Intriguing possibilities in the convergence between science and spirituality

A growing number of scholars, from physicists to psychologists, are studying the universe from a new perspective: they are exploring whether our lives are defined by an unseen energy field that runs through us, surrounds us and that forms every living and non-living thing.

Research in physics is pointing to evidence that every subatomic particle in the universe contains energy that is pure potential, energy that changes form based on how it is measured. This is one of the principles of Quantum Theory and it could affect how we interact with each other and with the world.

What does this mean for me?

If this is true, it means I'm an inseparable part of the energy field of the universe.  It means I'm connected to every other person.  This also means that when I do something, negative or positive, whether it's polluting the environment, or helping someone, I affect the vast energy field we are all in.

I know this may sound far-fetched, but we are seeing the convergence of science and spirituality in ways our species has never experienced before. Quantum studies and spirituality may be indicating a new evolutionary stage for human beings.

The wise men of antiquity alluded to these things before, indicating that the universe is not only "out there;" it's also within ourselves.  We just need to see it.

Deepak Chopra calls it "universal consciousness."  And if we can become aware of it, we can use it.  Some refer to it as the law of attraction; others, as the power of intention.  The theory is that when we aim for something, we start to see possibilities and forces align themselves with our intention; details and opportunities emerge and converge in ways in which we were previously unaware.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) said it this way, "The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred...unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way."

Think about the last time you set a goal for yourself, and how you achieved it.  Almost always, when you look back on the chain of events, you see how some things just fell into place; or how you happened to "bump into" people or find information that helped you along the way.  It's quite possible that in setting your goal you set an awareness level that brought opportunities to your attention. 

This force can be put to good use for the benefit of others, too.  In his book "How To Expand Love, " the Dalai Lama writes, "Each one of us is responsible for all of humankind. We need to think of each other as true brothers and sisters, and need to be concerned with each other's welfare."  

 "Without the appreciation of kindness, society breaks down. Human society exists because it is impossible to live in complete isolation. We are interdependent by nature...As small children we very much depend on the kindness of our parents. Again in old age we depend on the kindness of others.  Between childhood and old age we falsely believe we are independent, but this is not so."

Whether science is on the right track or not, thinking about universal consciousness can be very beneficial, especially to those who feel they are victims of a particular situation, casualties of a cruel world or of bad set of circumstances.  Thinking about a universal consciousness can provide a sort of motivational therapy. Focusing our thoughts positively can not only improve our outlook, but maybe also "move" things in our favour.  If this is true, it's an amazing thing.

As the Chopra Centre for Wellbeing put it in a recent newsletter: "Each of us exists as a ripple in the conscious intelligence field that gives rise to everything in the universe -- our bodies, the stars, the galaxies, and all else. Since we are an inseparable part of this underlying field of intelligence, we are also the source of all reality. In every moment, we are co-creating our world with God, the universe, or spirit."

Are we indeed a "ripple" in an energy field?  What do you think about this?  Leave a comment and express your opinion. I'd love to read more viewpoints.

 

Notes:

1. For a quick overview of Quantum Theory, see "Quantum Physics Overview"at About.com

2. Deepak Chopra is a best-selling author. See more in this Wikipedia introduction. 

3.  Quote by Goethe is from Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's book "The Power of Intention." Introduction to Chapter 12.

4. Quote by the Dalai Lama is from the book "How To Expand Love, " the conclusion of Chapter 6: "The Second Step: Appreciating Kindness."

5. The Chopra Center newsletter is called Namaste'.  The universal consciousness reference can be found here.

6. Photo is courtesy of Steve Woods.

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