Can astrophysics prove that an afterlife exists?

I do not claim to have all the answers to life’s most enduring questions. I do have the freedom to question authority and by asking the questions, maybe the answers will come. I have made space for such quandaries like the ageless question of whether or not there is life after death. Making space for such inquiries allows for clarity to arise from within. There is an innate wisdom that can be found when we settle into the vastness of the mind. Small nudges from our inner-self lead us to life’s most intimate answers.

Still in its infancy, astrophysics is proving that an afterlife can and does exist without the trappings of religion. Thats right, an afterlife proven by science. Lets forget for a moment the most substantial piece of evidence and one of the most important laws in science: Energy cannot be created or destroyed. Thus, in some facet humans, possibly even their consciousness, lives on within the tapestry that is quantum energy, coalescing and regenerating throughout the Cosmos. But is there more?
Have you ever heard of String Theory?

String theory is an active research framework in particle physics that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity (the theory of everything). String theory teaches that the electrons and quarks within an atom are not 0-dimensional objects, but rather 1-dimensional oscillating lines or strings, hence the name. These invisible vibrating strings may be infinitely diverse with variables of inestimable value. This would suggest that other cosmic manipulations could exist beyond the edge of our known Universe. Many theoretical physicists including Stephen Hawking believe String Theory is a step towards the correct fundamental description of nature and the Universe. An intriguing feature of String Theory is that it predicts extra dimensions, possibly even alternate Universes. One such theory is the 11-dimensional M-theory, which requires the Universe to have eleven dimensions as opposed to the usual three spatial dimensions and the fourth dimension of time. Other research in String Theory has purported as many as 26 space time dimensions for the Bosonic String explanation. These theories present us with a new picture of the Cosmos. Scientists including Andre Linde and Allan Guth have been studying the concept of “Multiverses” for decades. There are questions abound in regard to the origin of the Big Bang inflation as well as the statistical data that supports the theory that the Universe is expanding even quicker – a possible contradiction to current mass and gravity data. Further mathematical measurements of dark energy are not matching current theoretical equations. The concept of multiple Universes would support the disparities seen within our quantum dominion. Further, such cosmic diversity could result in duplicates of Universes based simply on statistics and probability. String theory is still in its infancy and there are many exciting discoveries still to arise from the world of physics. If modern physics is capable of proving validity to alternate universes could these spatial dimensions be alternate realities or realms of the afterlife? As we continue to uncover the intricacies of the Cosmos, it has become clear that anything is possible because String Theory itself presents a universe of infinite possibilities.

What about Black Holes?

What is based on more substantial scientific evidence are recent discoveries in black holes and their theorized physics. A black hole is a region of space from which nothing, not even light, can escape. For decades it was thought that nothing could survive the plunge into a black hole. It is now a widely held theory that light and energy that is trapped in a black hole can survive. This is important because nothing is more violent and ever changing than the environment that exists at the event horizon of a black hole. Observable matter appears to be stripped down to elementary protons, electrons and neutrons. Much like in death, we return to our source of elementary particles. Still, current physics states in principle, complete information about a physical system at one point in time should determine its state at any other time. This means Quantum mechanics proves that information that is created cannot be destroyed, even during the strenuous gravity and light vacuum characteristics present in a black hole. As stated earlier, energy and thoughts can be considered united and appear to be stable and transferable even when matter changes form. This means our thoughts can in theory live on after death.

