I recently discovered that there is a standard “routine” that Alexa (the feared-but-mostly-useful-device) can perform.
The way it works is that when I say “good morning,” Alexa runs through a list of actions that I’ve selected. My routine is pretty basic — today’s weather, what’s on my calendar for today and tomorrow, start playing music.
I’ve already gotten into a habit of launching the routine every morning while I’m making the bed. That’s good, but I also realized something — I do it because it’s become a habit, but I’m no longer paying any attention to it.
This morning, while I was fixing my coffee, I found myself wondering what the weather would be like today.
But Alexa just told me that.
I wasn’t listening.
Now, I realize Alexa’s self-esteem won’t be hurt by my failure to listen, but I can’t help but wonder about other times that I’ve not heard things. How often am I not truly paying attention to a human whose feelings I could hurt?
So my goal for today is to be fully present in every interaction I have with another person. Sounds simple, but I know that it’s not. That’s why I have to work at it.
Oh, and Alexa… I’m sorry.
