Thursday, September 17, 2009

Loop de Loop


St. Matthews Cathedral

I don't know where the quantum physicists stand on it these days - since I don't speak math I have to wait for books written for the layperson to be published before I find out about the latest theories, but at least a couple of years ago, some physicists were really into the idea of loop quantum cosmology, the idea of a breathing universe that forever expands and contracts. A quantum "bridge" connects one expansion to the expansion of the next universe.

This theory is crazily in sync with Hindu cosmology, but ... that's a whole post in itself.

In the micro-universe of my life, I have experienced the quantum loop of expansion and contraction several times over. You know the saying, "When one door closes, another will open"? It's a good colloquialism for the phenomena.

For the last few years, my universe has been contracting. I broke up with an ex and haven't dated since, I left my spiritual community and though I've been interested, I have not joined another. Even my work life contracted when I moved from Healing Arts, about a half hour walk from where I live, to Quiet Waters, which is right across the street from the house on Tennessee Ave. When Jake died earlier this summer, I felt my whole life had completely collapsed since he had become my Everything - best friend, spiritual community, partner, roommate. Not true of course, but I tend to be kind of dramatic.

Currently I'm experiencing a quantum time loop situation in which my universe is expanding, in part, by way of the past. I am looping backwards in time, re-uniting and re-connecting with people I knew long ago, longer ago, and from way back in time close to the big bang of my birth. In some way that the physicists might say has to do with crossing the quantum bridge, I am bringing my past into my present, re-securing relationships so that I can carry on into the future.

As usual the miraculous ways of the world, the intricacies of the rhythms of life, blow my mind. I am really enjoying my expanding universe, more than I can say. I am humbled and grateful. Wow

18 comments:

ellen abbott said...

This is a great post. never thought about it like that before but I see it now. My own life is contracting now, this whole past year, I think, after several years of expansion. It's a way of resting perhaps and I guess I really needed the rest.

mouse (aka kimy) said...

what a wonderful post....you so eloquently write on what is an essential truth - the ebb and flow of life. why should our 'mini universes' (great wording) be any different than the mega (or would that be maxi) universe? tee hee

I love that you frame such musings in the language of quantum physicists! you are so brilliant and clever!!

Unknown said...

Beautifully written, & the breathing universe is such an image! I've been doing this very actively of late too! How cool!

Reya Mellicker said...

Wow! Thanks to you both. Really, your opinions mean a lot. Thank you!

Steve Reed said...

This is indeed a great post. I never quite thought about the ways our lives expand and contract, at least not as eloquently as you've expressed it.

Mine is contracting in terms of size and variety of relationships, but expanding in terms of their depth. Know what I mean?

Reya Mellicker said...

Steve? Yes I do know what you mean. Very cool to think about breadth AND depth when considering expansion. Thanks.

Nancy said...

I think mine contracted so that I could expand. I, too, am fascinated with all of the science that explains so much of our universe and thus our lives. You put it toghter in a nice little bundle. Thanks, Reya.

California Girl said...

that rocker is an exact duplicate of a hand made one I have from Richmond Va. My best friend bought it for me when I was pg with my first child. The company was/is? family owned and hdqrtrd in Richmond but I do not remember the name. You're in DC so it's possibly the same co.

Whitney Lee said...

How eloquently phrased. I've never looked at my life in quite that way, but it certainly fits. Now that you point that out, the same contraction and expansion exists within my relationships. My longest relationships have been with my family (naturally) and there is a definite 'ebb and flow' in those. Interesting.

steven said...

reya this is such a cool way of looking at the big ebb and flow of life. tidal. breathing. when my inner world expands it's accompanied by a contraction in my outer world. i don't experience the direct contact with my past that you describe but the overlay of past over present experiences becomes more pronounced. have a peaceful dc evening. steven

Bee said...

Technology becomes a bridge too -- both to the every-expanding future, and also to the past.

Always thought-provoking, Reya.

Expat From Hell said...

I think you are standing on the geyser, dear Reya. Your comment on the quantum physics of your "bridge" is like you feel a tremble in the earth. And you're standing on the San Andreas Fault. Your blogging has moved mountains....I think that's what you are sensing, too.

EFH

Ronda Laveen said...

Isn't it exciting to stand on the edge of expansion and wonder what new paths or universes will open for you?

Barbara Martin said...

Now your new journey has begun, Reya.

Cyndy said...

If it contracts enough, expansion is inevitable, or at least that's what I'm hoping! I loved this post. You have a very cool way of looking at things.

A Cuban In London said...

Or it could have something to do with life being cyclical. At what point do we stop and re-assess? And what does that re-assessment comprise of? You have had a serious of incidents in your life that have caused catharsis, in my view. And therefore, maybe at a subconscious level your mind is asking to look back in order to move forward.

Just a thought. Great post.

Greetings from London.

Delwyn said...

Hi Reya

I think that when we stop and evaluate our lives we sense the good that was in the past...I am enjoying two renewed friendships with friends from 40 years ago and those same qualities that attracted me to those people then still hold value now...

Happy days

Mrsupole said...

I am happy for you that it is expanding and when it needs to contract it will, so enjoy the expansion right now, explore the new things and see what happens, you might find the new boyfriend or hook back up with an old one. This is what makes life exciting, never truly knowing what will happen each day. I am in the contraction phase which is fine for me right now.

Well all I can say is enjoy and enjoy and enjoy and God be with you on this current journey.

God bless.

PS...I am slowly starting to be able to write more comments and who knows I may come off of my break soon.