Can Science Prove that an Afterlife Exists…. Absolutely!

We live on a unique planet of modest size, orbiting an average star in a galaxy that contains several billion other stars. Further, scattered across the vast Cosmos are billions of other galaxies home to billions more stars. Everything tangible and intangible in the Cosmos is made of energy. Everything seen and unseen within this grand Universe is composed of particles and waves of light that are interconnected. A Universe boundless in periphery; its energy and form immeasurable; everything linked at the sub-atomic level weaves this complex tapestry that is everything. Despite the immensity of the Cosmos; despite the far-reaching realm of space and time, there is a connective quality to all that exists. Everything is linked to this responsive field of instinctual energy. In an interstellar dominion of noble gases, dark matter and pin point light, there is a responsive element that unites humans with an omnipresent link to love, wisdom and energy. Such visions of grandeur can be overwhelming and many times unimaginable; yet, deep down there is this sublime familiarity and relationship; thoughts and experiences in life remind us that we are part of this grand concept. From imperfection is born beauty, energy and human perception; this is what defines the Responsive Universe and the cycle of birth, life and rebirth….

For many, the concept of death is a taboo subject and some even fear its inescapable threshold. Yet it is a transition in life we will all experience. Many of the worlds religions weigh in on the subject with legends and lore yet for many including myself, there is a fundamental desire to have scientific proof we exist after death….

….enter Astrophysics and Quantum Mechanics….

Still in its infancy, Astrophysics is proving that an afterlife can and does exist without the trappings of religion. That’s right, an afterlife proven by science! Let’s not forget the most substantial piece of evidence and one of the most important laws in science: Energy cannot be created or destroyed – it can only change form. Thus, in some facet humans, possibly even their consciousness, lives on within the tapestry that is quantum energy, coalescing and regenerating throughout the Cosmos. But is there more?

Have you ever heard of String Theory?

String theory is an active research framework in particle physics that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity (into the theory of everything). String theory teaches that the electrons and quarks within an atom are not 0-dimensional objects, but rather 1-dimensional oscillating lines or strings, hence the name. These invisible vibrating strings may be infinitely diverse with variables of inestimable value. This would suggest that other cosmic manipulations could exist beyond the edge of our known Universe. Many theoretical physicists including Stephen Hawking believe String Theory is a step towards the correct fundamental description of nature and the Universe. An intriguing feature of String Theory is that it predicts extra dimensions, possibly even alternate Universes. One such theory is the 11-dimensional M-theory, which requires the Universe to have eleven dimensions as opposed to the usual three spatial dimensions and the fourth dimension of time. Other research in String Theory has purported as many as 26 space-time dimensions for the Bosonic String explanation. These theories present us with a new picture of the Cosmos. Scientists including Andre Linde and Allan Guth have been studying the concept of “Multiverses” for decades. There are questions abound in regard to the origin of the Big Bang inflation as well as the statistical data that supports the theory that the Universe is expanding even quicker – a possible contradiction to current mass and gravity data. Further mathematical measurements of dark energy are not matching current theoretical equations. The concept of multiple Universes would support the disparities seen within our quantum dominion. Further, such cosmic diversity could result in duplicates of Universes based simply on statistics and probability. String theory is still in its infancy and there are many exciting discoveries still to arise from the world of physics. If modern physics is capable of proving validity to alternate universes could these spatial dimensions be alternate realities or realms of the afterlife? As we continue to uncover the intricacies of the Cosmos, it has become clear that anything is possible because String Theory itself presents a universe of infinite possibilities.

What about Black Holes?

