SLIP & SLIDE MIND.

Biologically, we as human beings love a narrative. It is the way that we best learn and understand the world around us. Typically, Americans subscribe to the story of hero and villain. We understand a quick conflict, climax and buttoned up resolution. From Goldie Locks to Disney princess to Hamlet, we’ve come to understand the world in a very straightforward and narrow way. At a very young age, we learned to cast judgements about nobility and vice, morality and immorality, the dichotomy of humanity. It’s the easy thing to do, but is it the truth?

Biologically, our brains are hardwired to avoid difficulty and nuance. What is nuance? Nuance is a subtle difference or shade of meaning, feeling, or appearance. It refers to the small, delicate distinctions that make something more complex and not black and white (via AI). Our brains are biased toward the path of least resistance and less effort. It HATES friction. Let’s be for real: It can be draining or frustrating to see things with more complexity. It can be exhausting for our brains to weigh the details of a thing- considering different points of view. We like simple distinctions- easy, and familiar… to avoid threats… to our environments, the people we love, or our tightly-held beliefs. OUR BRAINS HATE FRICTION.

Social media companies and online forums have figured this out. So, they take the brain and confine it to echo chambers of our tightly held beliefs. When we ignore context, we never have to tussle with conflicting insights and land at an informed decision… emphasis on “informed”. The truth is, when we digest conflicting insights… we usually land somewhere in the middle. Modest and moderate takes do NOT keep us angry, emotional and scrolling. That is NOT good for business. Companies love rage revenue. 

The same thing with the ease economy- delivery within 24 hours, food sent to our doorstep, driverless vehicles, dating and friend apps, AI summary (I’m guilty), biohacking, etc… these services create less and less friction. What is the cost? What is the cost to our society when we lack resilience as a human race? Will we develop more fragility? Studies are beginning to show alarming statistics that young men are afraid to approach women in person for a date. Kids are incredibly uncomfortable in public spaces-Even more alarming are the rates of young people seeking out companionship from artificial intelligence.

We see the impacts that the metaphorical “smoothing” of our brains has on us socially, but what about physically? There’s a concern that our lack of friction will have an impact on the brain’s neuroplasticity. Our brains can reorganize and form new neural connections in response to experiences and challenges. With less and less challenges in front of us, we may be hindering our mental development. I can’t help but to think of all the scripture that helps us with challenges and difficulty.

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". 

Recently, I fell down the rabbit hole of 2025 New York City Marathon TikTok. It was INCREDIBLY inspiring- people running in honor of loved ones or to reinstate a trust in themselves, keeping a promise. But then, I saw the content that made me sob with tears of joy and emotion: the final 10 people to complete the marathon. The sun was down. The crowd was dwindled down. Yet and still, the last runners scuttled and jogged across the finish line. Family, friends, and volunteers clapped and hugged them, honored them with their medal. Some cheered. Some sobbed. Old, young, big, and small… they finished the 26 mile race… despite hardship, discomfort, and pain.

Look, we have the tall task. We have to seek out the nuance, the tension, the opposing views.  We have to seek out the resistance- the thing that strengthens our minds, hearts, and souls. We have to seek out learning, vulnerability, listening and curiosity in a time that it’s wildly unpopular. We have to be courageous and start to value community- even when it’s annoying or inconvenient. My prayer is that we take our lives out of the “neutral” gear shift and take hold of the world around us.