I’m late to this party, Ros, but am just starting with Substack and this has made me feel I’m in the right place. Resonated with me because of all the (for me) wearying discussions with my 95 yo Dad in which he views any topic through the lens of his life as an engineer with a hefty dollop of scholarship boy syndrome. Anything metaphysical (or literary, or historical etc etc) becomes a kind of fluff that is either an indulgent distraction or something as yet unsolved that will eventually yield to the relentless progress of the scientific mind. Or something. Anyway, so therapeutic to me to reframe my reflex fury into something more hopeful and productive. Thank you.
Pleasure, Julie, and how very nice to see you here and not just across a table of poets! Substack is a great place to find deep thinkers and those with less ‘approved’ points of view. My father was an atheist scientist and it led to great suffering when he was facing his death, I think.
I really like that bit about the membrane being a liquid semiconductor. Never thought of it that way before, but I think it's a valuable analogy. I mention an article called "The Conscious Cell" here,
Yes, it was a breakthrough moment for Lipton and it struck me deeply too. I suppose consciousness (as I now conceive it) flows through us everywhere, including at a cellular level.
What. I have ADHD too and I could also kiss you right now, I love this!! I'm a total biology, quantum physics, energy and psychology nerd myself. I feel like we should go for a coffee haha!
People who lived and loved together for a long time often know what the other is thinking before they express it. Why shouldn't that carry on after death? People live on in our memories, don't they, which is a reason to be cheerful. It's the trivial things you'd miss, the chatter that forms the background of any relationship. But you can still write it down, for yourself. Not every thought has to be an Immortal one.
Agreed, Peter! Well, I understand why lots of people would assume it *wouldn’t* continue after death, but it’s all down to our model of consciousness. Also, sorry for the late reply. I missed you comment at the time, because I was in a pre-holiday preparation frenzy!
You did a superb job of keeping this topic accessible. I had a spiritual awakening twenty years ago following a spiritual experience. Since then, I have been on a spiritual path where the people and resources I need to continue my spiritual growth appear when I'm ready for them. A few years ago, my wife gave me a book written by a Christian Mystic. Mysticism validated what I believed intuitively from my personal experiences, that we are spiritual beings inhabiting a material body. My true self is spiritual and exists on a spiritual plane. However, my conscious realization of that spiritual self is limited. Until I achieve illumination, I will reincarnate on the material plane to continue to grow in spiritual consciousness. Time and space do not exist on the spiritual plane, so it doesn't surprise me that we can broadcast to each other. I don't need science to prove that this is so, but it is interesting, nevertheless. It is even more interesting and entertaining when you present it with your special touch of humor.
Thank you, K.C. - why have I only just seen this comment? Oh that’s right, I was going on holiday in 2 days and was frantically applying for my own job! Yes, my understanding is similar to yours. It’s a challenge to communicate these things in a down-to-earth way but I continue to try, because it feels important, in humanity’s current state, to make connections.
Having just about managed to get my head around this (I used to study science too but now I mostly have brain fog) I feel divided a little. I lost my partner in 2005. He believed in there being something after - at least for some - he had felt spirits himself. I think my fear of the idea of what a ghost might be has kept me from feeling these kind of things. But it brings a little comfort that his spirit is still out there broadcasting (and also might explain why I’ve found it hard to meet anyone else - he was the jealous type!). What a fascinating subject and I love how science is beginning to delve into this kind of understanding.
Ps as a geology (and cartography) graduate I had been told the story of tectonic plate theory being laughed out the room! Peer review maybe can’t always be trusted!!
I really enjoyed reading this, Ros. It was another piece of the puzzle for me. I'm scientifically minded, but have also studied the philosophies that yoga is based on, and this intersection is real. However, being scientifically minded, I still struggle to believe it. I try not to analyse it too much now, but just watch my experiences and accept them for what they are.
Yes, coming from a scientific mindset makes it more of a challenge (I'm the same). You have to have the personal experiences to back it up. Fortunately I have had had a few metaphysical experiences that have made a big difference. But reading about the experiences of others has also helped. I thoroughly recommend Lipton's book if you haven't read it. You might find it is enough to tip you over the edge!
Ha, okay! Well keep at it, I think you’ll get there. I have definitely reached a stronger place with it. I’m not in any doubt about the continued existence of those I have lost.
I'd been looking forward to this one. Did not disappoint! I got Devotion, BTW. Really enjoying it so far. Excited about the lady pirate novel. Glad your bro is OK. Here is a song my sister wrote after she was first on scene to a motorbike accident: https://youtu.be/2IAtwARx1Tc?si=cRl4IO4T0tSRyNsz He survived too, and they even saved his leg!
Thank you, Shoni, for all these wonderful things and especially your enthusiasm. *I* am very excited about the lady pirate novel too. It has been a long road so far but really worthwhile, I think. Your sister's voice is really powerful. Scary detail about the bone. I'm very glad he survived and kept his leg too.