Studies in Near Death Experiences (NDE) and reincarnation help add a humanistic quality to what happens after death. Do we retain our human form or do we return to instinctual energy upon demise? There is this element of fear associated with death that permeates the epoch of mankind. Further, there is this undeniable thirst to know what happens after cessation which has been a major supporting factor in contemporary religion. Still, the concept of God as it relates to the Universe is mind boggling. For many, it is enough to know that modern science proves we live on in some form or facet. The dogma and humanistic trappings of reincarnation, heaven and NDE are promising and heartwarming, but true solace here on Earth can be found by connecting to our True Nature that exists within all sentient beings. As stated, True nature that is that quantum governed energy force that is constant and unwavering. Much like the concept of a soul, our True Nature is an instinctual energy field comprised of waves of subatomic light and matter. So it seems, the best approach to understanding life after death is taking heed to the wisdom of few and then following your True Nature. The answers lie within and once you come to understand that we are simply energy changing form, gone will be any fear of death. You will come to understand we are a part of something magnificent and in some form we will always remain connected and pure like the energy that surrounds us. It is ego and false perception that has bred religion, fear and notions of hell and purgatory. Once you strip away the ego and all that is adulterated and polluted, all that is left is energy – pure and powerful. We come from energy and we will go back to energy.

John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com

Happy Thanksgiving... - I think...

I thought I would chime in on this enigma called Thanksgiving. Simply by viewing my site stats across multiple blogs, I get a fair share of international traffic. Decent traffic from Germany (could be my German last name) and interestingly enough, site views from as far east as Singapore. The reason I mention this is because for all intensive purposes, Thanksgiving is a US Holiday. Even our friends in Canada will be business as usual this Thursday.

Not the case here in the USA. Even today while trying to grab lunch, the Super Markets were ablaze with scurries of people exhibiting zombie like persistence – last minute shopping can be a stressful experience. It makes you wonder how many Turkeys lost their lives last week? Well, 90% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving – According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the U.S. at Thanksgiving—that’s one sixth of all turkeys! There is some turkey trivia for my international guests.

I overheard a fellow employee talking about how he has to get up at 3:30 am tomorrow to help his wife cram the raw turkey into the oven – apparently it is too heavy for her to lift on her own. Have you ever held a 18lb raw turkey? It feels more like 30lbs and it is awkward and cumbersome too. The 3:30 am wake up call is what grabbed my attention – 3:30 am? That sucks…

My mother in California is hosting a family gathering tomorrow. It will be mostly siblings attending and should be intimate but also crazy with kids running amok and in-laws and uncles weighing in on politics and how much money they made this year. This is when the extended family fractures and people are torn between which house to visit and who they may piss off based on their choice of roofs to share Thanksgiving under. For the record, I am going over to my mother in laws house though I would have enjoyed going to my mother’s house as well. It is a win either way for me.

It takes at least a day to make all the fixings to accommodate a dinner of this magnitude. It seems, especially here in the Midwest, it is mostly a female managed operation. Guys get a pass on this one: The days are reserved for intermittent naps, cold beer and football. Though, by the end of the day, there is an emotional and physical toll waged on everyone – man, woman and child alike. As the tryptophan, sugar and booze bloats, the only thing Americans are thankful of in the end is their beds.
So what does Thanksgiving stand for? I bet if you asked most US teenagers their answer would be something about Indians and Pilgrims. As with most US holidays, marketing, commercialism and watered down traditions bury the origin of most celebrations. I think Black Friday is a holiday in America?

Kidding aside, it is nice to celebrate the art of being thankful. Every day I meditate, I start the practice with giving thanks. I think it grounds me and reminds me of what is important in life. Here are some things I am thankful for everyday:

My wife and family – these are people that love and confide in me – I am blessed

My Job – without it, I could not type this blog on a computer at work during lunch

My health – I am thankful, there is a drive within to eat well and exercise – something that was lacking when I was younger.

And finally, clarity – an awareness of love and energy and that we are connected to something so vast it boggles the imagination.

So with that, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com

Were we born from nothing?

I usually always get myself into trouble when I discuss these topics of god and origin. Maybe that is why I like to stir things up a little. Anyway, here we go… Release the Hounds!

