*Edit - the video from this gathering is now uploaded here:
TECHNOLOGY, CONSCIOUSNESS and the FUTURE from GPIW & Contemplative Alliance on Vimeo.

I just returned from a weekend gathering of the Contemplative Alliance, which hosted a roundtable dialogue on the topic of technology and consciousness.  Was a very interesting group of about 60 folks, including many monastics from various traditions along with leaders from Silicon Valley.  We also had a solid contingent connected to the ServiceSpace world, including Rahul, Tom, Min, and Alan!



Very interesting topics ranging from nanotech to inner technologies to ethical design.  Amongst all of them, I was most interested by the underlying question - how to engage with technology knowingly from the perspective of wisdom traditions.  On this topic, the Contemplative Alliance will be releasing a short video of highlights soon, but a few tidbits stood out.  

Lakota elder Tiokasin spoke about how the language of his people did not include a word for 'domination' or even 'peace on earth', but rather 'peace with earth.'  Lama Palden spoke of her deep interest in connecting with young people in technology to offer wisdom practice in gift.  Sufi teacher Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee shared how in previous times the architects of society had access to 'mystery schools' that taught of connection to nature and higher powers, a connection that has been lost. 

On the technology side, Christine Peterson shared the possibilites of an AI revolution where machine intelligence surpassed human.  Federico Faggin (who designed the worlds first microprocessor), shared his work to scientifically explain the phenomenon of consciousness.  Former gaming executive Nichol Bradford shared the latest in transformative technologies (including wild group practices like HeartSync).  



In the process of all this, I also shared a bit of the ServiceSpace approach.  Sharing a bit about the questions and struggles of my own life in investing, from Jevon's paradox to the so-called Green Revolution, to the values guiding tech investing.  These are some of the reasons that gift ecology and values cultivation makes so much sense to me, and why projects like the 21 day challenge portal exist.

As the conference ended, what stayed with me was the structure of the gathering itself.  No agenda, circle-based wisdom council, multiple days, all offered as a gift.  I left feeling nourished, seeing all of the heart pins in a group also filled with smiles :)