“Have a lovely day”, that’s what the women behind the counter said to me in a joyful South American accent.  I stopped, said “thank you”, walked on, then returned to say “you see a machine can’t do that”.

When our phones and devices first started greeting us it was novel, fun and cute, now when I receive those messages, all I think of is AI and the annoying monotone computer generated voices.

Yes it’s possible for a computer to sound human, and look human but it can never give me the unspoken, unseen divine energy and joy that happens between people in a moment. The unexpected lift that is shared.

I was truly sad when I went in to yet another store only to find it riddled with self checkouts, which naturally lead to staff being frustrated if you stop them in the process of their now prioritised menial task of behaving like robots!

Sad is how I felt, so I waited for someone to serve me. “Sorry but I don’t want to use those machines”.

Looking over my shoulder I could see someone haphazardly trying to self scan bulky items, only to need help from the staff! Honestly I can’t…

I waited to be served and as a result was gifted a blessing of well wishes for my day – it was worth the wait.

Have a beautiful, loving , human contact filled day everyone. With love, Amma.