in the beginning:
a man of faith looked up and a man of science looked down…
both were too busy defending the truth they found…
but would have seen the same thing in another way had they only looked around.
Tag: science
Why does Death come in Threes?
Someone who I had not spoken too in months instant messaged with a compelling question the other day, and an equally compelling dialogue followed!
Universe You: Your Reality Check Bounced!
What is your Awareness of Reality?
Do you fancy yourself to be more of a rational thinker or unbridled spirit – a man or woman of reason, or a child of God? Depending on one’s level of awareness, perhaps you do not make a distinction between the two.
Independent of your worldview, one thing holds true – at some level of granularity, your journey through life is 100% unique. This also means that, at some level, all journeys are 100% the same, paradoxical as it may seem.
This series is designed to explore, challenge, and ultimately/ ideally expand your level of awareness. Depending on your current vantage point and your receptiveness to expanding it you could be in for a wild ride, so buckle-up.
Chapter 1: Your Reality Check Bounced!
In this installment, let’s start with the beginning and end points – two points make a line, let’s see where you draw yours!
The “Starting Point”:
A single cell on the fingertip of an outstretched arm
Stretch your right arm outward and extend your right index finger as if you are pointing to something in the distance. Close your eyes and picture a single cell on the utmost tip of your finger.
Envision THIS single point as your current point of awareness.
THIS single cell and everything within it is your universe.
Is this single cell too small to utilize as an analogy for your entire universe? Yes, no, maybe – all of the above. After all, what is ‘small’? An objective assessment of the term would lead an individual to conclude the word is ‘relative’ at best! So let’s start here – because it is THAT relativity which will help tear down your ‘relative’ walls of perception.
While your universe is encapsulated in a single cell – there is no shortage of activity, potential, and quite literally, LIFE, within it. It has been said that a single cell in the human body contains 100 times as many atoms as there are stars in the Milky Way (which has hundreds of billions of stars).
Now envision the world as you know it (a microcosm of the universe), as one of the trillions of atoms existing within the single cell on the utmost tip of your right index finger.
On that morning, you became aware of the other universes around you
Imagine that one idle morning, while oscillating with nearby friends and family somewhere in the universe of your fingertip, something changed. YOU BECAME AWARE.
You functioned as a critical component in a critical atom which made up a critical cell – and the combination of awareness, perception, individualism, and ego were the ingredients which caused you to once believe the universe stopped there….
But that critical component you played in that critical atom which was part of a critical cell was part of something bigger. By being part of something bigger – one can feel smaller at first, or recognize that their contribution has not changed, but rather, they are contributing to something greater as well.
You became aware of the other cells which make up that fingertip around you.
And your universe expands to include those adjacent universes …
As one acknowledges the other universes contributing to the same cause your ‘original’ universe is – one can stop differentiating between them. Their separation was caused by your perception that they are separate – but at some level, they are not separate at all. Thus, your awareness of ‘your universe’ expands to include those adjacent universes.
And it continues. Your awareness expands exponentially.
You see your part in the finger, and the finger’s part in the hand. You see the hand as an extension of the universal arm, you see the universal arm as a limb in the universal body.
Even within that single cell, which you still perceive yourself as residing in, you become conscious of a ‘greater whole’, and your consciousness shifts from ‘that of the cell’ to ‘that of the body’.
The “Final Point”:
From a sub-particle to a cell at the tip of your finger, your universe expanded beyond to recognize the part you played, not just in the cell – but in the hand, the arm, the limb, and body as a whole.
You have the consciousness of “the body”. This is now “you”, and YOUR UNIVERSE. But what was the real lesson learned?
The lesson learned was not in a “finite point” my friend – it was in the PATTERN ITSELF…. You broke down (cellular) walls to see life beyond your original perspective, freed yourself from the concept of time (a whole other series), freed yourself from the need to ‘stop’ just because ‘you started’ — you embraced the pattern.
An infinite loop – the circular reference of perception:
For there you sit today – with the consciousness of the body. You have a name – and you recognize that there are others around you, similar but unique, you are together but separate.
