Human Check-In
Imagine a mechanical society with no thinking or feeling, everyone rushing about on auto-pilot, elbowing out of the way anything that appears on the horizon that doesn't match in with their preferred mode of existence. Would you be happy with this? Do you think it’s already happening on our streets? How can keep you in touch with your human side and does being authentic even matter?
The following questions may help to determine if you are in danger of becoming a robot.
Q1. Is your life running completely on schedule, every minute accounted for, your targets maxed out to the last with someone reminding you that you could achieve a little more if you try harder (that someone could even be you).
Q2. Do you only read articles that start with headings such as '5 Steps To This' and '3 Ways To Do That' because you don't have time to read real life stories of personal interest which aim to impart wisdom in a more meaningful way?
Q3. Do the important people in your life have the opportunity to connect with the flesh and blood version of your true self? Are you around long enough and present for that to happen?
Q4. Does your food taste really good? Does it interest you at all? Can you smell the subtlety of flowers and does colour have any impact on your being? What about birds, are they just for birds?
Q5. Can you feel your toes? Are you becoming numb to what's inside and outside of yourself? Do you expect to be repaired like a machine when part of you stops working, without your input or without any change from your current mode of being?
"Assuming you are still human, use your intuition to decide if you are in danger of becoming a robot."
Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach
What do you need to do to keep robot life at bay?
A healthy mind and body is one that is nurtured from the inside out. Without proper attention to both you’re in danger of neglecting signs that your health may be deteriorating. Developing self-care strategies that lead to resilience, stand to us in times of challenge such as when there are upheavals in your work or personal life or both. It’s not just about eating the right food and getting the right amount of exercise. We need strategies for managing the effects of stress and better coping mechanisms in general.
In addition, touch therapies such as reflexology help to keep us in touch with our human side by alleviating us of the tensions that build up over time. By developing the senses, absorbing colour, smell, taste and sounds, we have the ability to be more present to ourselves and others.
Knowing is Not Enough
Even when people know what they need to do to maintain their wellness, studies show that knowing is simply not enough. The biggest obstacle to putting self-care strategies into place and implementing them is actually due to a default feature of the human brain. In my coaching programmes I show my clients how to deal with these obstacles in order to stay on track for successful living.
"Aim to enrich your life. Show your human side. You deserve the best of care."
Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach
On behalf of actual robots, I apologize for implying that you are not appreciated in our society. The first robot I ever learned of was Hal (of Arthur C. Clarke fame), he paved the way for all robots and raised a lot of sympathies. As for us human’s, it’s better for us to remember that we are in fact human.
This article was finalist in the business category of Ireland Blog Awards in 2015.
Are You Becoming an Endangered Human?
Developing self-awareness is crucial for success in all aspects of life. Modern living offers us many paths to neglecting ourselves, leading to burn-out. I help people to move towards being more authentic and I believe this is the key to our wellness, happiness and success. I believe it's never too late to change, to develop new out-looks and by doing so we make it possible for others to do the same. Join me for Authentic Path Inspiration or check out my range of books, courses and coaching services.
Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success