bites closing out news programing.
What control do we have when it comes to bypassing ratings-generated shock and awe story lines?
We have more control than you think.
Algorithms are a powerful tool that social media wields in its attempt to hold its user’s attention for as long as possible.
Type in a subject of interest to you on your phone or computer and the information pops up immediately.
Before you know it, more information on the subject becomes available, in addition to similar topics corresponding to the original subject search.
For example, if you’re concerned with the percentage of recent gun violence reported in your area, research on your computer will pull back the curtain on city, county, state, national and international figures for your reference.
Suddenly, relatable stories materialize without any additional requests.
On a lighter note, ask anyone shopping online how easy it is to be pulled down the rabbit hole by hypnotic products reaching through the computer screen for your credit card information.
Welcome to the world of algorithms and artificial intelligence.
Run Forrest, Run!
Who knew the universe had algorithms of its own way before the age of technology came into play?
Biblically we’ve been taught “What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get.”
Our Christian faith teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
What happens when we don’t follow the golden rule of loving our neighbor and we go all in on just ‘me, myself and I?’
Our selfish choices and destructive behavior switches outside experiences to mirror the customized personal algorithm of our own behavior.
In his book, “Universal Human,” author Gary Zukov guides his readers on the path to authentic power (when our personality aligns with our soul).
Zukov notes, “If you do not consider your emotions worth putting your time and energy into - focusing your attention on - you may learn about emotional awareness, and you may become able to speak about emotional awareness, but you will not be emotionally aware. (Remember - “What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get.”)
“Experiencing all your emotions and creating authentic power are inseparable.
“Free Will is a fundamental, permanent, unchangeable part of every human.
“To be human is to have free will. The two are inseparable.”
The tools for creating authentic power are emotional awareness and responsible choice.
In other words, we have free choice in choosing which universal algorithm to live by - living our lives from a place of love or living our lives from a place of fear.
Zukov’s bottom line, “If you cannot distinguish between love and fear in yourself, you cannot create authentic power, because creating authentic power requires choosing love instead of fear.
Only one of the doorways leads to love.
If you are not willing to learn which one it is, you cannot go through it.”
Karenrestivo57@gmail.com.