The trippy thing was that when that happened I was writing a scene in my novel where the main character lost her leg. Felt strangely (and certainly unrealistically) responsible.
It's no more unusual to be incarnated twice than once, it might be a default setting of the universe for humans - and similarly configured beings - to experience multiple conscious incarnations, irrespective of whatever suggestive metaphors we use to help explain it!
I also have been exploring the borderline between physics and metaphysics for many years,. Thanks for writing this, Ros.
Very interesting. I am interested in the intersection of physics and metaphyics, and was several times reminded of Iain McGilchrist's ideas, which I assume you are familiar with. Incidentally, I have posts titled Reasons to be Cheerful, Parts I, II and III on my own Substack. A case of great minds thinking alike?
Thanks, Garry, yes, I have indeed come across Iain McGilchrist in my virtual travels. I shall have to look up your identically titled posts but I guess it’s a case of great minds steal title ideas from Ian Dury!
Quite! I loved that song. And while I can no longer listen to the jejune lyrics on many bands of that era that I used to love, Dury stands up pretty well. Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick works as an injunction for poets, too!
Haha, I am replying to you on the train with my huge Spotify playlist on Shuffle and suddenly tuned into the fact that it was 'Reasons to be Cheerful Part 3' that was in my ears! Dury was pretty special to me. Not only because he was introduced to me by my (soon to be dead) beloved brother but because he was instrumental in launching my poetry career, since he was one of the editors who selected 4 of my poems for Faber's Hard Lines 3 anthology in 1987. He bummed a cigarette off me at the launch, and I was too young and starstruck to do more than meekly hand it over.
What a story! I didn't know he was involved with Faber. I would have been starstruck too--though I suspect he would have been quite down to earth and modest, if you had ventured to chat.
Such an awesome, thought-provoking, and articulate exploration of the intersection between science and metaphysics and human experience. Thank you for sharing!
I’m late to this party, Ros, but am just starting with Substack and this has made me feel I’m in the right place. Resonated with me because of all the (for me) wearying discussions with my 95 yo Dad in which he views any topic through the lens of his life as an engineer with a hefty dollop of scholarship boy syndrome. Anything metaphysical (or literary, or historical etc etc) becomes a kind of fluff that is either an indulgent distraction or something as yet unsolved that will eventually yield to the relentless progress of the scientific mind. Or something. Anyway, so therapeutic to me to reframe my reflex fury into something more hopeful and productive. Thank you.
Pleasure, Julie, and how very nice to see you here and not just across a table of poets! Substack is a great place to find deep thinkers and those with less ‘approved’ points of view. My father was an atheist scientist and it led to great suffering when he was facing his death, I think.
I really like that bit about the membrane being a liquid semiconductor. Never thought of it that way before, but I think it's a valuable analogy. I mention an article called "The Conscious Cell" here,
https://randallhayes.substack.com/p/the-mind-body-problem
and a book called 'Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life,' which I found really interesting, here.
https://randallhayes.substack.com/p/bigfoot-is-not-undead
You can scroll down past the Bigfoot part.
Yes, it was a breakthrough moment for Lipton and it struck me deeply too. I suppose consciousness (as I now conceive it) flows through us everywhere, including at a cellular level.
What. I have ADHD too and I could also kiss you right now, I love this!! I'm a total biology, quantum physics, energy and psychology nerd myself. I feel like we should go for a coffee haha!
People who lived and loved together for a long time often know what the other is thinking before they express it. Why shouldn't that carry on after death? People live on in our memories, don't they, which is a reason to be cheerful. It's the trivial things you'd miss, the chatter that forms the background of any relationship. But you can still write it down, for yourself. Not every thought has to be an Immortal one.
Agreed, Peter! Well, I understand why lots of people would assume it *wouldn’t* continue after death, but it’s all down to our model of consciousness. Also, sorry for the late reply. I missed you comment at the time, because I was in a pre-holiday preparation frenzy!
You did a superb job of keeping this topic accessible. I had a spiritual awakening twenty years ago following a spiritual experience. Since then, I have been on a spiritual path where the people and resources I need to continue my spiritual growth appear when I'm ready for them. A few years ago, my wife gave me a book written by a Christian Mystic. Mysticism validated what I believed intuitively from my personal experiences, that we are spiritual beings inhabiting a material body. My true self is spiritual and exists on a spiritual plane. However, my conscious realization of that spiritual self is limited. Until I achieve illumination, I will reincarnate on the material plane to continue to grow in spiritual consciousness. Time and space do not exist on the spiritual plane, so it doesn't surprise me that we can broadcast to each other. I don't need science to prove that this is so, but it is interesting, nevertheless. It is even more interesting and entertaining when you present it with your special touch of humor.
