Chapter 1: The Cosmic Perspective

At first glance, the Universe might seem indifferent to human existence or even chaotic and unforgiving. Yet, I consider myself a spiritual individual, albeit in a laid-back manner that allows for whimsical thoughts without the need for prolonged meditation sessions that leave me sore. My reflective moments often occur in the comfort of my shower or while lounging on the couch with a cat curled up on my chest.

This relaxed approach to seeking enlightenment has led me to contemplate the existence of a conscious Universe, a Source, or a Prime Mover, which connects us all and offers wisdom, insights, and guidance.

And now, there appears to be scientific backing for this idea.

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I acknowledge that my belief system may sound eccentric, as I also entertain thoughts about fairies residing in my backyard oak tree and the emotional lives of socks, so consider my views with a pinch of skepticism.

Approximately 68% of the universe is composed of dark matter, and 27% consists of dark energy. Yet, science remains puzzled about the true nature of these components, understanding only that they are essential for cosmic calculations. Our comprehension of the universe is primarily based on the mere 5% that is visible to us.

This visible fraction is minuscule. Even our most advanced telescopes can only observe a minuscule segment of a trillionth of a percent of that 5%. If the cosmos is indeed infinite, our ability to analyze it is practically negligible.

What we do know is that the universe is unimaginably vast. However, the visible elements provide intriguing insights into its workings.

Recent scientific observations suggest that the universe resembles a colossal neural network akin to the human brain, with galaxies functioning like neurons. While this is a simplification of a complex idea, it serves our discussion well.

In this framework, information might traverse between galaxies much like signals move between neurons in our brains, suggesting that the universe itself could be thinking, evolving, and creating.

Nevertheless, there’s a complication.

In classical physics and our daily experiences, we observe the principle of locality—the notion that one object can only influence another when in close proximity. For instance, throwing a baseball in your yard won’t cause a window across town to shatter.

Locality is not an issue within our brains, where neurons are densely packed, allowing for instantaneous impulse transmission. This rapid communication is what enables our thinking.

However, the vast distances between galaxies, combined with the ultimate limit of light speed, imply that information within a universe-sized brain could only transfer very slowly, if at all.

This leads to a rather disheartening conclusion: it suggests that if there were a divine consciousness, it might possess the cognitive abilities of a sea sponge, which could explain much about organized religion but still be rather disappointing.

Is there a potential solution?

In the realm of quantum physics, there are instances where the principle of locality seems to falter, one of the most notable being quantum entanglement.

When two entangled particles are separated, measuring one will cause it to collapse into a specific spin state, either up or down. Miraculously, the second particle, even if light-years away, will instantaneously collapse into the opposite state.

This phenomenon, referred to by Einstein as "spooky action at a distance," has been repeatedly validated, despite his skepticism.

While quantum entanglement cannot be harnessed for communication, it raises the tantalizing possibility of non-local connections that remain beyond our current understanding. Theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder has elaborated on these concepts, providing a coherent exploration of their implications.

As Hossenfelder points out, evidence for these connections remains elusive, leading some to dismiss them as mere speculation. Yet, perhaps science is gradually aligning with spiritual thought.

A common thread in both religious teachings and stoned late-night discussions suggests that the universe functions as a singular grand organism, with each of us being integral parts.

Various Hindu philosophies advocate for the oneness of existence, asserting that every being is a fragment of a greater soul. Buddhists emphasize the interconnectedness of all entities. Even monotheistic traditions acknowledge this idea; for instance, medieval Christian mystic Meister Eckhart proclaimed, "Everything is in God and is God."

Many individuals recount experiences of profound oneness with the universe, whether induced by substances or not, validating their significance.

Scientists often hesitate to delve into philosophical or spiritual realms, and rightfully so. Labeling a belief system as "scientific" could imply unfounded proof and raise questions of bias in research.

However, as we deepen our understanding of the Universe, it appears that the insights of mystics and shamans may indeed hold merit.

Here’s my belief, and perhaps one day science will affirm it:

We are not mere machines trapped in a heartless cosmos, destined to flicker into existence and fade away without significance.

Our perception of reality is limited and narrow. There is an expansive, richer world beyond what we can easily discern, and our intuition often nudges us toward this truth.

If we take the time to listen, we may discover that we are parts of a much larger whole, learning, evolving, and connecting with one another. We are creators, educators, and architects of our own worlds. We are eternal beings.

The chances of it being a mere coincidence that you are here, contemplating the universe, are exceedingly slim.

So, cheer up. Everything is going to be alright.

Chapter 2: Beyond Limits

The notion that we are never tested beyond our limits is misguided.

Canva image adapted by Amy Sea