This article was edited slightly and published in the Sedona Journal of Emergence, October 2021.
Quantum Consciousness
David Lerner
Introduction
The phrase “Quantum Consciousness” has been adopted by some to name a theory that attempts to explain consciousness using quantum physics. Others use it to define consciousness as existing outside of matter, energy, space and time.
The word “ quantum” has acquired charisma in that it imparts a magical mystique to any area where it is applied. It can be products showing dramatic increases in quality or power, EMF protection devices, even nutritional products. This charisma might give us a possible definition for “Quantum Consciousness”.
Another, more exciting definition could be consciousness at much higher, more intense levels, with attention fully in the present moment – experiences of enlightenment. Drugs like DMT or LSD might give temporary, distorted windows into those experiences, but the path of self discovery is the most natural and satisfying. It never stops getting better.
There is an interesting parallel between quantum mechanics and consciousness:
The magnitude of a light quantum (package of energy or photon) is proportional to the frequency of the light (or other part of the electromagnetic spectrum). So maybe it’s no coincidence that the strength of the energy field around an individual rises as their vibration increases to a higher frequency – that can be seen as their emotional tone level, or awareness level.
Have you ever had the experience that you are exploring a thought form about a particular area of life, and experiencing yourself in a particular way, and the next moment your attention is in a very different space? Your sense of being is different, different importances, colors, emotions etc.
These different “bubbles of experience” might be called quantum units of consciousness. The magnitude or “size”, or intensity of these bubbles would be determined by your energy level, or the amount of joy you are experiencing in that moment.
Now we can explore characteristics, attitudes, ideas, beliefs etc. that could be associated with intensified awareness.
Play
This is the highest expression of consciousness. At the root of all creation is Joy. A tree bursts from the ground to display its beauty to the world. Time does not exist for life in this form, but there is intention behind the creation. It would be known as a playful intention, an act of love for other life forms that live in and enjoy it.
Oneness or Separateness?
What does it mean when philosophers tell us that we are all one? Consider an airplane: it consists of many parts, that work in harmony to permit flight. So all of existence might be experienced as one unit, with all its apparently separate parts working in harmony or conflict to create the grand experience we call life.
In those moments when we experience this unity, there is an exquisite joy, transcendent peacefulness, outside of time. It is knowing that all, physical and non-physical is, simply, love.
We need the illusion of separation to manifest this apparent reality that we play in. We create identities, roles that we use to make the game interesting.
What about evil?
How would you like to live in bliss forever? That might sound wonderful as an escape from a life filled with problems, pain, deadlines, guilt, sickness, etc.
But, FOREVER? Would you not then crave excitement and adventure? Even though it might involve, pain, disappointment and the possibility of failure?
So here we are, in physical form. We think we have enemies and obstacles in our lives; but how many of those do we select and choose? Why would someone climb Mount Everest, knowing that it will involve extreme discomfort, stress, danger, and the possibility of failure?
Our chosen adventure would be incomplete without righteous indignation, anger, condemnation, activism, and all forms of fighting. For those things we need villains! Someone must assume those identities, play those roles, to make the game possible. Even the most evil actions and attitudes might be seen as a VERY convoluted expression of love!
Maybe in our previous lives, we have filled some of those roles. Is “karma” our choice to make amends for evil things we may have done. In the moments that we return to our natural state of bliss, we are outside the world of consequences.
What is “Quantum” about all of this?
It is a discovery in quantum physics, that conscious attention DOES affect the outcome of experiments. So there is every reason to expect that consciousness affects things on a much larger scale. To understand how, look up “double slit experiment”. Discoveries like this ended the insistence by “scientists” that consciousness must be excluded from scientific inquiry and equations. Enter the merging of science and spirituality.
The scientific definition of quantum, referred initially to the “quantity” of energy associated with a frequency (or wavelength) of light or other radiation. Since then, it has expanded to mean a very large or spectacular change, or any of the phenomena or uncertainties of quantum physics. Those might include the influence of consciousness on physical phenomena.
