An observer can alter reality:
Quantum mechanics has revolutionized the world of science and challenged our notion of common sense. The famous double-slit experiment revealed that the basic properties of small particles changed if they were observed (by the human brain or some other means), and indicated the dual nature of matter. Electrons fired at a screen with two slits create a diffraction pattern, which would only occur if the particle passed through both slits.
This behavior shows the electron behaving as waves as opposed to solid matter. However, if you use methods of detection to determine which slit the electron travels through (observation), the electron will act as a particle and no diffraction pattern will be created.
Bottom line—a small particle will change states if it senses that it is being watched.
Your mind is a universe:
This one isn’t literal, but it’s still amazing. There are an estimated 100 billion galaxies in the known universe, each with 100 billion stars of their own. Try wrapping your head around that.
To make it easier for you, nature has endowed humans with a very capable brain comprised of roughly 100 billion neurons. Yes, you have as many neurons as the Milky Way has stars.
Each neuron makes tens of thousands of connections to other neurons, and messages are sent via electrical impulse. The sight of these cells lighting up during communication would rival the beauty of the night sky.
99% of all the species that ever lived are extinct:
This incredible fact demonstrates the fleeting nature of physical existence. As a culture we have developed a sense of security which stems from our domination of the planet, but we have only been around for a relatively short period of time.
In fact, without these extinction events we would not be here now. There’s really not much else that will have as great an impact on your meditation on interdependence and impermanence.
Some of these facts have the unintended effect of making an individual feel insignificant compared to the relative size and lifespan of the cosmos.
However, if you approach them from the right mindset you may find yourself overcome with an ecstatic feeling similar to a religious experience. We are, as has been noted by many others, the universe experiencing itself.
Source, Author and Credits:
Tim Illencik
Quantum mechanics has revolutionized the world of science and challenged our notion of common sense. The famous double-slit experiment revealed that the basic properties of small particles changed if they were observed (by the human brain or some other means), and indicated the dual nature of matter. Electrons fired at a screen with two slits create a diffraction pattern, which would only occur if the particle passed through both slits.
This behavior shows the electron behaving as waves as opposed to solid matter. However, if you use methods of detection to determine which slit the electron travels through (observation), the electron will act as a particle and no diffraction pattern will be created.
Bottom line—a small particle will change states if it senses that it is being watched.
Your mind is a universe:
This one isn’t literal, but it’s still amazing. There are an estimated 100 billion galaxies in the known universe, each with 100 billion stars of their own. Try wrapping your head around that.
To make it easier for you, nature has endowed humans with a very capable brain comprised of roughly 100 billion neurons. Yes, you have as many neurons as the Milky Way has stars.
Each neuron makes tens of thousands of connections to other neurons, and messages are sent via electrical impulse. The sight of these cells lighting up during communication would rival the beauty of the night sky.
99% of all the species that ever lived are extinct:
This incredible fact demonstrates the fleeting nature of physical existence. As a culture we have developed a sense of security which stems from our domination of the planet, but we have only been around for a relatively short period of time.
In fact, without these extinction events we would not be here now. There’s really not much else that will have as great an impact on your meditation on interdependence and impermanence.
Some of these facts have the unintended effect of making an individual feel insignificant compared to the relative size and lifespan of the cosmos.
However, if you approach them from the right mindset you may find yourself overcome with an ecstatic feeling similar to a religious experience. We are, as has been noted by many others, the universe experiencing itself.
Source, Author and Credits:
Tim Illencik