What do you hang on to that’s ‘old school’? Are there things in your world that are supposedly obsolete, yet still more satisfying than their ‘new-and-improved’ replacements? Why do you cling to the old ways when our modern world offers so much technological convenience?
It’s easy to be cynical when we scan the headlines and wonder which way the world is headed. Or when we see a crowd of people who could be socializing but are engrossed in their private screens instead. It can be unnerving to navigate the ever-increasing rate of change, to keep our feet on the ground while humanity reaches for the stars.
But remember, “cynicism is the voice of disappointed idealism.” Optimism is healthiest stance to approach life with, whether you are Voltaire’s Candide in 1759 or teenager coming of age in today’s world. But sometimes you have to zoom out pretty far to find the positivity in the big picture.
As someone who is raising kids and shaping future generations who will be carrying the torch for mankind, I spend a fair amount of time pondering where we are collectively headed. It’s almost as if we’re doing a two-step with technology, going toe-to-toe with an ever more sentient partner of our own design. It’s this ‘dance with the digital domain’ that defines our lives today, and seeing it as such is a useful metaphor to help us keep our perspective.
Artificial Intelligence is understandably a big topic these days. Futurists debate the promise and perils; in a recent article in Vanity Fair, Elon Musk urges caution while Ray Kurzweil looks forward to the ‘Singularity’ when man and machine meld for good. To really grasp the magnitude of what’s going on, read this pair of articles on The A.I. Revolution by Tim Urban on the Wait, But Why? blog. In The Road to Superintelligence he explains what A.I. is, and in Our Immortality or Extinction he explores the implications. (To go full-meta on the topic, read Luke Muehlhauser’s deconstruction of Tim’s article here.)
All arguments about intelligent machines eventually come up against the question of consciousness. Science still can’t explain exactly what it is or why it exists, all we know is that we have it. PerhapsJohn C. Lilly was on to something when he suggested that the purpose of human evolution is to create the machines that will make us obsolete? It takes a pretty broad perspective to see that as a good thing, I suppose the real question is whether or not our ‘mind children’ will decide to take human consciousness along for the ride.
So what’s an optimistic idealist like me to do here in the year 2017? Well, I continue to articulate the argument for analog amid the sea of shiny screens that surround us. Today I advocate for the value of three-dimensional and electromagnetic media such as books and vinyl records, one day I may be simply promoting unfiltered human intuition and consciousness as a balance to the backdrop of augmented reality that is our digital destiny.
A few weeks ago Rob Sidon, the publisher of Common Ground Magazine, (a free Bay Area arts and entertainment monthly) called me up to see what was new in the world of conscious dance. I told him about how I’ve been traveling around teaching people about Analog Awareness and advising parents, teachers, and movement facilitators on the somatic benefits of vinyl records in the home, classroom, or dance floor. He invited me to write an article, so I jumped at the chance.
In “The Heartbeat of Vinyl” I boil down the benefits of “Analog Nutrition in a Digital World.” I touched upon a number of the key themes and concepts that inform my work such as enhancing creativity, electromagnetic resonance, increasing attention span and preventing ADHD, and tips for bringing the analog lifestyle into your home.
While I may seem like a Luddite at first glance, my approach is actually meant to balance the best of the past with the tools of the future. Digital technology has actually made collecting records easier. I use the Shazam app to identify songs that I can then track down the vinyl on Discogs.com. When I’m crate digging at a thrift shop or a record store that has no preview listening station, I’ll use YouTube on my phone to check out a track before deciding to buy.
Every time you toggle between analog and digital, think of it in terms of a dance. Like stepping into any relationship, ask yourself what kind of feelings are arising within you. It’s all to easy to let your mind spin without dropping into what your body is feeling. When you pay attention and ask the right questions, you’ll find a healthy balance that allows your consciousness to soar while your body stays grounded. Your superintelligence has it’s roots deep in your heart.
Much love! Dancing with you till next week!
Mark Metz
Director of the Dance First Association
Publisher of Conscious Dancer Magazine
Conscious Dancer Media Partner Spotlight: The Soiled Dove!
Hold on to your hats people, it’s time for The Soiled Dove once again! Prepare yourself for a trip back in time to the golden age of San Francisco’s Barbary Coast Red Light District, re-imagined as an epic circus-infused culinary extravaganza featuring a host of modern performers, aerialists, musicians, contortionists, and surreal characters. This is an analog blend of fantasy and history that has to be experienced live to be appreciated!
Taking the concept of an immersive dinner theater to a level beyond your wildest imagination, this show is an evening that you’ll never forget. Taking place in a classic 12,000 sq ft Italian circus tent that has been redesigned as a theater-in-the-round, every seat and table is positioned so that no matter where you are you’re in the center of the action and won’t miss a thing.
You’ll want to break out your wildest period finery — think Victorian meets Steampunk in the Edwardian age. Over 40 performers and cast members enact a spectacular story of music, magic, and mystery featuring the Emperor Norton himself. With everything from torch singers and burlesque acts on stage to acrobats and aerialists above your table, the good folks at the Vau-de-Vire Society conspire to transport you back to the most decadent heart of San Francisco circa 1890.
Your evening begins with a delightful 4-course meal provided by Work of Art catering, with libations created by San Francisco’s own Monarch. Music throughout the evening is provided by the incomparable Jazz Mafia / Realistic Orchestra. Purveyors of period goods and unusual artifacts surround the proceedings, along with a robust variety of parlor games and photo opportunities.
To give you a better idea of what’s in store, check out either one ofthese short videos by Nick Kasimatis, or this video created by Mark Day featuring music by the Jazz Mafia.
The Soiled Dove runs on Friday and Saturday nights for four consecutive weekends starting June 9th thru July 1st in the Tortuna Big Top on Point Alameda. Book your tickets soon! This show has sold out in 2014, ’15, and ’16.
MORE INFO: Visit TheSoiledDove.com