Were we born from nothing? When we start talking about God or the Universe at this level it becomes difficult as really we do not have words or equations that can explain such energies and form – especially “pre-Big Bang” scenarios (please notice I do not include man made religion in this discussion). Quantum physics has been resolute in its efforts but there is still so much to learn – like for example how do we combine the worlds of gravity with sub atomic physics – something we have yet to define in equations. From a philosophical standpoint it seems everything is in the form of a Mandala (a revolving circle of inner and outer energy) – whether there is a birth, death and re-birth of new life; whether there is spring which turns to summer, autumn, winter and then back to spring again; karma revolves from actions to reactions as do energy vortexes and chakras. Even storms rotate as do planets, galaxies and cell structure. It seems there is also a beginning, an ending and then a new beginning (regeneration). From a philosophical standpoint the Cosmos would react the same way: Birth (Big Bang) and then death which again would give way to a new birth or Big Bang (over the course of billions of years). Excluding the actual Big Bang Theory, which is well explained, science has yet to prove such musings on cosmic death and much of what we know is comprised of loose theories and conjecture (this is why religion exists).

There is a quality to life that exceeds our ability to understand and rationalize. Humans have not reached the evolutionary goal of knowing how the Universe exists (and this is quite fine). How did the Big Bang arise? That is a perfect example of something (the Universe) expanding from nothing (pre-Big Bang existence). There is a paradox here that suggests a more precise definition of nothing. Nothing is a state that is the simplest of all conceivable states. It has no mass, no energy, no space, no time, no spin, and no life. How is that possible? An interstellar vacuum? Still, was there something that existed before the Big Bang? One would think in order to have something tangible; it would need to change form because something can’t arise out of nothing? If the Universe always existed that would mean there was no birth – suggesting infinity? (Again a paradox from conventional wisdom) – That is where the intelligent design concept arises. NOT intelligent design as pushed by Christians trying to get Genesis taught in schools but a concept so vast and magnificent it exceeds our wildest imagination and knowledge. How did the Universe arise? Whether you call it science, god or the Universe we have been born into an amazing Cosmos – such gifts are important to self-actualize and appreciate – the beauty of nature, love and energy is all related – we are all linked to this web of energy as explained by quantum psychics. Once we connect to our True Nature and experience an awakening of sorts it is enough to know we are a part of this amazing tapestry. It is enough to satiate our being and there is no requirement to understand everything in minute detail –in fact such things are not expressible in words – still we can sense the awesomeness of it all as we are a part of the entire puzzle: This unexplainable Universe made us. Carl Sagan once said, “In order to make apple pie, you must first make the Universe”.

I guess the main premise is this – whether we were born from nothing or something we need to consider ourselves part of the system or development. Even every little action and reaction in our lives is connected to this thing called the Universe. Whether we like it or not, every facet of life on Earth and beyond is connected to this magnificent dynamism. Therefore whether we understand it or not does not matter – paradoxes aside, either way we are a part of something so vast it allows us to connect to the boundless nature of it all. There lies the gift we all share – we can revel in the excitement of it all because we are part of the grand immensity of it all. For an enlightened soul, free from ego and fear, full of love and bliss, that is enough…

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Fear

My wife casually mentioned to me this morning that she was really nervous about her first day on the job tomorrow. She is a Special Education teacher and will be starting in a new school district this Monday. I think we all can relate to her reservations and worries. I can even recall the first day of elementary or middle school being a nervous day wrought with apprehension and uncertainties. Starting a new job is probably no less challenging: The unseen variables, new people, each with their own egos and agendas; thoughts about whether or not we are a good fit for the job. The build up to the big day can be a lot of weight on someone’s mind. I supposed there is a innate level of fear attached to the quality of the experience. Maybe a fear of the unknown? Anyway, it got me thinking…

Fear is a form of suffering and is in fact probably the most debilitating. Primal fear is a basic survival instinct that initiates a “Fight or Flight” response. This specific stimulus occurs from pain or a threat of danger. Fear is the ability to recognize a threat or danger and react instinctively to find safety. Yet, in our sometimes chaotic lives, the concept of fear was been watered down, muddled with ego and mentally misinterpeted.