Have you ever felt you were ‘a part’ of something bigger? As your consciousness resides in the body – THAT IS JUST THE TIP! That body is part of an atom in the fingertip (perhaps the country you live in) – which is a component of the hand (perhaps planet earth) – which is a part of a limb (perhaps the solar system), that is part of a body (perhaps the milky way)…
You recognize this as the body of “all that is”… and with that recognition, you’re reminded of the pattern…. and you wake up, all over again.
And in conclusion, there isn’t one.
You recognize the pattern, it is infinite. This ‘expanded awareness’ lead you back to the same place all over again – the body of the milky way, seen from an expanded vantage point, is merely the cell of a body in the tip of your (our) right index finger. One is bred to perceive one body.
This cycle continues through all time – time is a characteristic making up other aspects of the similar but different universes. There are cells as they are today and bodies made of cells as they were yesterday and others as they will be tomorrow.
What hasn’t changed is your role. No matter your level of awareness and current perception of reality – you are always a critical part of a critical atom in a critical cell which makes up something greater.
You are a critical part of an infinite cycle in a finite world, a critical milestone in a timeless trend in a world bound by time.
Expand your awareness and, in the next installment, this awareness will help you perceive the patterns of creation!
Shout out to Bert!
This series was inspired by a conversation between Bert and myself in the comments of the “What are you gaining” one-liner (“all that is gained in life is lost in death”).
There is some great dialogue in those comments regarding the concept of the ego, afterlife, the state of ‘being’, and perception of the ‘whole’ for those interested.
Please take some time to review the great perspective he has to offer on his “Who is Bert” blog – “a dialogue on mind, consciousness and existence”. Relevant to the topic at hand, I recommend his recent post on “identity, separation and love”. Enjoy!
– – +- -+- -+-+- = IT’S ALL RELATED = -+-+- -+- -+ – –
(Part 1) Universe You: Intro to Connecting the Dots
(Part 2a) Universe You: Positive Relationships
(Part 2b) Universe You: 3 Pillars of a Positive Relationship
(Part 3) Universe You: Why YOU Matter
(Part 4) Universe You: Giving Yourself Space
Change Begins from Within
“Change within;
or remain without“
~LoopholesOnLife.com
How Search Engine Usage will Correspond to a Rise in Dementia
It is fun to reflect on and appreciate the technological advancements of our modern world, isn’t it? After all, most would comfortably agree that our society is at the apex of intellectual aptitude. However, is it fair to assume that the intelligence of our collective species implies the same for the individuals within it?
In a day where any and all information appears readily available at our fingertips, we are changing the way we utilize the very instrument which made it all possible! In a day where answers can be accessed as quickly as the question is asked, we are changing the way we store and retrieve information. We are changing the way we think!
When used correctly, the internet can substantiate a single minds ability to problem solve – when used incorrectly, however, it can stifle creativity and undermine the processing power of the mind.
With a basic understanding of how memory works, and a bit of, dare I say it, deductive reasoning, one can fathom how the rise in search engine usage is likely to correspond to an increase in dementia in the youth of our society.
With an open mind, consider how you can help future generations avoid further degeneration!
Continue reading “How Search Engine Usage will Correspond to a Rise in Dementia”
Universe You: Give yourself Space!
5 Things You can Improve by Giving Yourself Some Space!
Do you focus on what matters? Maybe what ‘really matters’ is the space BETWEEN the matter.
Want to become a better artist, musician, cook, speaker – or even a better person? Give yourself some space!
The Dream Sailor: Master the Reality of Illusion
IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE, you appeared.
You appeared, smack dab in the middle of a story. You appeared right where the plot is at its thickest and yet, amazingly, are ALREADY the main character. Amidst old friends who seem different and new strangers who seem familiar; surrounded by a recognizable landscape you’ve never seen before. You accept it.
Then suddenly, you hear your name being whispered with screeches of cynicism, as your alarm clock reminds you that it was all a dream.
