Coming to Our Senses (Part 1)
When we look at matter on the earthly plane, we can see with our own eyes, and feel with our sense of touch, that this world consists of a variety of solid objects. These solid objects are all around you – things like tables, chairs, computers, and coffee mugs. We could also include your own body in the mix, and all the people you see walking outside.
But wait a minute. Quantum physicists have proven that all of these seemingly solid items are not solid. All of the objects described above, including YOU, consist of subatomic particles or waves in mostly empty space. How much of matter is empty space? More than 99.99%. That’s right. You are more than 99% empty space and you are not solid.
Many of you will say “So what” and want to get on with your day. STOP for a moment to really consider this. What you see as solid objects are not solid at all. Your eyes are deceiving you. And they are deceiving you to such an extent that you can’t come close to perceiving reality with your senses. Can you begin to fathom that your computer, your bed, and the salad you’re about to eat for lunch are made up of energy fields or subatomic particles vibrating in empty space?
Things appear solid to the human eye. Things feel solid to human touch. And it’s all an illusion. Perhaps you thought Star Trek was far out!
Let me confess upfront that I have no expertise in science or physics. And that is putting it mildly. Thus, I can’t explain the details about how atoms or energy fields operate. However, I found a wonderful essay online by Dr. Tom Kerns entitled “Lecture on Quantum Physics.” He simplifies this topic so that a lay person can get a basic understanding of this subject. You can read it at:
http://home.myuw.net/tkerns/MyUWsite/waol-phi-website/lecsite/lec-quanphys.html
Even if you dislike science or care nothing about the illusion you are living, I think you might enjoy reading this essay by Dr. Kerns.
Why am I even discussing the nature of matter in this newsletter? Because the vast majority of us on the spiritual path claim that we want to know “the truth” about our existence, the nature of God, and our place in this seemingly unexplainable universe.
Yes, I understand that some of you will not appreciate this line of inquiry. Your thinking mind and ego are scared to explore this stuff, fearful that you will be forced to re-think some of your cherished beliefs. I used to feel the same way, until the moment arrived that I wanted the truth more than I wanted to keep living the lies.
We can trust our senses, or start coming to our senses.
The beginning of wisdom on the spiritual path is admitting the limitations of the mind and the senses. Are you willing to begin this investigation? An examination of the nature of matter is a great place to start. Lots of questions will begin to surface, such as:
Why would God create a world where humans are given senses that do not allow them to perceive reality as it is?
Can our soul ever be “inside” the body if the body consists of empty space? How can anything be “inside” empty space?
One thing is clear: this is a very mysterious universe!
I’m not suggesting that science has any final “answers” to offer on God and spirituality. However, science can help to point us in the direction of truth, often by showing us what is NOT true. This, in turn, creates an environment that allows our spirit to reveal more and more of the truth to us — a truth we will never acquire by using only our mind and our senses.
– Jeff Keller
© 2008