August 28, 2023 – A

This image is inspired by the Canadian Rockies, which means I put it together using an actual image and Photoshop Beta’s
Artificial Intelligence to create what you see. My role was to say what I wanted, what I liked and did not like
among the choices I was offered by AI, using the tools at my disposal to create a satisfying image,
which is not unlike tweaking aperture, shutter speed, focus and white balance,
creating sharp focus near to far by blending two different photographs of near and far.
I welcome AI as an important part of my work flow,
and look forward to sharing more of it with you.
The AI description above ties in smoothly
with how I live generally
in relation with my Inner Intelligence, or II.

I sit/stand/lie aware of what's what,
what is called for,
and what I might do about it,
and visualize/feel/sense various scenarios,
deciding "Yes/No" with each one,
and what that produces in terms of
additional options and choices,
narrowing down the possibilities,
and doing whatever things "boil down to."

It is how I live.
How I decide what to wear,
what to eat,
where to go,
what to do...

Of A/B/C/D... what do I rule out
to get to what I settle on?
So AI is simply a photographic extension
of the way I am accustomed to living.

My II is exceptional where it comes
to sizing up situations,
sensing direction,
and preparing to meet likely developments.

We moved from Indian Land to our present location
based on our (The "we/our" here is me and my wife
and me and my/her II) observations
of the changes in the landscape due to development
in the "neighborhood" we lived in,
and the impact that was having on the roads 
and intersections, etc. of the area.

We took the givens and imagined the therefores
and made the choices that got us from there to here.

We are always making decisions
that lead to amazing coincidences
and acts of timing
all because we see/sense what's what
and act when the urgency of the situation
calls for action.

We are attuned to what is happening in the moment,
and what the most likely outcome is going to be,
and acting to get out of the way of inevitabilities
that can be avoided if we respond as needed.

I see this as the essence of the Tao in action,
seeing/hearing/knowing/perceiving/acting 
in the service of balance and harmony
and enjoying the results of having done so.

Going with the apparent flow,
particularly with the obvious urgency
of acting here/now,
enables us to avoid unwanted situations,
and positions us to be prepared for 
the unknown future
by simply paying attention to our present.

It appears to us as a natural way of doing business.

–0–

Published by jimwdollar

I'm retired, and still finding my way--but now, I don't have to pretend that I know what I'm doing. I retired after 40.5 years as a minister in the Presbyterian Church USA, serving churches in Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. I graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Austin, Texas, and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. My wife, Judy, and I have three daughters, five granddaughters, one great granddaughter, and a great grandson on the way, within about ten minutes from where we live--and are enjoying our retirement as much as we have ever enjoyed anything.

4 thoughts on “August 28, 2023 – A

  1. Most of what I’ve read/heard about AI has been down right frightening. Since I value your opinion I will take this opportunity to chill. Maybe there is hope after all.

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