What is based on more substantial scientific evidence are recent discoveries in black holes and their theorized physics. A black hole is a region of space from which nothing, not even light, can escape. For decades it was thought that nothing could survive the plunge into a black hole. It is now a widely held theory that light and energy that is trapped in a black hole can survive. This is important because nothing is more violent and ever-changing than the environment that exists at the event horizon of a black hole. Observable matter appears to be stripped down to elementary protons, electrons and neutrons. Much like in death, we return to our source of elementary particles. Still, current physics states in principle, complete information about a physical system at one point in time should determine its state at any other time. This means physics proves that information that is created cannot be destroyed, even during the strenuous gravity and light vacuum characteristics present in a black hole. As stated earlier, energy and thoughts can be considered united and appear to be stable and transferable even when matter changes form. This means our thoughts can in theory live on after death.

What about Quantum Mechanics?

Quantum Mechanics is the study of matter and energy, in particular the fact that energy is absorbed and released in minute quantities, and that all matter displays both wavelike and particle like properties, especially when viewed at subatomic levels. Quantum Mechanics suggests that the behavior of matter and energy is interconnected and that the effect of the observer on the physical system being observed must be understood as a part of that system. That is our omnipresent connection to the Universe! Within an action is energy, always changing form. A human action creates an invisible quantum motion of force at the subatomic level. These positive and negative actions and reactions flow through our conscious and subconscious world. Thoughts and feelings are material forces carried by super weak pulses of electromagnetic energy. Visual, audible, and other images exist in the form of clusters of superlight elementary particles. Other notable scientists and psychologists including Dossey, Byrd, Bohr, and Heisenberg, however, have proven that we no longer live in a Newtonian or mechanical Universe. This responsive connection with humans and Universe explains why karma and an afterlife are possible. From a scientific standpoint this energy is dependable and unwavering. Quantum energy can also be defined as a life force that connects to everything that exists in the Universe; from distant stars and galaxies to microscopic atoms within your body.  We are all connected at the sub-atomic level and Quantum Mechanics states we are indestructible.

Studies in Near Death Experiences (NDE) and reincarnation help add a humanistic quality to what happens after death. Do we retain our human form or do we return to instinctual energy upon demise? There is this element of fear associated with death that permeates the epoch of mankind. Further, there is this undeniable thirst to know what happens after cessation which has been a major supporting factor in contemporary religion. Still, the concept of God as it relates to the Universe is mind-boggling. For many, it is enough to know that modern science proves we live on in some form or facet. The dogma and humanistic trappings of reincarnation, heaven and NDE are promising and heartwarming, but true solace here on Earth can be found by connecting to our True Nature that exists within all sentient beings. True Nature that is that quantum governed energy force that is constant and unwavering. Much like the concept of a soul, our True Nature is an instinctual energy field composed of waves of subatomic light and matter. So it seems, the best approach to understanding life after death is taking heed to the wisdom of few and then following your True Nature. The answers lie within and once you come to understand that we are simply energy changing form, gone will be any fear of death. You will come to understand we are a part of something magnificent and in some form we will always remain connected and pure like the energy that surrounds us. It is ego and false perception that has bred religion, fear and notions of hell and purgatory. Once you strip away the ego and all that is adulterated and polluted, all that is left is energy – pure and powerful. We come from energy and we will go back to energy. I am good with that….

John C. Bader

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Wait.. What? ….Stomping on the Name of Jesus?

Have you seen this story coming out of Boca Raton, FL?  Ryan Rotela, a junior at Florida Atlantic University, claims he was suspended over a class incident in which he refused to stomp on the word “Jesus”. What?

In a class discussing “Intercultural Communication”, an exercise led by Professor Poole involved the following social experiment:

“This exercise is a bit sensitive, but really drives home the point that even though symbols are arbitrary, they take on very strong and emotional meanings. Have the students write the name JESUS in big letters on a piece of paper. Ask the students to stand up and put the paper on the floor in front of them with the name facing up. Ask the students to think about it for a moment. After a brief period of silence, instruct them to step on the paper. Most will hesitate. Ask why they can’t step on the paper. Discuss the importance of symbols in culture.”

Student Ryan Rotela, a devout Mormon refused to complete the exercise citing “If you were to stomp on the word ‘Jesus,’ it says that the word has no value.”

