Me. Myself. and (A) I.
Part 1: I'm in the weeds with AI, and you likely are too
I’m laying my cards on the table right here at the start.
This short 3-part series called, Me. Myself. and (A) I, is going to be incomplete.
It’s going to be a learn-as-I-go experience, and I’m going to need your help.
Part 1: I’m in the weeds
I’m under no illusion that there is a diverse group of people reading this.
Where do you fall?
some of you reading this are further in the weeds than I am. When it comes to conversations about AI (Artificial Intelligence), LLM (Large Language Models), Chatbots and the like, you don’t even really know what I’m speaking of. I feel like I barely do.
there are others who use Chat on the regular, or at least watch your kids, and your family, friends, and colleagues are starting to talk more about AI and the future. You’ve read a few articles and have some thoughts, but you know you’re still pretty green.
and, there are some of you who have needed to quickly adapt and learn this new world because of your work, or you have a deep interest in learning more about it. You’ve listened to podcasts, read books, and perhaps you’ve even taken a course or two. You’re ahead of most of us even though you know you’ve got so much more to learn.
Let’s be honest - our experience and understanding of AI is on a grand spectrum, and so is our feelings towards it. Some are excited and intrigued about the hopeful future AI presents, and others look around the corner and only see doom. Likely you’re a bit of both.
Regardless of age and experience, most people I talk to are unsure where to land exactly. Me too.
I’ve decided to take time to focus on AI and our engagement over these next three newsletters because my work is about supporting others to become more deeply whole & human, more their true self, more connected to Spirit, Source, & Soul, more loving of themselves, others, and the world.
And, I know AI will be a part of this, for good and for not.
As I see it, the quickening pace of how AI is changing our world, re-making our future, and adjusting millennia-ways of how we see ourselves and relate to others, requires us to take a deeper, thoughtful inquiry.
1. What does AI have to do with our soul & spiritual journey?
2. How do we become more fully human because of AI, and in spite of it?
3. How do we/should we live with AI now that creates the future we want?
These are just a few of the questions I have. I’d love to hear your questions too.
Here’s where I need your help.
I want to hear from so many of you - all ages, genders, experiences!
What questions do you have about AI? (these do NOT have to be particular to AI & Spirituality).
What ideas are you thinking about when it comes to AI, your spiritual life, your wellbeing, and the future?
What articles, books, podcasts, videos have helped you understand and explore AI? I’m eager to learn and also share with others. What helps you learn & process?
How might you begin to answer those three questions I posed above?
I would LOVE to hear from you - even if you have just one quick thought. Simply hit reply, and your email comes to my confidential inbox…my eyes only. Or simply comment to start the public conversation.
I’m not entirely sure where this series will go. You will quickly discover this is uncharted territory for me!
Let me end by saying this. I’ve always been committed to writing everything myself. Nothing I’ve written has ever been consulted or generated by AI (well, expect my professional bio a few years ago which desperately needs an upgrade!)
This is my commitment moving forward as well (unless this exploration changes my mind!) When you read these newsletters, my social media posts, or attend a workshop or event, my words are my own - you’re encountering me - and I think that is important.
I’ll explain why I’ve taken this approach in my next newsletter.
I look forward to seeing where this goes! This 3 part series won’t be in sequence with other future newsletters, so stay tuned for Part 2 coming later this spring. I look forward to hearing from some of you.
Deeply curious, and deeply human,
-Christa
“Spiritual practice doesn’t make us perfect, it simply makes us present.”
We are well into spring, and depending on where you live, you’ll be enjoying early spring flowers, buds starting to pop, and the growing cacophony of early-morning bird song.
The practice this month is to do one new thing and to savour spring like you’ve never done! The key is to do something new, as a beginner and to engage in it with a quality of attention and gratitude.
Here are a couple of ideas to get you thinking:
taste test different maple syrups
start to plan & plant a fruit, vegetable, or flower that you’ve never grown before
download the Merlin Bird ID app and learn to identify a new bird and their song
cook/bake a spring inspired savoury or sweet dish you’ve never made
visit a nature preserve you’ve never been too
play in the mud or puddles by yourself or with a friend
make a spring inspired craft - Pinterest can be your friend here!
read a spring poem or prose that is new to you
notice and catalogue the changing sun/shadows in your yard, or on your street for the next month
Follow the ebb & flow of the moon cycle this month - April is the Pink Moon and May is the Flower Moon!
You get the picture. Take time to slow down and wake up to the season around you. Savour and love it well!