Think you grasp reality? You’re dreaming!
Continue reading “The Dream Sailor: Master the Reality of Illusion”
IMPRISONED BY TIME: Part 2 – Discover the Boundaries
As the bell tower chimes for the last “time” — let freedom ring!
Your escape from an enslavement many still refuse to believe exists begins now.
This journey will take no time at all; in fact, it will leave all time behind.
Welcome to the rebellion.
Continue reading “IMPRISONED BY TIME: Part 2 – Discover the Boundaries”
A Single Moment, A Lasting Impact – 12/12/12 @ 9:30 PM EST
Many throughout history have alluded to the idea that if a large enough percentage of humanity “wished” for global peace simultaneously, that a lasting change could happen instantaneously. Skeptics and believers alike have a chance to be a part of a world-wide test of this theory TONIGHT, 12/12/12, at 9:30 PM EST.
A Single Moment, a Lasting Impact; An Individual Contribution to Global Change:
CHALLENGE: take a moment to think about the word “smiling”.
Think about it for a second longer.
NOW, try to think about the word “smiling” without actually physically smiling! If we’re honest with ourselves, one can almost feel the contention between “thinking one thing” and “doing the other”. That is how the video which introduces this world-wide ‘moment of peace’ begins:
Don’t believe in the power of prayer? How about statistics?
If you are still someone who has a hard time conceptualizing the inter-connectivity of all things, from yourself to the universe, from thought to action to physical manifestation — you are not alone.
As mentioned many times in this blog – at this point in our history, truth and lies are so intertwined in nearly every subject matter that it is hard to fully trust anything. This is particularly evident as many question the dogma of institutionalized religion. However, when science, spirituality, AND MATH actually converge to support a particular hypothesis – isn’t there some providence to the findings that should not be overlooked?
I have expanded on the “Universe You” concept in a series of articles, so will try not to digress further — BUT — it is important to note that several independent studies have measured the impact of group prayer and meditation, actually showing statistically significant drops in crime rates.
From your own personal experience – haven’t you ever walked into a room, or a party, which you felt, simply put, had a “bad vibe”? Haven’t you been around people who’d you classify as having a “magnetic personality”? Prayer, meditation, POSITIVE THOUGHT — after we get past the subtleties which differentiate them, they are really not so different at some juncture. If you believe that “starting your day on the right foot” leads to an, even ever-so-slightly, increased probability for a “good day” — as opposed to the days when you “wake up on the wrong side of the bed” — then are you sure you really have any reason to be skeptical with “this cause” at all?
If you ARE still skeptical, I do not blame you! After all, I epitomized the word ‘skeptic’ for many years even AFTER being aware of these so-called ‘studies’ — it takes time for an individual to “re-calibrate” their understanding. Look up the information, try to go into it your ‘research’ with an open mind, and discern for yourself.
HOWEVER – I will say, skeptical or not, take a moment at 9:30 PM to contribute a positive thought or two to a world which needs it! Worst case scenario — it certainly cannot hurt!! Best case scenario…. where would I begin and where would I stop?!
Let’s take a moment and see if we can’t surprise ourselves with the results.
I wish you all the best! Now — and at exactly 9:30 PM EST Tonight! 😉
Additional references:
http://heartflow2012.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/12-12-12/
ARE YOU IMPRISONED BY TIME?
We awake to a new day. There are new experiences to be had and new choices to make. It may sound liberating at first. Yet, we begin each morning by believing everything we’ve been trained to see; and there are no better slaves than the ones who are convinced they are free.
Inspired by: Truth Behind Lies
“One lie can overshadow a hundred truths;
But a single truth can shine through a million lies.”
~LoopholesOnLife.com
An Advanced Breed of Monkeys?
Great quote from Hawking. I think it puts into perspective both our ‘relative’ significance in the universe and reinforces perception as well — after all, who are us ‘slightly more advanced monkeys’ to assume that ‘advanced’ isn’t relative in itself, and that those ‘less advanced monkeys’ have, perhaps an even more, clear grasp on how the universe works?