Psychologists have noted that fear belongs to a smaller set of basic instinctual emotions which also includes anger, sadness and even joy. Fear is sometimes grouped or connected to the emotional state of anxiety. Yet, anxiety is different and typically occurs without any external threat. Coupled with our ego and a low level of self-esteem, fear and anxiety is a disability.

Sure there are things in life to be fearful of: Hungry bears while on a hike, shark frenzies while swimming or an avalanche careening toward your vacation chalet. These would be situations of “Fight or Flight” and as humans we have the instincts to fight our way to safety or run like hell to safety. Yet, in our sometimes crazy life, there are fears of losing our jobs, fear of loneliness, fear of starting our own business – the common denominator to some degree would be the fear of failure. It is this response that is not instinctual. The concept of “Fight and Flight” is part of our nature. Societal fears like the dread of failure are based on a conditioned or a nurtured sense. Through conditioning and ego, from the approval or disapproval of others, there can be a level of anxiety or abrasiveness that is created and it can eat at you from the inside out.

Studies show stress is a major factor for high blood pressure and other health ailments like heart attacks and emotional instability and depression. The prescription drug Xanax (or the generic form Alprazolam) is one of the most prescribed drugs in America. Guess what it is used for? Anxiety. Conditioned fear and anxiety go hand in hand. Remember that our True Nature is the stars we can see on a clear night. The clouds that come and go are our egos, control patterns, anger, fear and anxiety – all of which causes suffering. If you can slowly come to an understanding that our True Nature represents the stars which are unchanging, then you will understand that the clouds that sometimes obscure them are temporary. Stress, anger and other suffering are always transitory. Much like a storm: it may be a violent and turbulent tempest, but we have faith in knowing that it will eventually pass and the sun will again shine. Try to turn toward, conflict, anger and depression with the faith that it is temporary and that life will get better. Eventually you may even see that emotions like anger and jealousy are really not necessary.

“Those who fear life are already three parts dead”.

-Bertrand Russell

We have to recognize that our suffering and negativity is not intrinsic to our existence. It is projected upon us by others and we sabotage ourselves with our varying levels of ego and control patterns. Many of these unnecessary emotions are just smoke and mirrors. It may seem hopeless at times but there is optimism. We need to connect to that clear sky analogy as there is a part of us, deep down, that is constant and pure. As you will learn in later blogs, space gives rise to well being. Feeling free of stress and anxiety is a form of space. When we feel stress or even anger, there is this closed off feeling within the mind; our psyche feels hemmed in when anxiety and suffering takes hold. Panic attacks are a good example of a lack of space in the mind. Conversely, have you ever gone on vacation and felt open and alive? Have you felt relaxed and spacious? There lies the difference: Our True Nature is a spacious vision that we all can connect with. Once you have the space in your mind, you will have the ability to better handle the stresses of life. With space, you will learn to have more tolerance for the challenges that surround us.

Sure it is easy to write this all down in a blog and push the “PUBLISH” button, but to live by our words is much more powerful. Actions do speak louder than typed words. I do not think anyone is free from stress and anxiety completely and we all get butterflies in our stomach when we head into unchartered territory. This is a completely natural feeling. Still, it is how you interpret the stress or challenges and how you act that truly defines the experience. Most social or workplace scenarios are dependent on how you react to stress and unseen occurrences. Further, I truly think feeling nervous about something is a good thing. It means we are alive and aware. More than that, it means we are pushing ourselves to be better and more evolved. Being nervous is a good sign that things are progressing in your life and you are pushing yourself to the next level.

Take a deep breath and remember such stresses and uncertainties are merely clouds floating by and your True Nature is the steadfast sky that is unfettered, unadulterated and indestructible. Everything will be fine, feeling nervous is good! Now go make a difference!

