Transcending Consensual Reality (1)

One of the most striking discoveries of quantum physics is that, at the subatomic level, matter fails to exist with any certainty in specific places, but instead shows only a “tendency” to exist. Nor do atomic events occur with certainty at specific times and in specific ways, but rather display only a tendency to occur. In fact, there is compelling evidence suggesting that subatomic particles – the basic building blocks of our world – manifest only when we are looking at them.

This raises the interesting proposition that subatomic particles do not possess a separate, distinct reality until consciousness calls them into existence. Physicist Robert Jahn has gone so far as to say, “I think we have long since passed the place in high energy physics where we’re examining the structure of a passive universe. I think we’re into the domain where the interplay of consciousness in the environment is taking place on such a primary scale that we are indeed creating reality by any reasonable definition of the term.” [1]

Other physicists have joined Jahn in this position and now believe that they and their peers are not discovering particles, but may be creating them instead. A case in point is the recently discovered particle called the anomalon, which possesses properties that vary from laboratory to laboratory. Picture a house that changes size, color and layout depending on who is living in it.

If the apparently plasticity of the anomalon is caused by the shifting expectations of the scientists who are observing (read creating) them, then why do some particles – like electrons – seem to have a constant reality regardless of who observes them? Perhaps because how we view the world is not based solely on the information we receive through our five senses. We may connect to or be affected by many different sources of information. The mind can be imaged by the soul, impressed by the magnetic pull of the thought stream that surrounds our planet, dominated by thought forms that it itself generates or even influenced by other non-physical beings.

More to the point, humans have the well-documented ability to tap into the senses of others. We live in an integrated universe and our interconnections with other human beings manifest even when we are not consciously aware of them. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that when an individual in one room receives an electric shock, it registers in the polygraph readings of a person who is in a separate room. Lights flashed in one person’s eyes will alter the EEG readings of a test subject who is in another isolated room.

It’s quite possible that several scientists trying to “find” the properties of a particular subatomic particle instead create the very reality that they are looking for. And, further, over time other scientists who build on those “findings” add substance to the original idea. Line upon line, precept upon precept the new reality is constructed. Eventually, agreement is reached on what the scientists believe are the composite properties of the particle and the expectation is that there is nothing else to learn. The creation is finished. From that point, consensual reality becomes firmly entrenched with all scientists agreeing on the final nature of that particular particle. They have, in essence, manufactured the particle from their own collective consciousness.

Herakleitos was correct – you cannot step into the same river twice. Although it is still your life (river), the water (your reality) is constantly being turned over instant by instant. In each moment you contribute to the construct of your reality. And through your contribution you affect the lives of others. That is why you must guard your heart carefully. The uni-verse is one. You cannot make a decision that does not ripple outward and touch others.

Consciousness is primary. It is an attribute of Spirit. If you let it, it will reflect onto your soul. While Spirit “knows, soul “intuits” and mind “thinks”. Let the knowingness of your Spirit reflect onto your soul. Then listen to its quiet intuition as it guides you in your decisions. Else, when faced with points of alignment in your life, you may make a poor decision, step onto the wrong path and create a reality that is less than you could have had.

If the aspects of your being are aligned, Spirit reflects downward onto soul, mind, emotions and body and projects outward into your surrounding environment. With practice and persistence, you can learn to alter consensual reality in your life and your circle of influence. You then become a co-creator with the universe.

[1] This information was communicated in a private discussion between Michael Talbot, author of the Holographic Universe and Robert Jahn, December 16, 1988.