I’ve been reading a book called the Holographic Universe. The theory is that reality is in something like a holograph, with each unit containing an image of the whole. The implication is that all things appearing separate are interconnected and that rejuvenation or repair are possible through simple conviction that it can be done. This conviction alone sets the process free to happen. There are numerous examples in the text to support the idea that the only thing standing in the way is lack of conviction.
The author presents his message as theory, not fact, an attempt to get closer to ultimate reality. The idea is that the rejuvenating force comes from the “ground of all being” found at the core of each apparently individual entity. This is not to deny the reality of individual entities, but to show their relatedness at the source.
Without dealing with physical healing here I want to concentrate on emotional and relationship healing. It seems certain that the same resistance to spontaneous physical healing also pervades our conviction about emotional healing to some extent. Though we are open to the possibilities of healing the emotional wound so that it no longer remains an open sore, we may be more resistant than we think to the possibility that emotional hurt can be cured altogether so that we are in a sense “made new.”
This is the language of the Christian tradition, now accepted as metaphorical by some believers and as real by others who say that simply declaring belief in Jesus as savior is enough to make one new or at least put one solidly on the path.
Suprisingly for my usual way of thinking, this last option seems truer to the mark, though it may too often conceal a denial or smoothing over of continuing issues rather than fundamental change. Conviction that genuine renewal is possible has to be the starting point, whether or not a personage like Jesus is employed. Jesus or God may be invoked as a focus on the “ground of all being” and therefore the ground of “our” being, but concentration on this center of being is the necessary element as I see it.
If we are truly separate, as we usually envision ourselves to be, then we have only our particular power and physical resources on which to rely. If we are connected to the center as a source, however, then we have a timeless source of being from which to draw power and renewal at any time. The potential truth of this concept on some level is hard to deny. Whether actual or not, the concept has potential to draw all possible energy out of our own resources for healing and renewal.
This concept also has potential for self deception, however, and that is where sound judgment is necessary. I once watched an elderly Christian Science practitioner die of skin cancer, which started as a small facial blemish, because she was convinced that only her belief could heal her. Members of her community considered she died from a lack of faith, a judgment I could never place upon this dear lady who lived her life with great serenity even in the last moments of her increasing pain and disfigurement.
Perhaps this lady was more connected to the center than were her fellow believers. The source of all being may have been the origin for her ability to endure suffering while maintaining the dignity so important to her sense of self integrity. This preserved integrity may have been more essential to her than physical survival.
Nothing is wasted. Whether aware of it or not, we go from this consciousness back into the conglomerate of universal being as part of universal awareness, whatever that awareness may be and no matter how much our individual atoms or spirit may knowingly experience it.
The source is without judgment, like a stream of pure water it is there for anyone to drink. We can find renewal there no matter what our experiences have been and no matter what trouble we may have caused ourselves and others in this life. Renewal is simply a matter of drinking the pure water and taking it in fully.
A plant is alive so long as it can draw life giving water through its system; in reality we are the same. The tree is entirely in tune with its environment – its universe – when it can grow, it flourishes, when it is dormant in cold weather, it waits. Perhaps we would do well to be so attuned to our universal energy that we could be so responsive to its seasons. There are times to grow and change and also times to rest. We are wise if we can know and respond to these seasons for our own lives.
The extent to which we find ourselves concerned or bothered by a relationship issue may indicate the extent to which the issue indicates personal problems we have yet to address. It may be better to look to these issues rather than continuing to attempt resolution of an apparently implacable issue with another person. It is surprising that once we have relevant issues resolved within ourselves the relationship conflict seems to dissolve. We can then either reconcile with the other person without difficulty, or we can view their continued struggles with personal issues with both empathy and sympathy. The important thing for us is that the struggle is no longer part of us though it may remain a problem for someone else.
The emotion we experience when thinking about the issue may faithfully indicate the extent to which we have truly resolved issues within ourselves. If we feel an increase in heart rate and a tightening in the chest when we think about or describe the issue, then we may have further personal work to do before making final resolution. If, on the other hand, we spontaneously feel even an increasing calmness when considering the issue, then we can be sure we have reached inner resolution and ultimate healing. We can then observe the other person’s struggles with a certain detachment; any renewed feeling will show reconnection with something we might rather avoid. We can become so addicted to adrenalin rushes from involvement with stormy relationships that we never pull out of them. We never look at our own baggage when so engaged, perhaps masking our greatest fear for what we may find in the tumult of conflicting emotions.
If we can stand back and observe not only the other person, but more importantly ourselves, then we can see clearly the path we should take toward personal resolution. This path will invariably take us into our own issues and our own being. More importantly, though, it will show us clearly that resolution is far simpler than we might have imagined and there is no reason to fear. The whole experience can become more like fun than anything else and we can feel the enjoyment of personal growth. We can remain ready to share this with the other person when they make the same journey.
A good counselor will tell a client that he or she simply provides a safe environment and receptive attention for the client to do their own therapy. We can learn from counseling to provide this environment for ourselves on a daily basis and within this environment we can eventually learn to listen to our inner selves without judgment. We then observe ourselves with the same detachment we use to observe others, obtaining the same clarity of understanding needed to resolve issues and encourage further growth. This detachment takes daily exercise and practice for all types of relationship, whether with self, with a partner, with family or with a wider community.
The detached, observing self is in touch with the ground of its being and can therefore see calmly, dispassionately and accurately. When anything like fear or judgment creeps in, then the individual can know that the source connection is threatened and the causes for these emotions can then be examined with renewed detachment and even curiosity as to the reasons for their reemergence.
All being is an nexus of interrelated relationships. We become more aware of this vital nexus of relationships as we become more centered in our individual sense of being. We are then aware that even the simplest of elements has consciousness of some type and that each element plays a vital part in our total existence. We can view our world with increased appreciation as vital to our total experience of self. We lose this sense of interconnectedness when we become self-absorbed or turned in on our selves alone. To live this way is somewhat like refusing to drink from a stream of fresh water even though it flows right at our feet.
Drink every day and be wise and aware and in harmony with the universe of all things!
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