Work with your hands — it’s the fastest way to quiet your head.

Hey Reader,

How’s your week going so far? Mine’s been decent. My neighbor came over this weekend and helped me assemble a log splitter — total pain in the ass, but it’s done. We went through 5 cords last year so I am grateful knowing this winter will be more stack and less axe.

Lately in therapy sessions, there’s been a common thread — AI. It’s everywhere. Podcasts, headlines, “experts” warning about what’s coming next. There’s a lot of noise, a lot of talk about machines being smarter than us, replacing and enslaving us. Don't even get me started about Transhumanism, yikes.

A lot of us are using AI in some way now. I use it to generate brief summaries of my sessions, something clients often find helpful to review between appointments. It’s also handy for quick research or fine-tuning a newsletter.

Technology is reshaping mental health care faster than ever, and I see it as a tool — not a replacement. Sometimes I’ll suggest apps that help clients stay accountable between sessions: to manage porn habits, co-parent more effectively, or track moods, meditate, and build self-awareness day to day.

But for all its intelligence, AI can’t replicate presence.

So maybe today, put the phone down for a bit. Go split a log. Go for a walk. Assemble something real and access your natural, innate intelligence.

The world doesn’t need you to be more efficient — it needs you to be more here.

Hope this helps and gives you permission to give the podcasts and news cycle a break today.

If you have a picture of where you are at today, send it over, have a great day!

— Dr. John Álvarez

PS. Remember, you can always book a call with me to go over things. That link is right here.
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