Chapter 1: The Quest for Understanding Reality

Recently, I revisited a captivating book that many may not be familiar with: “An End to Upside Down Thinking” by Mark Gober. This work intrigues me deeply as it examines scientific research indicating that consciousness does not originate from the brain, which has profound implications for our daily lives.

I have always held a strong fascination for science, the cosmos, and the mysteries that lie beyond our immediate perception. I firmly believe that there is much more to existence than what meets the eye. I witness this in my life regularly, as seemingly magical events unfold through sheer intention. It astounds me how many delightful surprises occur simply by being present, slowing down, and paying close attention to the world around me.

In this piece, I will delve into some of the concepts presented by Mark Gober, as I find them incredibly thought-provoking. Typically, we engage with the world through our five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. But what if there are aspects of reality beyond our sensory capabilities, forces that are invisible to us?

One of my favorite sections of Gober's book discusses the nature of matter and its surprising characteristics. Scientific findings reveal that atoms are composed of 99.99999999 percent empty space. Dr. Diane Powell states, “The nucleus of an atom occupies as much space in the atom as an ant on a football field.” British physicist Sir Arthur Eddington also remarked, “Matter is primarily ethereal empty space. If I relied solely on my everyday experiences, I would perceive my arm as solid, but it is mostly empty. The remaining 0.000000001 percent that isn’t empty isn’t truly solid either. As demonstrated in the double-slit experiment, particles sometimes behave like tangible matter and at other times like waves of probability.” This challenges our understanding of what we consider “matter.”

In a quantum reality, appearances can be deceptive. Our understanding is heavily influenced by our observations and perceptions. It's crucial to investigate our reality and contemplate its true nature. How do we define reality? Is it merely a solid, materialistic world, or is there something deeper? Have you ever experienced unexplainable phenomena in your life?

For instance, I have encountered astonishing coincidences. My accountability partner, whom I have never met in person and lives overseas, and I often find ourselves having parallel experiences despite the distance. Recently, we both developed programs for our clients, achieving success with similar numbers of participants, even though our coaching focuses are entirely different. On another occasion, I wrote the word "lightness" on my arm, intending to experience light and effortless moments for a week. To my surprise, I received a letter informing me that the state owed me $12,000 more in retirement funds from my years as a teacher—something I could never have anticipated or orchestrated!

I often ponder the existence of a greater intelligence that connects us all, a collective consciousness. Gober discusses the concept of “entanglement,” where two distant particles reflect each other's state instantaneously. He notes, “One of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics is entanglement: the discovery that the states of two distant particles mirror each other instantaneously. Thus, entangled particles are interconnected in some way, regardless of how far apart they are in space and time.”

I have certainly observed instances of entanglement in my own life, as I mentioned earlier. I believe that my accountability partner and I, having taken a course on subjective reality, are more attuned to these possibilities, allowing us to recognize them more frequently than others might. We document synchronicities between our experiences and other events. However, even without this awareness, such occurrences happen around us all the time.

Gober further explores Dr. Dean Radin's insights on non-local entanglement: “How might this ‘spooky’ non-local entanglement relate to consciousness? Dr. Dean Radin, chief scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, suggests in his 2006 book, ‘Entangled Minds,’ that we should take seriously the possibility that our minds are physically intertwined with the universe. He clarifies: I’m not asserting that quantum entanglement magically explains all strange phenomena. Rather, I propose that the fabric of reality is woven with entangled threads.”

I genuinely believe that we are more interconnected than we currently comprehend. We are all part of a vast web of humanity and an incredible universe. This interconnectedness has become increasingly evident in light of the ongoing pandemic. We are collectively experiencing this reality; the issues we face are no longer isolated but shared globally.

For this reason, I emphasize the importance of cultivating a solution-oriented mindset, striving to be positive, compassionate, and generous. Focusing on love, light, and actionable ways to support others is crucial. Whether it’s offering encouraging words, delivering groceries, donating food, writing poetry, or simply checking in on friends and family, every effort counts.

As we navigate this shared reality, we learn that we truly rely on one another. We are all woven together in this extraordinary web of existence. Now is our opportunity to create a remarkable reality, one that we can all embrace and be a part of.

What does reality mean to you?

With love and light,

Trista

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Chapter 2: The Power of Connection

In this video, titled "What Is Reality?", we dive deep into the exploration of consciousness and the essence of reality itself. Join us as we unravel the complexities of existence and our perception of it.

The second video, "What Is Reality? [Official Film]," offers an insightful perspective on the nature of reality, consciousness, and how we perceive our existence within the universe. Discover thought-provoking concepts that challenge our understanding.