Welcome to a glimpse into what might seem like an extraordinary conversation in our family, yet is, in fact, typical—just another piece of our ordinary, everyday chatter. This particular exchange, worth recording, uncovers the depths and nuances of our shared and individual life journeys. The dialogue between my dad, my dear sibling, and me not only mirrors the strong bond we share but also highlights our united pursuit in deciphering the intricate dance of thoughts and experiences.
Me, initiating our exploration:
“In the absence of that which is not, that which is, is not.”
This intriguing thought from Neale Donald Walsch's 'Conversations With God' sparked a deep dive into our thoughts and experiences.
I always believed that theoretical physics, with its grand concepts like the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, among others, were beyond the grasp of a layperson like me to dabble in! Yet, here it is, presented in the simplest form possible—the theory of relativity applied to our everyday experiences!
I pointed out, “You cannot know yourself as 'who you are' unless you experience that which you are not!” highlighting the importance of contrasting experiences in defining our identities.
My Dad in response, with a playful undertone yet serious contemplation:
We "experience" the earth as flat, though our scientific knowledge tells us otherwise. In the "wise old times," the earth was considered flat. Similarly, we experience the Sun moving through the sky around the earth. However, both these experiences are not accurate reflections of reality. Experience alone is not sufficient to gain true knowledge. We must incorporate thinking and deeper observation to grasp what is truly happening. During a beautiful sunset, the sun is not actually sinking into the sea. When we realize this, our "experience" of the sunset broadens and deepens. The mere act of thinking about this brings a revelation that enriches the experience.
So, as we watch the Sun set, let's acknowledge that until that moment, we have been only partially aware. The Sun isn't setting; instead, the Earth is rotating, bringing us up to face the Sun.
My perspective on enhancing our worldview:
Well, as your power of observation enhances, you no longer experience the world as flat but as a sphere. Nowhere in the ancient Indian texts has the world ever been mentioned as flat! Only in Babylonian and Greek texts we’ve come across this idea. Thought alone is not enough to gain true knowledge! Experience and thought go hand in hand. That is why we are in an experience in this life form. Just 'Thought' was never enough.
Dad’s insight into the interplay between thought and proof:
Of course, 'Thought' alone is not enough. Einstein first 'thought' about the theory of relativity or e = mc^2. It was observed and proved to be true three decades later. Though the consequences were disastrous!
My sister comes in on the evolution of thoughts and experiences:
Everything keeps expanding and evolving. A physically manifested experience is the furthest expansion, evolution, and expression of a thought. And even that physical manifestation keeps on expanding and evolving... We are but a physical manifestation of a vibration that evolved into a thought and grew and grew until we came into this physical body. But the expansion doesn’t stop there; we continue to expand in this form too.
Dad’s cautionary note on the depth of human experience:
People who experience the deeper aspects of being human (without sufficient knowledge) risk getting lost in those experiences. The expansion and the contraction happen in the mind. A rare few are equipped to handle the deeper states or the mind's silence. So what you say may not be everyone's cup of tea.
My sister responds:
Consciousness that flows through us is only part of the consciousness that is us. Through all our life experiences, whether the 'physical us' takes the expansion or not, that larger part always does. And, since that's the larger part that has expanded, whether the 'human us' takes that expansion or not, the net result will always be expansion...when we go forward into that larger part, by what we call the death experience, we merge with that expanded version and are that expanded version. Expanded from where we were.
Although, we don't have to wait to die to take the benefit of that expansion. The real fun is to allow it in while we are living this life...that's why we're here...we are creators.
So, there's no risk of contraction or deterioration really, expansion is inevitable. It's just that the knowledgeable and the deliberate thinkers will have fun with it and the default thinkers will complain and struggle through it. That's a choice we get to make. If we don't make that choice and create our experience, all our knowledge amounts to nothing.
Dad is stunned, while my sister continues:
Let's not let the experience birth the thought. May the thought birth the experience. That's the difference between being the audience to your life versus being the director of your life :)... Let the thought create your life and not vice versa.
Dad responds hesitatingly:
Consciousness that supposedly flows through us, or rather that which is a hidden part of us and which makes us experience life, is not realized by 99% of humanity. Most of us are lost in the world, and our mind drags us deep into the quagmire. To stay in the awareness of absolute consciousness and experience the world by our own choices is given only to a very rare few.
As I think and try hard to exit this seemingly endless conversation to attend to my hungry son, I realize: it's not 'given,' it's 'taken.' It's all about choosing to take responsibility for the thoughts triggered by experiences and the experiences that, in turn, trigger further thought.
My sister’s optimistic closure:
You're right. Isn't it great that we are aware of this when most aren't even aware that there is anything beyond the physical? Let's use that to our benefit and along the way uplift those who are ready and be uplifted by those who have unlocked more levels :)
If it is one's desire to uplift as many along the way, they'll be brought together with those who are ready. No point focusing on those who are not and holding yourself back in your focus there. You know, so you go on. Those who choose to come along, will. Those who don't, will meet you on the other side another day.
The conversation concluded here!
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Interesting and thoughtful chat