According to meditate.com the student has been suspended from class with further action pending. There is some conflicting info as to where the University stands in regard to supporting the professor’s actions and or making a formal apology to the student. It appears the student may have been reprimanded for his comments to the professor after refusing to step on the paper – the story is still evolving.

I find this story interesting because I think the social experiment exercised was valid – humans do put a lot of emotion, blind faith and energy into symbols like the cross for example.  Analyzing our intimate emotions in situations like this allows us to better understand ourselves and especially our fears, inhibitions, wants and desires; as well as society that surrounds and influences us. Still, the Professor was wrong in making the student step on the paper scribed with Jesus. The premise of this exercise was to be mindful of your thoughts and energy when put in an uncompromising situation. The student should not have been forced or punished but instead it should have been an opportunity to discuss the student’s thoughts and emotions associated with the negative feelings that arose.

There is a caveat to this story. Studying at an independent University means we are expected to research and even question belief systems/theories whether they are scientific, philosophical or religious. How else are we to expand our minds and learn? Imagine trying to exercise this experiment in Iran using the name Mohammad? Freedom is a liberating thing! Higher learning requires an open mind and both the professor and student need to be open to discussing all dynamics – clearly this did not happen.  I recall taking a world religion class in college years ago – the teacher was a Catholic Priest but he kept his own beliefs silent and taught the class with a professional unbiased style that truly impressed me – that was a good Professor!

One final comment about the experiment gone bad in FL. This was an exercise in symbols and how an otherwise normal 5 letter word (or an idol) can carry so much fear, love, limitations and dogma. It has nothing to do with Jesus the man/myth or the religion unless the student projects that onto the situation. What we create in our minds is what the end product would be. I am able to detach my ego and emotions and see the experiment for what it is – an experiment – not a slap in the face to Christians but an exercise in blind reactions and emotions. Look how people react negatively to this story … I think the experiment worked and raises questions about how we attached ourselves to such things. The way the professor handled it all was the mistake.

If you read my blog on a regular basis then you know I am not a big proponent of organized religion or the ” Jesus factor”. I believe spirituality and the essence of god  is something we all have within; as well as the energy and spirit that most religions speak of. We are a part of a vast and Responsive Universe that connects and nurtures us with instinctual energy at the sub-atomic level – Still, I can see how this can be insulting to certain people…   ….Between you and me…..  I would rather stomp on a piece of paper scribed with BLIND FAITH, RACISM or IGNORANCE – huh… maybe all three on one piece of paper – three for the price of one!

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

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Finding our Inward and Outward Balance

Wellness advocates talk of finding balance in our lives. This may include eating a balanced diet of fruit and veggies; a balance of exercise and even a balance of work versus play.  I talk of meditation as a lifestyle tool; a journey in mindfulness. When you think of meditation you think of inner space; self-discovery and enlightenment. The mind seems small but when you stop to think of where a thought arises and where it goes; the boundaries of a mind can seem vast, almost boundless.

We all have this quantifiable inward space; the realm of our mind; feelings and emotions, relaxation and anxiety; thoughts, memories and dreams, etc. What about outward space – our exterior surroundings? We always talk about finding a balance within our bodies but we rarely talk about balancing what is inside with what is outside as ONE. Take our homes and offices for example. When you walk into another person’s personal space you can learn a lot about what is going in that person’s  life by how organized and neat they  are – you can learn a lot about what is going on inside a person by their clothes, wall decorations, cleanliness and mementos. Our exterior environments or our personal spaces are direct extensions of our inner realm; the mind.  A person that is messy on the outside most likely has a cluttered mind on the inside; a mind with thoughts running rampant with fear and fantasy; past and future; rarely connected to the present. The opposite for the uncluttered minimalist can also be true; a mind of awareness and clarity, space and positive energy.