Science has gone crazy!
Schroedinger’s cat in a closed box is both dead and alive at the same time. Look it up, this is taken very seriously! Imaginary numbers (square root of minus one) must be treated as real. Two particles can become entangled and them separated by a billion miles. If you change the spin on one, the other changes in the same way simultaneously. That could permit communication much faster than the speed of light, which Einstein said was impossible. He also said there is no such thing as simultaneity. After intense investigation and working with incredibly complex equations, some scientists concluded that every particle is included in every other particle; this was also taken very seriously.
Even though the principles of quantum mechanics seem to defy logic, many of the inventions we take for granted would not exist without them.
What’s next in our evolution?
We can simply say “Joy!”. Not taking things so seriously. We raise our frequency, higher vibrations and feeling much lighter. It happens naturally over time, but can be much faster when we consciously encourage and allow it within ourselves. This acceleration requires no effort in itself. But can proceed in quantum leaps, when we take the time to dig, and find the obstacles below the level of our daily consciousness that keep us down.
Meditation can be very powerful. But there are many systems and methods that can help us move much more quickly to find and release those obstacles. They do require some effort and maybe some temporary emotional pain. But, like jumping on a trampoline, you go down before bouncing up to higher levels. It can take courage and determination to make these rapid advances in self-discovery and personal growth. But your level of happiness will increase beyond anything you could have imagined. Improving your level of health is another added benefit.
Ghosts
What are we? Does this limited human form really define us completely? When it is gone, what is left? Have fun visualizing yourself as something else: maybe flying through the air, feeling powerful, looking down at the earth. With or without a body, YOU are still YOU. Ghosts are not to be feared. I’ve met some with great wisdom.
Truth
So many people will tell you what to believe. Some will be very forceful in trying to get you to agree with them; fear can be an effective weapon to accomplish this. You empower yourself greatly when you depend on your own observations and intuition – finding truth within yourself.
If you follow the bible, Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the light”. Consider that, in that context, the word “I” may be a mis-translation of the word for “the self”. Looking within, meditation, could be the path to inner truth, and reaching “the father”, the divine source within all of us.
Decide for yourself: Is TRUTH absolute or relative. To really get to the truth; QUESTION EVERYTHING!
Wisdom
Don’t depend on your teachers. They may show some wisdom, but it is up to YOU to interpret. OUTCOMES are what determines which actions or words were wise. Most people innately have far more wisdom than they realize; it often gets drowned out by people who are claimed to be “authorities”.
“Trust yourself” can work for the huge majority of people, who are well meaning. For them Joy is a reliable compass for what decisions are right and good. Joy is closely related to love, and is our basic nature. Deep wisdom is the product of awareness, experience and intuition, and it comes from the heart.
Winning
Get to the goal you set for yourself. Then you have WON! No matter how long it takes. As long as your success does not depend on someone else’s failure, you can’t fail. New information might lead you to re-evaluate your goal, but with the attitude that “failure is not an option”, you can’t lose.
Insanity versus enlightenment
It is a fine dividing line that seems to appear when we choose to step outside the box and question the prevailing ideas and beliefs that are all around us. People might question our sanity as we dare to release familiar patterns of thought and behavior. We enter a scary landscape of huge possibilities, and some may even wonder if our own sanity must be a necessary sacrifice on the road to enlightenment.
It can be a relief to know that we are always in control. Awakening occurs as we explore the terrain of deeper awareness. Whether we go by meditation or use any of the modalities of self discovery, amazing things can come into view.
The key is love. When we choose that as the driving force behind our decisions, awareness blossoms. It can take courage to view the not so pretty things in our past (or even in some of the thoughts we have). Knowing that we are choosing to express our basic goodness can help release guilt and doubts about our real nature. The rest DOES get resolved on the path of self discovery.
