Bridging the Gap

So, you’re researching the paranormal, but how narrow is your focus? In order to form a picture of what could be going on outside the human senses, we must endeavor to use pertinent thinking from both science and spirituality… together. This can be quite a daunting task, especially for those who tend to skim the surface of both and do not spend enough time in thoughtful contemplation of the tough subjects.

Even for those that read voraciously and ask the hard questions, linking science and spirituality in meaningful ways can still be exceedingly difficult. The path to understanding is fraught with obstacles and critics alike. So then, how can we become authoritative enough to effectively bring the objective disciplines of science in harmony with the subjective nature of spirituality and the human experience?

First and foremost, forget what you think you know. Do not take the answers from others as rote, but instead use the information you read as a guide. Decide on the questions to which you seek answers and ask yourself. Come to the resolution honestly and then evaluate your own theories based on the research, data, and experiences of others. Can you take your ideas to a logical conclusion within the framework of modern scientific and mystical understanding? If not, why?

Be clear on your positions, and hold to them (unless you find a good reason to develop different ideas). If you are a skeptic, remember that rigid materialism will not serve you. If it is your firm belief that there is nothing after the physical term, then hold to that and leave the paranormal alone. There is no need for you to attempt to ‘disprove’ or ‘discredit’ anything from the standpoint of a reductionist. You will not achieve anything of merit, and it will not be to your benefit to treat others in such a manner.

Dialogue is paramount to the discovery of the hidden universe. Instead of proclaiming events and ideas as fact, strive to refine and discuss them. If an idea or theory doesn’t work, discard it and start again. History shows us that the greats in science and spirituality had an unwavering desire for truth, and those things that were not constructive to that end were discarded for the sake of progress and evolution.

In addition to the earnest desire for knowledge, Ego has no place in honest discovery. You will not benefit by placing yourself above another or asserting that your ideas are ‘better’ than others. ALL ideas are inspired by something. Our responsibility as explorers is to ask questions and seek after the answers, whatever they may be.

Above all else, remain open and observant. We as humans are ignorant to much of the goings on in our universe. We must remain humble in our observations and open in our mindset. The universe will conduct itself as it is meant to, regardless of whether you believe the events therein are possible.

So, read, read, read, then read some more. Question yourself, remain humble, and stay in a state of hunger for the knowledge that awaits sincere query.

Thanks for stopping by.

-Cap’n

   –Cap’n Casper

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So, you’ve investigated a site. . . now what can you learn?

That is the ultimate question, but it all depends on what you’re trying to find. Some approach the investigation with the purpose of ‘making contact’ with someone who has passed into the ‘beyond’, others hope to find for themselves proof of the existence of such things, and still others are unsure of that which they seek. There are as many motives as people seeking answers, so the answer to this question tends to be a personal matter.

Have you ever asked yourself ‘why am I doing this?’ or ‘what do I seek?’ ? If not, now is as good a time as any. Without knowing our motivations, how can we direct our studies? It is vitally important that everyone answer to their goals, preferably in written form. While it may seem silly, this will add weight to your intentions and serve as a concrete reminder lest you be swayed by public opinion.

For me, learning something from every investigation is a must. This education can come in many forms, and is not always immediately apparent. We recently attended an investigation here in the Kansas City area, and upon review of the voluminous amounts of data collected, I ask myself: ‘what is all of this telling me?’ The answer to my question, of course, is tempered by my goals and intentions. In some cases, my realizations stem from my personal subjective experiences. Other times they are a result of the data that I collect. Regardless of the source, these are all important impressions and each time we ponder such things, a new piece of the puzzle begins to form in our minds.

Open-mindedness is another crucial aspect of paranormal research. Even the most ardent skeptic can (and should) be open-minded. This is not a state of gullibility, but of allowing possibilities. To shut out a potential answer is to have preconceived notions and intentions, which is to be rigid. Rigidity inhibits progress, and to be without progress is to stagnate. Remember that while we have a grasp of our own personal reality, we do not possess intimate knowledge of the whole of reality itself (which really does not exist, anyway) nor are we wholly aware of the elements of another’s reality. To some, the concept of multiple ‘realities’ may at first seem to be a sharp deviation from scientific thought. This is a prime example of the point at which we must be open in our thinking and operate from a flexible and allowing perspective.  

In all our endeavors, the key is to learn always. Even if it seems some trivial part of the big picture, we will find out that no piece is truly insignificant. Start with what you think you know, and forget it. Then, allow yourself to experience and observe the reality that presents itself to you. Promise yourself never to be rigid, but always open and honestly curious. As you begin to piece together the experience, be sincere and the answers you seek will follow.

Suggested reading for today’s show:
Quantum Questions: Mystical Writings of the World’s Great Physicists

Download audio file (17AptScience.mp3)

Duration — 29:19

Next Time: Taking the Quantum Leap

Trouble streaming the show? Click HERE

Rating: 4.5 / 5

The Spiritual Universe, One physicist’s vision of spirit, soul, matter, and self.

-by Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D

Synopsis:

Why do we believe in the soul? Does it actually exist? If so, what is it? Does it differ from the self? Is it part of the material world? Does it survive the body after death?

In The Spiritual Universe, Fred Alan Wolf brings the most modern perspective of quantum physics to the most ancient questions of religion and philosophy. Taking the reader on a fascinating tour of both Western and Eastern thought, Wolf explains the differing view of the soul in the works of Plato, Aristotle, and St. Thomas; the ancient Egyptians’ belief in the nine forms of the soul; the Qabalistic idea of the soul acting in secret to bring spiritual order to a chaotic universe of matter and energy; and the Buddhist vision of a “nonsoul.” And, Wolf mounts a defense of the soul against its modern critics who see it as nothing more than the physical body.

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Review:

Fred Alan Wolf is a master of theoretical physics, but he is also able to transcend some of the traditional hurdles of scientists and speak of spirituality and soul. In this book, Wolf takes his readers on a journey through worlds and universes to pull back the fluffy covering and reveal the inner workings of not only the universe itself, but also our own souls. Not only a brilliant mind in physics, Wolf possesses a crazy wit that will keep you wanting more. While high-level at times, Wolf does an admirable job of putting quantum physical concepts into real-world context, making them more accessible to the casual reader. Through his wild experiences and breadth of knowledge, Wolf gives us much food for thought that will change the way we look at the world around us.

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Definitely a must-read for researchers. As a part of understanding the paranormal, we should all strive to understand ourselves and our universe as well. Wolf also has a series of audio books that can be found online and in the iTunes store. All are worth every penny. Wolf is a best-bet author.

Thanks for taking the time.

-Cap’n Casper