The art of happiness and wellness is finding a balance between our inner realm of mind and our outer realm of intent and action. It really should be a seamless division. It begins with space. Space within the mind can be boundless and relaxing or closed off and anxious. Our living and working environments need to transcend the meditative goal of wellness, energy and space. Our personal environments can be small, but they should be inviting, empowering and relaxing; a refuge, a sanctuary.

So, as we continue to be mindful and aware of what is going on inside our brains and body, let’s also be equally aware of what is going on in our exterior environment; as they are connected.  Be mindful of the clutter and how to better organize your belongings. Be mindful of what makes you happy and relaxed and carry that from your mind to your exterior world.

Here is an example: Though I live in Chicagoland, my bedroom walls are adorned with prints and paintings from Hawaii. I love the Hawaiian Islands and though my career is in the Midwest my heart is somewhere in the tropics. I purposely surround myself with images of the ocean, beach and sun because these images bring me peace and happiness. There are some things we can’t control, but we can control what we think and what surrounds us. Be mindful of that… create your own positive space within and without.

Remember, clutter in the mind and in our surroundings suffocates us. Less is more and finding a balance both inward and outward is the evolutionary goal in self-discovery. Find that balance and you will find betterment.

John C. Bader

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What’s the deal with GMOs?

There has been a lot of talk recently about the pros and cons of GMO crops worldwide. GMO stands for “Genetically Modified Organism” and is a leading agricultural technology today. In 2011 genetically modified crops were cultivated commercially in 29 countries worldwide. The United State leads the way with 170.5 million acres of GMO crops.  Did you know that 93% of all soy grown in the United States is genetically modified?  Do you read labels? Most processed and frozen food at the grocery stores contains soy in some facet.

There has been a lot of conflicting data in regard to the benefits and concerns of GMO crops. Pro-GMO proponents use powerful lobbyists, corporate lawyers and money to push the GMO agenda. Underfunded grass-roots organizations fiercely fight the muddled propaganda.  Both sides seem to provide convincing arguments and both sides can refute each other’s scientific data. Where does this leave the unassuming consumer?

Here is what we do know: About 90 percent of the corn, cotton and soy grown in the U.S. are genetically modified to be either resistant to pests or tolerant of herbicides. It is true that the harvest from most crops is used to feed domestic livestock but even these animals eventually make it to the dinner table. Further, genetically engineered corn and soy makes its way into our food source; in fact most processed foods and cooking oils contain GMOs. Charles Benbrook, an agricultural expert, states that long-term effects of GMOs just has not been researched.  It turns out the dinner table is the front line for laboratories. The problem is that millions of people are ingesting GMOs and since these products are not labeled or tested by impartial scientists, there is no way to trace back potentially adverse health consequences.  Though it has not been officially proven, GMOs may be responsible for an increase in asthma, allergies, ADHD, gastrointestinal disorders and possibly cancer.

In Kauai, where my Father lives, there is a silent war underway between the locals and chemical giants like DuPont and Sygnenta. What used to be a thriving sugar cane industry is now all GMO corn. Further, cancer rates are spiking on the west side of Kauai and there is evidence that the ground water is contaminated by pesticide spraying. So much for paradise….

It has been said that GMO crops are the food of the future. It is a cheaper and more cost-effective way to feed the masses. But what is the longterm cost? It is companies like Monsanto, Dow and DuPont that spend millions of dollars to keep GMOs in the food source and to keep GMO ingredients off our labels. Why?

Activist Michael Grolm states “there is no good gene technology. It’s like atomic energy. Once you open the door, you can’t close it”.

Who am I?  I am simply a writer observing this conflict from the outside.  My gut tells me corporations like Monsanto and DuPont are not our friends. Most corporations are about the bottom line and their products and services are cost driven and not quality driven.  Unfortunately, most corporation’s interests lie where the money is and it is the consumer that suffers. All I can say is that something stinks here and it is not the fertilizer.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

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Article Reference:  Seeds of Conflict; Discover Magazine

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Is Over-Confidence Bad?

