Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

AWARENESS

Presence, Curiosity, and the Mindful Mirror of Technology

Awareness isn’t just noticing—it’s choosing how to respond. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how awareness shapes our relationships, our learning, and our evolving dance with artificial intelligence.

We are all familiar with this word. However, have you ever really stopped to figure out what it truly means? The police caution us to be aware of our surroundings. Our friends wonder if we are aware of something that is happening in the social group. Our spiritual guides want us to be mindful of other dimensions beyond ourselves. The neighborhood naturalist wants us to know about the flora and fauna and how we care for other creatures. The full-length mirror in my bedroom wants me to be aware of how I look. My colleagues want me to be mindful of my impact on others. My mother, if she were still here, would want me to be aware of my language and what I am eating.

Awareness is a state of being. Mahatma Gandhi has a quote that illustrates awareness for me: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” If you were to die tomorrow, what would today look like? Your first thought might be that you would eat as much ice cream as you could. However, your next thought will go to the connections that you have made with others. You will want to be with those you love and spend time connecting, remembering, and advising. You will want to laugh and cry. Would you pick up a book to learn one last thing? How much time do you devote to learning in your current living state? Are you curious about a variety of areas of life and knowledge? Do you challenge yourself to investigate new concepts such as Artificial Intelligence? Let awareness inspire your curiosity and drive your quest for knowledge, including understanding the implications of AI on human interactions.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is everywhere. When I draft an email, the AI highlights better phrasing or catches misspelled words. This thing is fast, too. I must admit that I have relaxed into it and appreciate the errors it quickly catches. However, I am not sure I know what will happen next or where this intelligence is leading. Robots in fast food places that man the fryer can save humans from grease burns and provide a financial break for the store owner, leading to more profits. And, yes, I have seen the clips where robots learn to play soccer. However, I cannot imagine going to the stadium or the ice rink to watch a bunch of robots engage in a sport. But that is where this innovation will lead. In the future, AI is expected to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to transportation, and even create new job opportunities in fields we can’t yet imagine.

Want to explore how mindfulness enhances awareness in the age of AI? Visit IOSM’s guide to mindfulness and ethical AI, DailyHuman’s overview of mindful AI development, and Mindful Institute’s reflections on mindfulness in an AI future.

If you’re reflecting on awareness, technology, or emotional presence, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and mindful living.