Cynthia Ray
Researchers continue to delve into the mysteries of time and space, challenging and expanding our current scientific thinking. Recently, I’ve read some fascinating theories about time that captured my imagination. In Einstein’s theory, what we call space also involves time — that’s why it’s called space time, whatever it is you do to space also happens to time. New thinking pushes these boundaries, with some scientists arguing that time does not exist at all, even at the most fundamental level of physical reality. They suggest that it is simply an agreed upon illusion. Indeed, many mystics and philosophers over the ages have taught that time does not exist. Rather, they tell us, one may enter a state of consciousness where time disappears.
Recently, a group of scientists advanced the theory that time does exist, but that past, present and future exist simultaneously. I asked myself If it is true that past, present, and future exist simultaneously, then why can’t we can tap into any of those realities at any time? Once again, mystics teach that everything that has happened, or will happen, exists now, and can be accessed through the “Akashic records”. Perhaps we can access that information, even if we are not a mystics or psychics.
Time travel has always fired the imagination of science fiction writers and perhaps is closer than we think. However, at a more practical level, with the use of our own mind, I believe we can expand our experience of the past and future. Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol is a perfect example of time travel to the past that changes the future. There is no reason we can’t do that, too, even without the ghosts.
First, I experimented with altering my emotional memory of a past event, one in which I wish I had done something different. One could argue that experiencing an imagined event, or an actual event are both equally as “real”. Is one really less true that the other in terms of experience? I imagined the event in clear detail, with sounds, colors, and smells, and added a different outcome. Some part of my brain, at least, does not know the difference between an imagined event and an actual event, and it effectively changed my emotional response to the so-called past.
The idea of time being fluid is not new. Most of us have practiced visualization of something we want to happen in the future, creating a picture of what we desire (for ourselves and others). This practice seems to work many times to help create those desired events, especially if accompanied by strong feeling and will.
A small example of when this worked for me happened when I worked with a person that I considered difficult. We continually clashed on how work should be done, who should do it, etc. I started imagining seeing him break into a big smile when I walked into the office. I imagined us working together on a project, laughing, and even shaking hands. I did this for a couple of weeks, and one day I walked into the office and he broke into a big smile. THe efforts paid off and it did change our relationship. Is that a function of time? Making different choices in the present that change the potential future? I think so.
Carlos Castaneda said that if we have a problem, we should look over our left shoulder and ask our death. That is saying the future is always with us and knows the answers. Death adds a soupcon of urgency to the present as well. A different kind of muse. Assuming that all of time exists simultaneously means we should be able to access all of it in the here and now.
I decided to apply the idea of a co-existing future to my writing project. Why couldn’t I connect with my future self to help with my present situation, since they are already holding that finished book in their hands? I imagined my future self standing behind me, watching me write, nudging me forward, even suggesting ways to change the potential outcome.
The blog you are reading in the present, was written by my future self in the past. It does amaze me how stories written hundreds of years ago continue to influence and change the future. Since the story, blog or novel Is already written, existing in the future, then my future self can help me past the wobbly bits. It is a different way of thinking, and has the potential to get me past all kinds of troubles.
Calling on the future is a different way of being “present”. We can claim more freedom of expression, of thinking, and of choosing, since we are in a state of being where everything is fluid and flexible, rather than a pile of concrete things that did or did not happen. Stepping out of the perceived flow of time this way interrupts our automated thinking patterns, and knee jerk responses to events, past, present or future. I like how my friend Mark Earlix puts it:
“You have choice in every moment.
If you don’t like the way things are, choose again, and again…
To choose differently each time until we see it correctly.
The choice is in the twinkling of an eye.”
Mark Earlix
Have fun!