AND…if you’re looking for a beautiful way to really slow down and wake up to your life this season, consider the May 3 day-retreat in Guelph: Becoming Your Self
*REGISTER soon to hold your spot!
Here are a few resources I’ve had the pleasure of engaging in recently. You might find them interesting, & inspiring too.
A Book: I’m apart of my town’s Eco-book club, and the selection we’re reading now is called: What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. I’d recommend listening to it because it’s based on interviews with experts.
And, for a very helpful chapter called The AI Deluge.
A Podcast: The Funniest Conversation You’ll Ever Hear about Achieving Inner Peace with Pete Holmes on the 10% Happier with Dan Harris Podcast. I thought this interview had some thoughtful, thought-provoking insights. You might feel the same!
An Article: 5 nature-inspired ways to bring joy and wonder into your life this spring. Could you do just one and see what happens?
What are some of your recommendations I should be checking out?
I’m hoping to share some AI related podcasts, videos, articles in the future!
Hit reply or comment below!
When I work with clients, I’m always encouraged when people ask if there’s a quick reference guide they can access when they want to get close-in to noticing their patterns at play in the moment, but don’t want to haul a book around!
I like to recommend this App: EnneaAPP
It’s got a lot of good reference information for each of the nine types, and it’s at your fingertips!.
If you’re wanting to learn more about your type, or all of the nine types, this quick-reference guide can be a great resource that reminds you the distinctives of your type.
It doesn’t replace longer descriptions and details necessary to really dive in and understand the Enneagram, but if you’re looking for that quick reminder and reference, this is a good one.
If you’re looking for a someone to accompany you in your own Enneagram journey, as an individual, a couple, or as a staff team, you can learn more about some of the Enneagram support I offer here.
AND…don’t miss the upcoming ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOP at the end of April!
Upcoming SoulPlay experiences are here!
REGISTER SOON - space is filling up!
Give yourself a day to slow down and wake up to your life!
We’ll fully embrace and enjoy the deep aliveness of the spring season on the gorgeous retreat grounds of Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph, Ontario. We’ll spend time both inside and outside surrounded by the beauty of the season.
Through a series of gently guided reflections, thoughtful teaching, and experiential exercises, you will have the quiet space, time, and direction to explore your inner life and gain more clarity, confidence and calm.
This is a perfect workshop to attend on your own, or a group of friends.
*We’re a few weeks away! Register soon to reserve your spot!
Unlock your potential as a leader and help your organization and team thrive.
Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or an executive leader working with a large staff team, your ability to navigate the complexity of leadership is directly related to how well you know yourself and are able to have a skillful response in the big and small decisions and interactions that you’re confronted with.
The Enneagram is an industry-proven tool that supports leaders and teams to become more self-aware and helps create deep understanding, and synergy for healthier, happier ways of working together.
*Only 2 spots remaining!
Pilgrimage Days on the Elora-Cataract Trail - July 17-19, 2026
The Elora-Cataract Trail is a 50km trail located in one of the prettiest areas of southwestern Ontario. The trail rolls through forest and farmland and is a perfect place to slow down so you can wake up to what your soul is saying to you. The terrain is flat and even and perfect for most people.
Walk a shorter distance on part of the trail on one day only, or complete the entire 50km over the weekend. Choose your own adventure based on your ability, schedule and finances!
The entire pilgrimage will be supported by Christa as she offers helpful, expert advice and resources to help you have the most meaningful experience possible. You’ll reflect on your life, gain insight into what your soul is wanting to say to you, and find a restoring calm as you walk yourself back to life!
This Substack email platform is a great place to grow a community of like-minded/hearted/spirited people. Feel free to download the substack app for easier reading, connecting, and finding out about other great content.
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Without AI I would not be able to complete all the writing assignments I have on deck. I write for grants, create text books, workbooks, and now a novel. I write a blog and …
Thanks for a great newsletter, Christa, and for tackling the question of AI. I have not used it intentionally yet. My questions are around ethics and environmental impacts. I understand from a family member who works in tech that some AI companies are more ethical than others. I undertand the potential of AI in many fields, but due to how much energy and water it requires, I am frustrated by the casual use of it in ways that are for personal entertainment (ie, making cutesy photos and videos) or for simple tasks that we should be able to do ourselves like taking notes at meetings. One of the ethical questions I have is around copyrights and human creativity. I have writen and posted a lot of ecospuritulity stuff to help advance the wild church movement, but I don't like the idea that it has it has used my copyrighted materials for free training and reproduction.
These are early personal opinions, and I am open to expanding my understanding.