Science has gloried and succeeded in its ability to create “closed systems with limited and manageable variables — whether actually or theoretically. By limiting outside “interference” predictable results can be obtained and laws deduced. A tacit “cause and effect” linkage is established and a sense of control of the event given the right “starting” conditions.
This view of the world has prompted our rational test for reality to require “empirical evidence.” Lacking that, especially if it is difficult to replicate, its “reality” is questioned.
On the sub-atomic level of quantum physics, it is much more difficult to “contain ” or “close” the system — so the “laws” at that level include probability and distributions of “likely” behavior — both in energy and location of particles. Since we are dealing with huge samples of particles, we can claim “reality” and “law status” — and of course the exceptions are always included somewhere on the continuum of possibilities. The “cause and effect” linkage here is much more tenuous because when X happens, Y may or may not happen — within some probability distribution. If we do X in high enough numbers, we generally get what we’re looking for as a result. Consider the system of the human being and our energy fields. Consider the force, fabric, field which we label love (or fear). This may be the ultimate continuously OPEN system. So open as to have each particle or piece of energy able to react or be changed by EVERY OTHER particle or piece of energy in the entire universe.
Our thoughts, feelings, intentions, dreams, etc. are instruments of interaction with this
universe. There are ample documented examples of our thoughts and emotions influencing the biochemistry of our bodies and that of others.
For those who have mastered the art of conscious dreaming, in the dream world things happen as fast as thought. Thinking/feeling it makes it so. This highly subjective realm is nevertheless one where mystics down the ages write of “knowing” with certainty. This gnosis is not a deductive reasoning, it is an experience of that reality. A self-verification of its truth for that person at that time. Subject to change in the next moment — in a dynamic, open system.
Of what utility is this concept in our lives? I suspect that it would encourage a greater trust of and acceptance of what we see and feel at any given moment — regardless how different from the last look we had. It probably involves an acknowledgment of the heart’s wisdom – even while absent the mind’s logical verification.
The sudden, unpredicted remission and disappearance of a sizeable tumor in a short time has no “normal” explanation. Ironically, it still “happens” by some means at the physical level. So, although the initial steps which led to the tumor’s improbable disappearance were launched in the realm of love and higher dimensions, planes, etc., it eventually works itself out in the physical world. When we are lucky enough to be there watching with enough resolution, we can say what “caused” it to disappear. What caused the final observable, physical steps to begin in the first place — against all predictions or past histories — is what we should seek in other realities beyond the locally measurable and the logically explainable.
God’s place in this scenario? It brings up and interesting discussion for another time. In what kind of creation do we live? Is it good and perfect as it is in this moment? Is it a creation where all creatures are ultimately safe and free to learn, explore and evolve and whatever course that takes, it is as it should be?
Or is it flawed, gone awry, in need of redemption, screwed-up-by-man using his free will and making bad choices which God certainly must have expected us to make? In this description of creation, most people have us in the midst of a war between good and evil, God and Satan, right and wrong.
A bit of miscalculation on God’s part or just a sporting gesture to encourage a good fight? If we’re at war, the fear part is very real. If not, it’s an illusion getting in the way of genuine come-union with God in a universe composed of nothing but love.