Thank you, K.C. - why have I only just seen this comment? Oh that’s right, I was going on holiday in 2 days and was frantically applying for my own job! Yes, my understanding is similar to yours. It’s a challenge to communicate these things in a down-to-earth way but I continue to try, because it feels important, in humanity’s current state, to make connections.
Having just about managed to get my head around this (I used to study science too but now I mostly have brain fog) I feel divided a little. I lost my partner in 2005. He believed in there being something after - at least for some - he had felt spirits himself. I think my fear of the idea of what a ghost might be has kept me from feeling these kind of things. But it brings a little comfort that his spirit is still out there broadcasting (and also might explain why I’ve found it hard to meet anyone else - he was the jealous type!). What a fascinating subject and I love how science is beginning to delve into this kind of understanding.
Ps as a geology (and cartography) graduate I had been told the story of tectonic plate theory being laughed out the room! Peer review maybe can’t always be trusted!!
Thoughtful. Liked very much. Thanks a lot.
I really enjoyed reading this, Ros. It was another piece of the puzzle for me. I'm scientifically minded, but have also studied the philosophies that yoga is based on, and this intersection is real. However, being scientifically minded, I still struggle to believe it. I try not to analyse it too much now, but just watch my experiences and accept them for what they are.
Yes, coming from a scientific mindset makes it more of a challenge (I'm the same). You have to have the personal experiences to back it up. Fortunately I have had had a few metaphysical experiences that have made a big difference. But reading about the experiences of others has also helped. I thoroughly recommend Lipton's book if you haven't read it. You might find it is enough to tip you over the edge!
I will read it, and I've had enough experiences to believe, I just struggle to validate it, to believe on my belief so to speak 😂
Ha, okay! Well keep at it, I think you’ll get there. I have definitely reached a stronger place with it. I’m not in any doubt about the continued existence of those I have lost.
I'd been looking forward to this one. Did not disappoint! I got Devotion, BTW. Really enjoying it so far. Excited about the lady pirate novel. Glad your bro is OK. Here is a song my sister wrote after she was first on scene to a motorbike accident: https://youtu.be/2IAtwARx1Tc?si=cRl4IO4T0tSRyNsz He survived too, and they even saved his leg!
Thank you, Shoni, for all these wonderful things and especially your enthusiasm. *I* am very excited about the lady pirate novel too. It has been a long road so far but really worthwhile, I think. Your sister's voice is really powerful. Scary detail about the bone. I'm very glad he survived and kept his leg too.
The trippy thing was that when that happened I was writing a scene in my novel where the main character lost her leg. Felt strangely (and certainly unrealistically) responsible.
I read every word of your article. I found it very thought provoking and interesting. I am glad your brother is ok now. I did get that right I hope.
He is on the mend, yes, though it will be quite a road to recovery! I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
It's no more unusual to be incarnated twice than once, it might be a default setting of the universe for humans - and similarly configured beings - to experience multiple conscious incarnations, irrespective of whatever suggestive metaphors we use to help explain it!
I also have been exploring the borderline between physics and metaphysics for many years,. Thanks for writing this, Ros.
Thanks, Richard. It’s a fascinating area of study, isn’t it.
Very interesting. I am interested in the intersection of physics and metaphyics, and was several times reminded of Iain McGilchrist's ideas, which I assume you are familiar with. Incidentally, I have posts titled Reasons to be Cheerful, Parts I, II and III on my own Substack. A case of great minds thinking alike?
Thanks, Garry, yes, I have indeed come across Iain McGilchrist in my virtual travels. I shall have to look up your identically titled posts but I guess it’s a case of great minds steal title ideas from Ian Dury!
Quite! I loved that song. And while I can no longer listen to the jejune lyrics on many bands of that era that I used to love, Dury stands up pretty well. Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick works as an injunction for poets, too!
Haha, I am replying to you on the train with my huge Spotify playlist on Shuffle and suddenly tuned into the fact that it was 'Reasons to be Cheerful Part 3' that was in my ears! Dury was pretty special to me. Not only because he was introduced to me by my (soon to be dead) beloved brother but because he was instrumental in launching my poetry career, since he was one of the editors who selected 4 of my poems for Faber's Hard Lines 3 anthology in 1987. He bummed a cigarette off me at the launch, and I was too young and starstruck to do more than meekly hand it over.
What a story! I didn't know he was involved with Faber. I would have been starstruck too--though I suspect he would have been quite down to earth and modest, if you had ventured to chat.
Such an awesome, thought-provoking, and articulate exploration of the intersection between science and metaphysics and human experience. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Dan! I’m so grateful to you for saying this. I’ve been thinking about this stuff for years but bringing it all together was a challenge!
Well you pulled it off beautifully! Really helpful piece that speaks profoundly to things I've been pondering and studying recently.
Haha! Thanks, Maggie, it’s great to connect with you. A like-minded soul.