Hola Amiga Issue 4

HOLA AMIGA - AUTOPILOT is a continuation of the first theree books, with an intention to celebrate imperfection and unexpected discoveries in an era dominated by data, the endless race towards increasing productivity, and algorithm-curated attention. Its primary objective is to let the mind wander, question, explore, play, and discover.

"AUTOPILOT"

I have always been amazed at how humans can navigate complex situations while barely being aware of their surroundings, making several intricate decisions simultaneously. Have you ever driven somewhere and barely remembered the journey, all while stopping at traffic lights, merging, and reacting to things in your environment?

In an effort to conserve energy, humans are programmed to find the path of least resistance to accomplish goals. However, much of life's magic happens when we are forced to come off autopilot and notice the present moments. Boutique hotels do this particularly well by tweaking the expected with something new, so you take notice. This can be as simple as serving cone-shaped sugar with your espresso or surprising you with something you didn't ask for.

One of the best ways to come off autopilot is to travel or, better yet, live in another country. The mundane becomes special as the slightest changes in expectations transport you to the present. In these situations, even everyday occurrences can feel remarkable, pulling you out of your routine and into a state of heightened awareness.