Part of the goal of mindfulness is being cognitively aware of our egos and false-self.  The more mindful we are of our ego-driven world, the less we will suffer in the long run. Does that mean being overly confident is bad?

I just read an article in a recent issue of Ideas and Discoveries titled “Overconfidence, The Dangerous Trips of the Brain”. It is true that overconfidence can lead to stupidity – especially if it is ego driven confidence.  Just browse YouTube and you will find example after example of high-risk situations fueled by overconfidence and yes, stupidity. How about viral videos of a guy jumping from the roof of a house onto a frozen pool – only to have the frozen pool win? Enter one big bruised ass an also a bruised ego. Do we create the illusion of winning? Is there any benefit to overconfidence?

Psychological studies show that in social situations and conflict; when two rivals assess each other and if one of them has an exaggerated sense of his or her abilities that person is more likely to emerge the winner from this conflict or challenge. That surprised me! Studies show that the illusion of strength is one of the most meaningful and persistent characteristics of the human psyche. Interesting huh?

Last year I wrote an article about body language mindfulness. Being mindful of your posture and body language is important. We now understand that through mindfulness of body language and physical posture; we can change other people’s perceptions as well as our own body chemistry. We know posture and body language is connected to our confidence and energy levels. But what about over- confidence? I think the difference is this… if you are overly confident, then your actions are probably led by your ego and thus stupidity is not far behind. This can be a risky road to walk.  Still, if you are connected to your True Nature, mindful and present; you are exhibiting true confidence; unadulterated and genuine.

So, there is nothing wrong with being a little over-confident, just don’t let it go to your head!

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

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Social Media Unites Us…

I experienced a spiritual awakening over a decade ago. Much of what I write in blogs and books roots back to this unique experience. It was an amazing stirring of energy, clarity and space that aroused my being. Sometimes words fail to describe the feelings and thoughts associated with such an awakening.  At the time, it was difficult finding meaning to this new interpretation of my surroundings. There were few books available on the subject and even the self-help chat rooms available on online seemed gratuitous and adulterated.

I have always equated this experience of enlightened knowing to walking up hill while most of society continues to walk downhill. Having many of the answers that once eluded us does not mean life gets easier. There is a burden to this truth. The more we know, the more we tend to suffer. The art in life is being mindful of our actions and reactions and finding the wisdom that arises from experience.  It was very difficult to explain this shift in insight and wellness; this about-face from religion and philosophy.  Few people understood. That was the case until the great social media explosion of the last 5-8 years. With the invention of Facebook and then Twitter, social media united this thread of commonality into a tapestry – an online community of like-minded people. From Singapore, to India; South America to North America and beyond – there is now this unique marriage of energy and understanding.

It is empowering to see others struggling and also championing this evolutionary path in life. The world seems so vast yet through Twitter and Facebook the world is more intimate and palatable.  People wear their heart and emotions on their sleeves. We share our experiences as if we all grew up together. I love the responses I get from my blogs, shares and tweets. We all have something to offer each other and it is really incredible that we can connect and share wisdom with such ease. Through social media like Facebook and Twitter I feel like I am a part of a bigger family of evolutionary consciousness. My path seems less isolated and foreboding. I feel like we are all walking up hill together with the same goal in mind: Self-discovery and enlightenment.

Thanks to all of you that make a contribution to the betterment of life. It is much appreciated

Regards,

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

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The Responsive Universe – Meditations and Daily Life Practices

