Let’s consider the words expansive and vastness for a while. When considering the vastness of the universe, we believe we have an idea of how big it actually is, but we do not. Compared to the vastness of the universe, the planet Earth is smaller than an electron inside a single atom . . . infinitely smaller. In addition, the universe is not only gargantuan, it is expanding–getting larger every second. Even if we could conceptualize just how big the universe is, by the time we did, it would already be vastly larger than it was upon the moment of our realization.
The Earth is one planet circling our sun. Our sun is one star in a stupendous galaxy, and there are billions of galaxies. But as humans, we really have no idea just how vast our universe is. To make things even more staggering, there is more than one universe. According to physics (string theory and M-theory) there are eleven parallel dimensions. I’ve read several books about string and M-theory, studied physics, chemistry and calculus in college, but I will not get into anything mathematical here–I want to keep this simple and leave the over-intellectual, pretentious and eloquence aside.
There are eleven dimensions, which makes any concept of expansiveness and vastness so small–we cannot comprehend–or can we? There are eleven of you. There are eleven of me. There are eleven of Bobby (that’s me) living in eleven parallel dimensions–this being one of them–and all are connected by a central line–all part of one. We are much more than we believe we are. We are eleven beings sharing one soul so to speak. They left that out of the bible didn’t they? In essence, we never die–not because we end up in heaven or hell–but because we are living our lives . . . somewhere in time . . . eternally.
Let’s consider time. We believe we are here at this very moment, and is the only place we can be . . . right now. Think about this: Every single breath we’ve ever taken we are taking right now. At this precise moment, we are being born, turning 1,2,3,4, and so forth–we’ve already died, forgotten by eternity. Somewhere in time, all these moments are happening and always will be–we just happen to be aware of this moment–our past and future selves are only aware of their own moment–and there are eleven of us. Of course, all these are theories, not necessarily facts. Some physicists say there could be infinite universes–but nobody really knows. I’m not here to argue about theories, but to share an idea:
All said . . . as mind boggling as it may be . . . I arrive at the point of the article. The central motif. When considering the words expansive and vastness; how they relate to your understanding of the universe and all eleven parallel dimensions–our minds are more vast and more expansive than everything. Our minds are limitless. Our minds more vast and more expansive than the universe and all its dimensions.
I strongly correlate these concepts to my life long study of Taoism, Zen and Yoga. The idea of enlightenment or illumination is really the same as understanding we have no limitations (as long as we’re healthy and alive). All beliefs of limitation are myths and self-imposed. We believe we can’t, therefore we can’t. We believe we can, therefore we can. Easier said than done, but we can overcome limitations.
Something simple we can all relate to is writer’s block. Writer’s block is a myth. There is no such thing. It only exists if you want it to. When you crush all limitations, smash all boundaries–all those things confining us no longer exist. Think limitlessly and be like water. If you think I’m wrong, perhaps you should spend the rest of your life studying Zen and Yoga.
In my case and my writing, I apply this universal idea to my fiction. This is probably one reason I write what I do. Here’s one small example: I never say, “I can’t write this or that. I’m not knowledgeable enough to write this or it’s not accepted by society. This is offensive and people may not like me. This is so revolting, it is a disgrace.” I never think this is what I consider quality or good and limit myself in such a narrow fissure.
I reject all precepts of what people believe good, skilled, beautiful, meaningful and artistic are. These ideas are merely opinion and are irrelevant. If a so-called master of poetry or professor of literature thinks my work is either great or drivel–it is just one person’s opinion and offers no validity whatsoever. They may not understand it. They may just be so set in their ways, only certain subjects interest them. I reject this entire notion. I cannot be set in my ways because I have no ways. To be truly artistic and creative, you must be free and absolute in your conviction. Societal norms, taboo? I say bah.
One writer with an extreme influence on me is Carlos Castaneda. He says humans have four natural enemies. They are listed in order as you cannot understand the second until overcoming the first.
- Fear of Death: We must overcome the fear of death before becoming an official beginner in life. Most people die of old age before ever getting close to this point.
- Clarity: The fear of death conquered, we have clarity. Seeing the truth in everything; unable to not see truth. A pristine and clear view of all.
- Power: The most dangerous. Balancing true power while walking the razor wire of greed and desire. Having the wisdom to know the fine line between power and lustful evil. This is where most fail. Most people with power haven’t gotten past step one and don’t deserve it. True power has nothing to do with money, success or material things.
- Old age: The final enemy. We all must face it if we’re lucky enough to live to this point.
What say you? Do you place limitations on your thoughts? Do you fester guilt for thinking bad thoughts? Do you think of yourself as being limitless? Do you let society control your artistic creativity? Do you judge others? Categorize people? Categorize yourself? Is your mind and expressiveness expansive and vast? Can you do this without ego?
To sum it up, I share my favorite Zen axiom:
Nothing exists . . . all things are becoming.