In fact, perhaps those ‘less advanced monkeys’ define advanced differently — perhaps their understanding of the universe is intuitive and they view US as less advanced for fruitlessly breaking down particles more and more and exploring the cosmos further and further — and in the process, THE ONLY THING WE HAVE DISCOVERED IS INFINITY. 🙂
“Timeless Words” – 23 famous quotes unveiling the secret of time
From rock ‘n roll icons to religious leaders;
From ancient philosophers to 20th century scientists;
From inventors & poets to politicians & social reformers;
The mystery of time has been revealed to us through a series of clues left behind by history’s most influential figures. It’s been easy to overlook the common theme across such an uncommon group – UNTIL NOW!
The most renowned and wise of our kind all spoke about “time”. Think about the themes you see, as the sayings from 23 of these individuals are brought together in a timely verse of their timeless words.
Continue reading ““Timeless Words” – 23 famous quotes unveiling the secret of time”
“Seeing What Is”
I once saw what I wanted, now I’m seeing what is;
was ignorant, but now I get the reason it’s bliss.
for I was lost and then found my reason to live;
amazing grace didn’t sound more sweet than it did.
Inspired by: Hairy Situations!
“The hairier a situation gets;
the more effective Occam’s Razor is!”
~LoopholesOnLife.com
Inspired by Making Waves!
“It doesn’t take much of a cause
to have a tremendous effect.”
~LoopholesOnLife.com
Universe You: Why YOU Matter!!
You are important. Without you, the rest of us would be nothing.
If you think that’s an overstatement, think again. Better yet, stop thinking!
It’s time to reclaim your self-esteem. The building blocks of confidence start by deconstructing the building blocks of matter.
YOU MATTER… let’s explore how you matter, both literally AND figuratively! Continue reading “Universe You: Why YOU Matter!!”
Universe You: 3 Pillars of a Positive Relationship
Understand the 3 Pillars of Positive Relationship building by understanding yourself, the universe, and everything (and one) in between!
Relationships fail for many reasons, but start with yourself, and take accountability for it. It is painful to own problems, but once you do, it is infinitely peaceful. After all, there is nothing you are in a better position to change than yourself! Continue reading “Universe You: 3 Pillars of a Positive Relationship”
Imagination Island: find out how society got where it’s going!
The reset button has been hit on humanity. The billions who tried to keep up with the Jones’ have vanished. Only Mr. & Mrs. Jones remain.
The survival of our species now relies on Mr. Adam & Mrs. Eve Jones. Their journey will provide clues as to why the world is the way it is and why history has a strong tendency to repeat.
Welcome to Imagination Island, where humanity is about to start over from scratch! Continue reading “Imagination Island: find out how society got where it’s going!”
Universe You: Positive Relationships (Part 2a)
What is the secret to creating & maintaining a positive, long-lasting, relationship?
All of us long for “connection”. It is our relationships, THE connectivity, which gives meaning to our experiences and validates our existence. Some of us even strive to connect based on a perceived lack of connection!
Whether you are looking to “find love”, whether you are interested in cultivating a positive relationship at work, whether you hope to develop a more meaningful relationship with a family member or friend — the answer is ALL the same, and can be found in “Universe You”. Continue reading “Universe You: Positive Relationships (Part 2a)”
The Science of Positivity Loophole!
The Science of Positivity
This short video just may change the way you view life, forever. If all you have time for today is 20 seconds to dedicate to understanding the loopholes on life – give it to this video. After 20 seconds, I am certain you will find a way to free up an additional 3 minutes to finish it.
Do you believe in Science? Do you have faith in faith? If we are honest with ourselves, most seek their alignment (even unknowingly). Science & Faith are not so different, friends. In fact, the two “disciplines” dedicate themselves to understanding the exact same book. The only difference is the order in which they pursue their understanding of the storyline in this ‘book of life’.
Science & Faith have never, in our history, been so close to converging! Let’s explore our faith in science & the science of faith. Continue reading “The Science of Positivity Loophole!”