Some years ago, our attention span was 45 to 50 minutes. Today, it has reduced to just 47 seconds. There is a severe attention deficit today.The increased use of screens has a big role to play in this. When we stare at a screen for too long, we blink less. That affects the freshness and creativity of our minds. People today have more experiences than their senses and minds can handle. They feel emotionally exhausted and inwardly lost.

The purpose of technology is to bring us comfort. If it becomes the cause of distress, its purpose is lost. Holding onto cell phones all day hurts the nervous system. But if you are free from stress, you will use technology for a good purpose. 

AI can have three interpretations. The first is the absence of intelligence. A lot of what comes on social media is fake and AI-driven. We have to move ahead in AI, but with awareness. We forget to recognise intelligence in nature, which is an absence of intelligence on our part.

The second is artificial intelligence. It can only reproduce what is already stored, not create something new. It challenges our intellect and creativity, and pushes us to do something original. Do not see the advent of AI as a hindrance. When calculators entered schools, teachers feared students would lose the ability to calculate. That did not happen. 

The third meaning of AI is absolute intelligence. Wherever there is intelligence, there is consciousness. That one consciousness which envelops the whole universe is very orderly, and its intelligence is supreme. It connects us with a source deep within us which can bring out more creativity and enthusiasm. It can uplift the spirit around us and help us get over this terrible sense of loneliness. 

When we move from the absence of intelligence to absolute intelligence, artificial intelligence finds its right place. Click To Tweet

The root cause of loneliness is stress and disconnectedness from ourselves. When we become centred, when we settle deeply within ourselves, we naturally discover that we are a source of joy. Then, when people come together with a spirit of giving, serving, and contributing to each other’s lives, genuine happiness follows. That is how loneliness is overcome, not by desperately searching for someone else, but by first becoming connected to ourselves.

No machine can replicate real human connection. We convey more through presence, feeling, and vibration than just words. Technology can help, but it cannot improve one’s vibrations.If your vibrations are harmonious, positive, and joyful, everyone will love to be around you. Meditation makes your vibrations positive and makes you pleasant to be around.

Meditation is not a luxury, but a basic need today. I call it mental hygiene, just like brushing is dental hygiene. Meditation is not about doing something, but about being. 

Like when you stop your car at the petrol pump, you turn it off so that you can fill it up. You can’t fill your car while driving. Once your car is full, you do not stay there; you drive. Similarly, we must pause to recharge ourselves, and then move back into activity with strength, clarity, and joy.

The best ideas and solutions arise amidst deep silence and meditation. When you are rattled, even good ideas fail. Focus and presence of mind can come from rest, not from effort or activity.

Technology must enable connection, wisdom, joy, and the journey within. When we move from the absence of intelligence to absolute intelligence, artificial intelligence finds its right place. (World Mental Health Day is on October 10)