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

How do we make a difference?

I once read a quote from the Dalai Lama which I will paraphrase now: “Humans will never reach enlightenment until everyone else within the world ceases to suffer”. It is our empathy for others in need that truly makes a difference. Indifference solves nothing. Compassion is a huge component to Buddhism and it is integral to any true path to enlightenment no matter what religion or creed. Yet in a world wrought with war, famine, religious persecution, oppression and climate change; the challenge is not to be compassionate for humanities shortcomings, but to not be overwhelmed by the weight of the worlds suffering. The Dalai Lama’s sentiments ring true. How can a sentient being reach enlightenment when there is so much suffering and discourse that surrounds us? In a world governed by money and large corporations, what is one to do? Further the weight of the world on our compassionate minds is enough to make anyone educated and mindful to ask: “Where are we really headed as a global community?” Such frustration and disappointment makes people wonder if ignorance really is bliss.

A friend and I were discussing this topic last night. We both differ on political views but we both agreed that not only is the US political system broken, but our food, medical care, education and spirituality is held hostage by big money. My friend asked the question: “What recourse is there for the frustrated middle class person?” Even voting seems to have little effect in the long run. In the end it is the 1% in control of the world’s money that has power over everything. And this power is not in the best interest of planet Earth. When you look back on history, the one defining factor is revolution: Normally a violent revolution with bloodshed and loss of innocent life, which if successful, tears the elite power away from a few and temporally gives it back to the people. It seems we are having a passive revolution now with the “Occupy Wall Street” movement.

But even violent revolution seems barbaric, transient and fleeting. How do we give the power back to the people and live in harmony and not discourse. How do we feed the starving, stop fighting and celebrate our commonality as a human race instead of fighting over our differences? My answer to my friends question was not what he wanted to hear. I said it will take thousands of years for humans to evolve to that point. “A thousand years?!!!!”, he yelled. He wanted results in his life time. Truthfully, it may never happen. It seems money will always govern and corrupt. History has painted a pretty clear picture in that regard.

Still there is a solution. Humans need to progress to the next level of evolution no matter the social/political environment. I know in my heart that this is our destiny. This includes being mindful; working to keep our thoughts rooted in the present and not stumbling off in fear and fantasy, past and future. We have a metaphysical connection to the Universe that needs to be realized and celebrated. The solution is to live by example. Empower those around you not by preaching self-actualization; empower those around you by living by example. Words are hollow and lose their meaning quickly with inaction and indifference. Words are easy to say but to live by those words is truly powerful. Each of us can make a difference by simply living humbly away from our egos and teaching (through success and experience) our friends and love ones that there is another way. The best way to make a difference is to live though your own positive virtues. Eventually it will catch on. It might take a thousand years, but that is inconsequential. Live, love and set an example and it is the best anyone can do. Happiness does find those that walk a clear path that is chosen not by big money, ego and materialism, but your heart wish. Listen to your True Nature and the wisdom from within and live by example.

I am interested in your comments on this discussion. The more insight the better!

John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com

A Path to Infinity - a Poem

We do not question if the Sun is going to rise tomorrow

For it is something we can depend on

Much like blue sky, rain, love and eventually cessation

The Responsive Universe is a path to infinity.

Here in the material world: Rationalization born
from misinterpretations

Created by our parents and mentors; or someone else’s distorted perceptions

Is evil interwoven for our eye’s to see? Is it fact or fiction?

Or just plain stupidity?

Archaic religious virtues – vestibules of another century

Its misguiding agenda haunts modern philosophy:

Corrosive and contagious

Yet, high above the storm clouds stands a renaissance of reasoning

Found on the road to evolution

Some find it, many never will

The right answers sought by a few

A pulse fed by pure thinking

The clarity of an open mind

Is it the movement of the future?

That nobody really knows

Because personal destiny

Is for one to see…

An intimate journey

With a path to infinity

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com