FEATURE - May 2018

met·a·phys·ics

by Aneta Baranek

 

Wikipedia defines Metaphysics as “the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.”

The first mention of Metaphysics dates back to Ancient Greece. 

 

To me Metaphysics is an in-depth study of the relationship between human consciousness and physical reality. It is an attempt to understand the dual nature of life – that which we can interact within the physical plane and that which is beyond the material plane of life. 

 

Based on my personal study and application of Metaphysics for the past decade, I have concluded that the main premise of Metaphysics is that there is much more to our life than meets the proverbial eye. There are invisible forces that we omit considering when going through life. In fact, “meta” means “beyond” and “physics” means the physical realm. The literal translation of the word Metaphysics then states – “that which is beyond the physical world”. 

 

How can this be experienced firsthand? What does it mean to look beyond, more in depth, into our life circumstances? Some examples of living metaphysically include: 

-looking at our reality as more than just an unfoldment of random events and circumstances, 

-seeking deeper meaning in life beyond that which is material, 

-perceiving oneself as more than a physical body and exploring one’s spiritual side, 

-learning how to utilize our mind to create the life we want to live.

 

My personal “search for meaning” reveals that Metaphysics, as I understand it, has far reaching presence.  I have discovered that all the Physical Laws that we know of and are subject to are derived from the invisible Universal Laws that Metaphysics is based on.

 

One such Law is the Law of Cause and Effect. This Metaphysical Law states that there is always a reason, a cause, for each circumstance to take place. Each cause has a corresponding effect. By examining this relationship between cause and effect, we can, if desired, arrive at conclusions and alter our attitudes in order to improve whatever situation we are facing. Everything that we experience is for the evolution of our consciousness.

 

The biggest gift that I received from studying Metaphysics is the gift of understanding my true identity – the identity of I AM. The diagram below depicts a two-dimensional representation of our essence from a Metaphysical perspective. I AM can be defined as an individualized spark of Light where Light is the awareness of consciousness of highest order - some might refer to it as God, some as Higher Power and some as the Creator.

 

Whatever the definition we might choose, Light points to the fact that within us lies the potential of highest order and that we all come from the same source, all equipped with that same potential. The diagram further depicts that we are so much more than our physical body. It shows three divisions of our Mind:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Superconscious – is the topmost division of the Mind. This division correlates to the highest consciousness, compared to that of the Buddha or the Christ. 

Subconscious – this is the part of the Mind that we use to dream at night, this is where intuition resides. All our beliefs and attitudes are stored here as well. 

Conscious – we use this division of Mind during our waking life. This is where we utilize reasoning. This is the part of Mind directly connected to our brain.

 

The brain is different from the Mind. Our brain can be compared to a piece of hardware, a computer that runs a set of software. The Mind can be compared to that software. A set of programs (attitudes and beliefs) that influence our day to day experiences.

 

What has amazed me in recent years is how the branch of Physics called Quantum Physics has discovered proofs of how powerful the invisible forces of the Universe are – especially the Mind. Let us examine one such theory: “the observer effect” – which states that the observer, simply by observing a situation, influences it. That effect correlates to observer’s thoughts and perceptions.

 

In my opinion most practical physical evidence of the “observer effect” theory, that is the influence that our thoughts have on the world surrounding us, is work of Dr. Emoto. Dr. Emoto after infusing water with certain thought patterns, as well as several types of music, would freeze the water and then take pictures of the frozen water crystals to depict the impact that thought patterns have on the world around us. Thoughts of love and appreciation would create beautiful and intricate water crystals. Thoughts of hate would be reflected in undefined and murky crystals. 

 

How can one have Metaphysical experiences herself? Some of the tools that have been incredibly helpful in deepening my understanding of the invisible are: concentration and meditation. In fact, meditation is a form of concentration. To build both skills takes time. It is a process that requires regular practice. 

 

Below is a simple set of instructions on how to concentrate and how to meditate.

 

To concentrate:

Pick a point of focus. It can be a spot on a wall or the second hand of a clock. Focus your attention fully on that chosen point of focus for about 5 minutes. Setting a timer is advised. As you focus your full attention on your object of attention, each time you have a thought that diverts your attention from that point of focus, simply will your attention back to the object and resume your concentration practice. Repeat the exercise at least once a day. Journal about your experience

 

To meditate:

Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor. Make sure you have necessary support to keep your spine straight. In meditation you are going to call upon your concentration skill. Close your eyes and lift your gaze 20 degrees above level. Rest your hands on your lap, right palm resting in the left one, with thumbs touching each other. Take three deep breaths and concentrate your full attention on the point between your eyebrows. If at any point you feel distracted by your thoughts, simply move your attention back to the present moment, back to concentrating on the point between your eyebrows.

 

The ultimate goal of Metaphysics is to experience the world and oneself as more than what we can perceive in our physical world using only our physical senses. To venture beyond what we have been conditioned to believe or perceive. The world of “meta”, the world beyond the physical, is rich with explanation, laden with guidance that is invaluable to live most fulfilling life. I invite you to explore it.