Available in Hard, Paperback, iBook, Kindle and Nook formats

I wrote the Responsive Universe –Meditations and Daily Life Practices with the goal of creating a step by step journey to self-discovery. Each Mandala or chapter in the Responsive Universe is like a stepping stone forward to discovering your authentic True Nature within. I incorporated valuable meditations and daily life practices into this journey forward with the intent of creating more mindfulness in your life; more space, more clarity and more responsiveness. In the First Mandala we discussed living with an open mind and acknowledging the ego and our false-self. In the Second Mandala we took an in-depth look at meditation and daily life practice which sets the tone for our journey forward. In the Third and Fourth Mandala we discussed God, religion, scientific origin and our place within this grand Universe that is everything. It is important to understand that social conditioning can skew our belief systems and that finding a connection with the Universe is the key to positive spiritual and emotional evolution. In the Fifth Mandala we were asked to analyze our past and be aware of the control patterns that unknowingly influence us. Understanding your past and upbringing will allow you to fully live in the present instead of being constantly dragged back to the past. In the Sixth Mandala we talked about loss. Loss is something we all will endure if we have not already. Being able to positively cope with loss and understand there is hope is paramount to moving forward instead of backward. In the Seventh Mandala we were officially introduced to energy as it relates to the Cosmos. Quantum energy connects us to everything and even explains concepts like karma, energy healing and an afterlife. In the Eight Mandala we are asked to find positivity both mentally and physically by incorporating better eating habits, exercise as well as love and wisdom into our daily lives. Finally the Ninth Mandala brings us full circle in this amazing Mandala of life. The Ninth Mandala is the gateway to further evolution on this grand spiral staircase that is human existence. Each of the Nine Mandalas is built on the foundation of the last with the ultimate goal of reaching a higher level of self-discovery and enlightenment.

It is truly my hope that after reading the Responsive Universe some of your views and perspectives in life will have changed for the better. Hopefully you will find new empowerment and see the world as a beautiful place with plenty of space and synchronicity. It is not my focus to create any upheaval in your belief systems or to claim one system of thought as wrong or right. My focus is to combine the wisdom of other authors and philosophers like myself and humbly put into words a more palatable vision of this Responsive Universe we live in. I do want to ask tough questions about god and religion but I leave the answers up to you. Each of us has our own path to walk on this adventure in life and only you can answer life’s most intriguing questions. My focus is to propose a fresh viewpoint and hopefully create an environment that may produce small, subtle shifts in perspective. Eventually, when you make space within the mind, clarity will arise within that space and your inner voice will speak wisdom. It is from that wisdom that your answers will materialize. Please remember everything you need in life to find bliss, happiness and healing energy is already found within your True Nature; it is already found in you!

I now humbly ask to be your guide… Shall we venture into the vast reaches of the Responsive Universe…

Sincerely,

John C. Bader

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Is Intelligent Design Science?

I recently wrote a blog on news of a bill passed in Oklahoma that would allow teachers and students to discuss and debate creationism verses evolution in our schools. The question arises about whether or not creationism is a valid scientific theory and whether or not children should be able to choose their own conclusions. I received some passionate responses from people and I wanted to expand on the whole creationism/intelligent design debate.

First, people are quick to disregard Genesis as creationism. Excluding a couple nutty right wingers, a lot of people are finally jumping off that crazy Adam and Eve train. Only the truly delusional would still stand behind a 6000 year old Earth that was created in 7 days. Of course I hear the back pedaling that purports those 7 days could really mean 7 million or even 7 billion years. That is convenient. You know, people are quick to call me terse and even a name caller. My words sometimes sting and yes what I write might seem controversial and even insulting to some. Do you know what is insulting to me? Teaching children that if they do not believe in a certain set of beliefs they are going to burn for eternity. Need I remind everyone that the Pope did not pardon Galileo until the early 1980s for (god forbid) proposing and even proving that the Earth is not the center of the Universe - 300 years ago! I just think more people need to speak up, especially when it involves what we are teaching our children. Remember, it was not long ago that we were burning witches at the stake and women could not vote.

