AI, Creativity, Flow 🌊

Hello Reader,

Welcome to my newsletter, where I explore the fascinating intersections of technology, entrepreneurship, and spirituality. It's an eclectic mix, but we're all multifaceted beings, and I hope to engage, enlighten, and inspire you with each edition.

Remember, if this content isn't your cup of tea, you can effortlessly unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.

With love 🙏

AI News

DeepSeek R1: China's AI Game-Changer. A new Chinese AI model that beats the latest version of ChatGPT at a much lower cost, shaking up the global AI race. Learn more.
- $1trillion dollars was wiped off US stocks in the wave of the DeepSeek release. This is a big thing, folks.

DeepSeek also released Janus Pro. An open-source image generation AI that outperforms OpenAI's DALL-E 3. Learn more.
ChatGPT Operator. OpenAI's launch of Operator truly began the "Agentic Era." Operator is a semi-autonomous version of ChatGPT that can perform browser-based tasks. It is currently only available in the US to Pro-level subscribers, but it marks a significant step in AI development. Learn more.
The US Copyright Office Issued an Update on AI. The key factor in determining copyrightability is the nature and extent of the human creative contribution. If AI is used as a tool to enhance human expression, the output can be copyrighted. Learn more.
Google Launches Gemini Flash 2.0. Announced in December, Google just pushed its latest model, Gemini Flash 2.0, live. It has been dubbed the AI model for the agentic era. Learn more.

Perplexity Launches AI Assistant. Perplexity has launched a new AI assistant for Android devices, marking a significant evolution from an answer engine to an integrated assistant capable of performing various tasks. Learn more.
OpenAI launch ChatGPTGov. A "private" version of ChatGPT for US industries. Learn more.
Perplexity Now Offers DeepSeek R1 in its Pro subscriptions hosted in US data centres. Because DeepSeek is open source, it opens up a new world of possibilities and will speed up the AI race. Learn more.

AI Prompt of the Week ✨

Boost your AI skills with a weekly dose of Prompt Engineering magic.

The Customer Empathy Map Prompt

This week's prompt empowers you to use AI to imagine yourself in the shoes of your ideal customer. By creating an empathy map, you'll better understand their needs, desires, and pain points, leading to more effective marketing.

The Prompt:

ChatGPT, I want to create an empathy map for my ideal customer/client, who is a [describe your target audience - e.g., 'an entrepreneur looking to leverage AI for business growth', 'a busy professional seeking mindfulness techniques to reduce stress'].

Based on this description, help me understand what this person is likely thinking and feeling in relation to [your product/service area - e.g., 'AI adoption in their business', 'integrating mindfulness into their daily routine'].

What are their main needs, pain points, and aspirations in this area?Suggest three questions I could ask to gather more direct insights from this target audience, either through surveys, interviews, or social media polls.

Why This Matters:

True connection comes from understanding. Use this prompt to connect more deeply with those you serve and create offerings that genuinely resonate.

Market Yourself Better With AI

Creativity

Discover New Perspectives with AI 🤖✨

Sometimes, the best ideas come from a collaborator who doesn't think like you—and AI can be just that. Let's lean into AI's unique ability to challenge assumptions, make unexpected connections, and generate ideas you might never have considered.

The Experiment:

Pose an Open-Ended Question: Ask your favorite AI tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude), "What are five unconventional ways to approach [your project or topic]?" Let it surprise you with ideas that go beyond your usual thinking.
Ask for the Opposite: Share your idea and prompt the AI: "What's the opposite way I could approach this?" Use its suggestions to explore truly different perspectives.
Create Through Contrast: Have AI generate metaphors or analogies that compare your idea to something wildly different—"If this idea were a color, sound, or object, what would it be?" "If this idea were an animal, what would it be and why?" See how these comparisons spark fresh angles.
Brainstorm a Collaborative Remix: Share your incomplete work—a paragraph, headline, concept—and ask the AI, "How would you remix this into something bolder, funnier, or more provocative?"
Embrace the Unexpected: Remember, the goal is not to find the "perfect" answer but to expand your creative horizons. Be open to the unexpected and let the AI's suggestions spark new connections in your mind.

Let AI take the reins as your creative partner. Treat it like a sounding board, a provocateur, or a co-creator—and see what unexpected brilliance emerges.

Spirituality

Surrender to the Flow 🌊

Inspired by Michael Singer's The Surrender Experiment, let's explore the profound potential of surrender. This path invites us to release our need for control and trust in the natural flow of life. Doing so allows life to carry us toward what is truly meant for us.

A Practice in Surrender:

Notice Your Resistance: Reflect on areas where you hold tightly to a specific outcome or plan. Where might you be resisting the present moment?
Practice Letting Go: Consciously practice releasing your grip throughout your day. You can try these simple methods:
- Affirmations: "I trust in the highest good." "I am that I flow with life."
- Symbolic Gestures: Open your hands as a physical symbol of release.
- Mindful Breathing: Use your breath to center yourself and let go of worries. I like to use the Ten Breath technique - a breathing exercise that involves counting to ten while inhaling and exhaling.
Observe What Happens: Pay attention to synchronicities, opportunities, or blessings that appear as you surrender.
Trust the Journey: Believe that a greater wisdom guides you, even if things unfold differently than expected.

"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." - Lao Tzu

I invite you to experiment with the power of surrender. Letting go creates space for grace to enter your life. What are you ready to surrender?

Life Update

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

This week has been about letting things unfold.

After recently feeling back to full strength, I’ve noticed a shift—not a surge of energy but a quieter clarity.

I’ve been leaning into a slower pace, allowing myself to focus on what truly matters rather than trying to do everything at once.

I’ve realised how much more aligned life feels when I stop forcing outcomes. Instead of pushing ahead with sheer will, I’ve been asking myself, “What’s the next smallest, most meaningful step I can take?”

David R. Hawkins’ teachings in Power vs Force have been on my mind, particularly his insight that true power arises not from effort or control but from alignment and presence.

When we stop pushing, we create the space for life to flow more naturally.

There’s something liberating about not rushing to the finish line, about trusting that the path will unfold if you stay present and purposeful.

I’m embracing this rhythm and letting it guide me—step by step, breath by breath.

How are you pacing yourself this week? I’d love to hear how you’re creating space for what matters most.

With love and gratitude ❤️‍🔥🙏,
Colin

Thrive & Serve Podcast

Heart and strategy for those who aim to do well by doing good. Tune in for stories and tips that motivate and inspire.

How to Listen: Catch every episode on your preferred podcast platform or watch the video version on YouTube:👇

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Everyday Spirituality Podcast

A raw and real conversation series with my good friend Monique Lindner. We dive deep into what it means to stay grounded when life punches you in the face—how to be "spiritual" through life’s toughest challenges. 🌪️🌿

Please support me by commenting and subscribing to our YouTube Channel.

Watch on YouTube