Food for Thought (2/9/25)
AI, Movement, Music, and the Mind: Embracing Change, Finding Stillness, and the Joy of Dogs
Hi Friends,
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we process challenges, how we move through the world, and how we train our minds. From the acceleration of AI to the simple act of walking, this month’s edition of Food for Thought explores the tools shaping our future—both externally and internally.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s dive in.
What I’ve Been Re-Reading
📖 The Singularity Is Near – Ray Kurzweil
This book is both thrilling and unsettling—a deep dive into a future where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, reshaping life as we know it. Kurzweil argues that technological advancements are accelerating exponentially, and that soon, the line between human and machine will blur completely.
One of his boldest ideas? We’re moving toward a future where intelligence will no longer be limited by biology. That means AI could not only match human cognition but enhance it, leading to a radical transformation in our perception of identity, consciousness, and even mortality.
Whether you see this as exciting or terrifying, The Singularity Is Near forces you to think about where we’re headed—and how we, as humans, will adapt.
What I’ve Been Watching
I finally started Shrinking, and I get why everyone loves it. Created by Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, and Jason Segel, this show follows a therapist (played by Segel) who, after experiencing deep grief, starts telling his patients exactly what he thinks—no filter, no sugarcoating. The result? A mix of chaos, comedy, and surprising emotional depth.
What makes Shrinking so special is how it balances humor with raw honesty about grief, mental health, and human connection. Plus, Harrison Ford steals every scene he’s in. If you love shows that make you laugh while hitting you with deep truths (think Ted Lasso but with existential crises), this one’s for you.
What I’ve Been Listening To
🎵 “AI-Furat” by Shkoon & Metatext
This mesmerizing track blends electronic beats with Middle Eastern influences, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. The title, Al-Furat (الفُرات), refers to the Euphrates River, a symbol of life and heritage in the Middle East.
Here’s why this song stands out:
🌊 A Metaphor for Life – The Euphrates represents survival, culture, and continuity, much like the themes in the music.
🎶 A Cultural Fusion – Shkoon seamlessly integrates Arabic melodies with electronic beats, bridging past and present.
💭 A Meditative Experience – The atmospheric production invites deep reflection on identity, displacement, and connection.
More than just a song, AI-Furat feels like an emotional journey—one that lingers long after the last note fades.
What I’ve Been Practicing
🚶♀️ Walking as a Daily Ritual
Last year, I averaged 4 miles a day, and this year, I’m committed to keeping that momentum—and maybe even improving on it.
The benefits of walking are undeniable:
• Mental Health Boost – Just 30 minutes a day can lower anxiety and improve mood by reducing cortisol and boosting endorphins.
• Physical Longevity – Walking strengthens muscles, improves circulation, and helps maintain bone density as we age.
• Clarity & Creativity – Many of the best ideas come while walking. Movement helps the brain process thoughts more effectively.
For me, walking isn’t just exercise—it’s meditation in motion. Whether it’s a morning walk to set the tone for the day or a slow evening stroll to unwind, it’s been one of the best ways to stay balanced.
What’s your favorite way to move?
What I’ve Been Pondering
🧠 Suffering is mostly in the mind.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how 99% of suffering isn’t from what happens to us—it’s from how our mind replays, resists, and amplifies those experiences.
A single negative event may last a moment, but our minds have a way of looping it endlessly, turning discomfort into prolonged suffering. Neuroscience backs this up: studies show that ruminating on negative thoughts activates the same neural pathways as the initial experience, meaning our brain literally relives the pain over and over (source).
The more we dwell on a painful memory or anxious thought, the more ingrained it becomes. Psychologists call this the “negativity bias”—our brains are wired to focus on threats more than positive experiences because, evolutionarily, it helped us survive. But in modern life, this bias can trap us in cycles of stress, doubt, and regret.
So how do we break the cycle?
🔹 Awareness – Simply noticing when you’re stuck in negative thought loops can create space to disengage.
🔹 Reframing – What if instead of “Why did this happen to me?” we asked, “What can I learn from this?”
🔹 Interrupting the pattern – Movement, deep breaths, or even saying “not today” out loud can shift your focus.
We can’t control everything that happens, but we can choose how long we suffer over it. The mind can be a prison or a path to freedom—it all depends on how we use it.
What’s something you’ve learned about managing negative thoughts?
Picture Highlighted
🐾 Meet Khormaloo!
I got Khormaloo (which means Persimmon in farsi) back in 2023, and she’s one of the best thing that has ever happened to me. Now almost 2 years old, this spunky mini Labradoodle fills my days with love, laughter, and endless cuddles.
Having a dog has been life-changing in ways I didn’t expect. Beyond companionship, research shows dogs boost mental and physical health:
🐶 Lower stress & anxiety – Petting a dog reduces cortisol and increases oxytocin.
❤️ Better heart health – Dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure & cholesterol.
🚶♀️ More movement – Walking a dog adds ~22 extra minutes of daily exercise.
😌 Emotional support – Dogs reduce loneliness and provide a sense of purpose.
Khormaloo reminds me daily to be present, playful, and grateful. Whether she’s zooming around or curled up next to me, she makes everything better.
Here’s a photo of her in one of her playful moods—always ready for adventure or a nap.
If you have a dog, what’s the best part of having them in your life? 🐕💛
As always, thank you for reading and sharing this space with me. I appreciate you!
Until next time, Dena 👋🏽
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