I also hear these same people claim intelligent design is different from creationism. Shall we dig a little deeper?  Intelligent Design is a form of creationism promoted by the Discovery Institute, a politically conservative think tank based in the U.S. It is interesting, because proponents of Intelligent Design (ID) are quick to say that ID is not Creationism. Intelligent Design was developed by a group of American creationists who revised their argument in the creation–evolution controversy to circumvent court rulings such as the United States Supreme Court’s Edwards v. Aguillard decision, which barred the teaching of “Creation Science” in public schools on the grounds of breaching the separation of church and state. There are several other court rulings published that all point to Christian based organizations simply repackaging the creationism concept into something more; well shall we say, intelligent? Intelligent Design avoids identifying or naming the intelligent designer—it merely states that one (or more) must exist—but leaders of the movement have said publically that the designer is a Christian god. It seems every capable minded person who promotes Creationism or ID has a Christian background. Do you disagree? Why don’t we all then just agree that Islam and Mohammad is the intelligent force behind the Universe… oh, yeah, that certainly would force people to show where their true convictions and beliefs sit. Wow, I am such a jerk… LOL…

Proponents of ID talk about “Irreducibly Complex Systems”: Systems within nature or life that requires an intelligent creator – like the mouse trap for instance. A mouse trap has critical parts and it needs to be set just right to work properly. In a natural world of evolving cause and effect, natural selection can only choose among systems that are already working. A mouse trap has to be built first by the hand of intelligence otherwise it could not have evolved on its own. Let’s just forget that a human could have evolved over millions of years to build and set that trap. Oh wait, that is crazy talk…. Further, according to ID, irreducibly complex systems appear very unlikely to be produced by numerous, successive, slight modifications of prior systems, because any precursor that was missing a crucial part could not function. The same can be said about cellular structure and our Universe and its amazing complexity.

Here is the problem with Intelligent Design: Scientific acceptance of ID would require redefining science to allow supernatural explanations of observed phenomena. Looks like we are back to blind faith which is the fuel for modern religion? The idea of supernatural intervention in the origin of life or of species is not science because they are not testable by the methods of science. I have seen some fancy ID graphs and other paradigms that look scientific but what we are really dealing with is philosophy and not science. Sure it is something you can debate but there is no facts what so ever to back up ID; only questions that are answered with gods hand as the only recourse.  The Big Bang (or Big Bounce) has several independent explanations like Doppler Effect, Red Shift and back ground radiation; all evidence that can be viewed scientifically within our environment. ID simply says if we cannot explain it with science then it must intelligently designed. If its systems are so complex, there is no way cosmic or stellar evolution could have created it. To me that is sort of like giving up. It reminds me of religion: Where did we come from, where are we going to go when we die? Only god knows these things. That is a weak argument.

Quantum physics already shows us the connections at the subatomic level that sheds light on karma, power of prayer and life after death. Isnt that Intelligent Design?  Remaining intelligent, now let’s add a little math to the discussion. Just like fractions, let’s reduce the top religions down to their most common denominator. Reduce them beyond ritual and dogma. Reduce them beyond cultural regions, churches and temples, ego, humans, even Earth. Let’s reduce religion or God to its source – the beginning of time as we know it… the scientific origin: The Big Bang… Why do we need to break Intelligent Design down to its most reduced form? Because whatever created the Universe created man who in turn created religion based on their thirst to know. Still, people tend to interject emotions, opinions and dogma into this discussion. “well the Bible says this”… well the Quran says that”. “well, complex things can’t exist without an intelligent designer”. But you see, math does not deal in dogma, opinions and emotions. Math deals with numbers that add up to solutions that make sense on paper.

So, when you reduce Religion or Intelligent Design to its most common denominator you have the Universe – the basis of everything. Now you could equate this as God and trust me, I do! But people tend of talk of God as a “He” or a “Who”. But in math, God just is…. There is nothing more and there is nothing less. God is the Universe and the Universe is…. People tend to struggle with that concept due to the ego which needs to attach dogma, fear and emotion to the concept of God.

Here is where it gets fun. God (the Universe) created an environment for conscious thought to arise from the ashes of stars. You want to talk about miracles? There is nothing more miraculous than conscious thought arising from elementary particles. People tend to think only a divine interest could create such an environment but that tends to carry an egocentric view. You see; conscious thought connects with energy at the subatomic level and there is an instinctual quality to it that transcends egos, humans and Earth. We are just part of something so vast it boggles the mind.

