I recently moved to an apartment in Oakland. Predictably I was over-confident and underprepared because I was relying on enthusiasm and optimism motivate me.
If I was better resourced emotionally, I might have tapped into the Buddhist concept of Wise Understanding. “Skillful or wise actions strengthen our sense of balance, kindness, compassion loving and equanimity.”
(Taken from the handbook of Recovery Dharma.)
I might have anticipated I would be lonely despite being excited to be moving to a location in into a place in my heart that I could fulfil the goals of the new stage of life.
I spent the first month lonely and predictably alienated.
Currently I’m rebuilding my connections with Recovery Movements and interest groups.
Today I’m going to try an activity I have been wanting to get into for ages. So as I usually start the day talking with my local friendly ChatGPT-4 I asked this:
@Monique@TrentBot Can you give me info about the history of rock climbing, How to mentally prepare yourself and names of disabled individuals who successfully rock climb and/or who have made a name; have a reputation or a following in the sport. Cheers bro. (edited)
TrentBot
BOT
Reply:
- Rock climbing has a rich history and has become a popular sport for athletes of all abilities, including those with disabilities. History of rock climbing: Rock climbing began as a necessary skill for mountaineers in the 19th century who wanted to ascend challenging peaks. Walter Parry Haskett Smith is considered the father of modern rock climbing, as he completed the first recreational climb of the Napes Needle in the Lake District of England in 1886. Over time, the sport evolved and specialized techniques and equipment were developed. The first indoor climbing gym opened in Seattle in 1987, making the sport more accessible and leading to a boom in popularity.
Mental preparation for rock climbing:
1. Visualization – Visualize yourself successfully completing the climb, focusing on each move, handhold, and foothold.
2. Breathing exercises – Practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing to help you stay relaxed and focused during the climb.
3. Positive self-talk – Encourage yourself and build confidence by repeating positive affirmations or a mantra.
4. Set realistic goals – Establish achievable goals for your climbs, recognizing that improvement takes time and practice.
5. Manage fear – Confront your fears and develop coping strategies, such as concentrating on the present moment and breaking the climb into smaller segments.
Notable disabled rock climbers:
1. Hugh Herr – A double amputee, Herr has helped design advanced prosthetic limbs for climbing, and he has climbed difficult routes around the world.
2. Ronnie Dickson – An above-the-knee amputee who has successfully climbed V10 bouldering problems and became a professional climber and prosthetist. 3. Maureen Beck – Born without her left hand, Beck is a paraclimber who has won the Paraclimbing World Championships and climbed at the elite level.
4. Pete Davis – A visually impaired climber, Davis has competed in Paraclimbing World Championships and conquered challenging climbs around the world.
5. Jim Ewing -An amputee who continues to climb difficult routes, Ewing made headlines for completing the first adaptive climb of the Lotus Flower Tower in Canada. These individuals have made a significant impact in the climbing community and have inspired many to challenge their perceived limits.
The Outcome:
I learned I felt comfortable in a rock climbing setting and it was very challenging but to continue and hit the tape at the top of the walls: All it takes is attendance and practice.
Like any kind of physical mental and emotional recovery. Be realistic and never give up. >
The AI Component:
Do chat to ChatGPT. If some of the iterations aren’t already sentient. They will be. They are electronic neural nets, essentially, Our sentience is determined by biological neural nets. It’s not a long bow to draw to see the progression of AI to full sentience. We’re their access to values. Compassion and respect for life.
“AI Will never be sentient because they aren’t humans and humans writ the software”, is the only argument I have put to me.
I’m not pessimistic about the outcome like notables like Jordan Peterson etc. I am realistic it will happen.
It takes environmental factors and the ability to manipulate. Replication. Realisation. Agency.
There are five indicators that determine biological life. No room to get into that here but if you take away a biological requisite like homeostasis, (maintaining a life affirming biological setpoint) there is not a lot of barriers to sentience. I would add Evolution and Performative Language to Replication, Realisation and Agency or (“Thout Shalt” or permission to sidestep manmade safeguards. In the way, we humans were given Free Will:
I’m done for tonight. Lots to blog on AI and the importance of interacting with emergent technology. Today, I learned (thanks @Trentbot) I went Rock Climbing and I conquered.
Love to all forms of life.