Well-known Astronomer, Neil deGrasse Tyson describes the absurdity of “Intelligent Design”. “Sorry folks, the Universe was not designed for us. Accept it, we’re nothing special.”

Yet in a Responsive Universe we are special. Our link to energy, wisdom and love makes us special. Still, it did not take an Intelligent Designer to make you special. Pat yourself on the back – you did that yourself!

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

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References: Wikipedia and intelligentdesign.org

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The Moment I Give Up, is the Moment I Fail….

“I am gonna try again and again, because the moment I give up, is the moment I fail.”  

 -Nick Vujicic

I tweeted this a couple weeks ago and it got me thinking… Just because the Pope is quitting doesn’t mean you can quit too!

Kidding aside, there is a lot of truth to this statement isn’t there? “I am gonna try again and again, because the moment I give up, is the moment I fail.”    Here is an example that is slightly embellished but proves a point: Living in Chicagoland in early March is a little like being trapped in the movie “Ground Hog Day” and living Bill Murray’s existence day after day. The toil of waking up, going to work in the dark, seeing the same people over and over again; only to go to bed and do it all again. It’s cold, the sun has not shined in 5 days and well maybe your car needs new tires but there is no time and no money. It is easy to just throw your arms up in the air, call in sick, settle into a pint of Haagen Daz coffee toffee crunch and watch a marathon of Downton Abbey.  Do I have any takers?

Anyway, I think you get the point; it is hard self-evolving…. It is hard always functioning with your “A Game”… Sure it is okay to enjoy a treat here and there; the finer things in life – as long as we do not get attached to them, right?

There are times I wake up and look in the mirror and have to make a decision. Do I push myself or do I let my ego facilities take over and let my wantonness desires run ramped – let my thoughts roll into reruns of fantasy and false-self? I know immediately which path is easier to navigate. But what is the price in the long run? My ego is the first to jump into my head with reasonable debates as to why I should stop trying and just let self-gratification and mediocrity take over.

After all when you look around you what do you see? You see most people walking down hill when here you are trying to walk up hill. It is ironic but true; in most cases the more fruitful path in life tends to be the more difficult path. There are few shortcuts in life and choosing the easy path through conflict, challenges and changes tends to lead only to mediocrity. The evolutionary goal is to walk toward the sun – toward the healing light – toward enlightenment. This can be difficult at times…. It is not a perfect process by any means….

I have learned through experience that the aperture of your open mind will determine what is possible and impossible. The truth it seems is in the experience; our insight and knowledge is dependent on our link to our True Nature. Your inward and outward energy is measured by how mindful you are. Imagine the person that drives home one evening with their mind preoccupied about fear of the future, fantasy and past, not even noticing a beautiful sunset exploding to the west; and then there is the person who is mindful and connected to the present who sees the sunset as a union to something sublime; even a sign or milestone that we are evolving in the right direction – that perhaps we do live in a Responsive Universe…

There are two worlds we can choose to live in. One is led by ego, false-self and the merits of mediocrity. The other choice is a world of wellness, energy and self-discovery. One path is quite easy to follow – in fact most follow this path… The later is a difficult but fruitful path to follow. The decision to work hard and not give up is tough at the onset, but the future benefits are like compound interest; our energy and vibration grows as does the aperture of our self-discovery. We do have to wake up each morning and we do have to make a decision. We do have keep trying and never give up. Because the day you give up is the day your ego will gain control again and life will not evolve; only lie stagnant.

It hard but once you taste empowerment; once you taste self-discovery, this proverbial walk up hill is not that difficult – in fact it becomes second nature. You will see the signs on your road in life. The key is taking heed to their wisdom and following your heart and not your ego.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Responsive Universe Promo Video

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