Spiritually Speaking

This morning I was reading Alan Boyle's Look Ahead with 2020 Vision. In his discourse on advances we can look forward to (or not) in science and medicine he talks about the human microbiome. This microbiome is the community of microbes that makes your body their home. If you've studied even a little bit of biology or natural health you know that the microbes in your gut help you to digest and absorb food. They work symbiotically with your body to do a number of important tasks. This little community is small in physical size but huge in numbers. Think whoville here and you'll get the picture. It seems that scientists are also wondering if there may be some troublemakers in this whoville causing things like diabetes, obesity and autoimmune disorders.

Unsurprisingly the idea of a microbiome, or in layman’s terms an entire universe, living within my body set off a series of rapid fire thoughts, all of which require a lot more thought.

The idea of universe within universes isn’t a new one. Dr Seuss actually didn’t dream that one up. I’ve read about it many times in various theological, esoteric and metaphysical works. I’m being deliberately vague because I don’t want to go in search of supporting arguments. Let’s just say it’s out there and if you want to look for it you can read The Knowledge Book and The Keys of Enoch and much, much older texts for yourself.

So, anyway, here it is. A universe within a universe and it all interacts. I know that all life has consciousness. I actually think that everything is alive, so it’s possible, if debatable, that everything has consciousness. When someone says you have the consciousness of a doorknob that might just be a compliment. Think about how long a doorknob has to just “be”. I guess it depends on how expansive its consciousness is. I am moving away from the subject though, I did tell you I was thoughtful today. It’s amazing what a few days of being sick, fasting and being quiet can do. I’ll try to get back on track now…

I know that a sentient being can sense the feelings and emotions of other sentient beings. I know that because of this sensitivity the feelings and emotions, and intentions of one being can affect those of another being. Heck if that being isn’t very sure of exactly who they are and where their boundaries are they might even believe those feelings are their own. I know that when the feelings, emotions and intentions of a group are focused they can affect outcomes involving a larger, less focused group. If we believe the channeled messages from other species of other worlds…or universes…we know that what happens on one planet can affect what beings on another planet feel and experience.

Now shrink this down and look at in reverse. Can we consider the individuals in our microbiome to be sentient? If they are it would make sense that their thoughts affect our own well being. To take it a step farther, do our thoughts affect their well being? If they do, then does the combination of thoughts cause both beings to become defensive throwing off homeostasis? Yes, I know that’s a big word, it basically means balance, and it’s actually my word for today since that’s what my body’s been trying to achieve for the last three days. It’s the goal of all body systems you know, to achieve homeostasis. Yes, I know I’m straying a bit again, but it is related, if you look at the big picture. The earth tries to maintain homeostasis, why do you thing there’s earthquakes and volcanoes? It’s probably the goal of all universes to maintain homeostasis.

Looking back to the microbiome I do remember long ago a woman who owned a health food store in Riegelsville talking about the mentality of yeast. She explained that yeast can have a “give me more, I want more now” impatient, angry attitude. When there is an overgrowth of yeast in a person the person can take on those characteristics, especially when it comes to sweetness. Diabetic people often have an overgrowth of yeast. According to a natural healing book I once read diabetics are missing out on the sweetness of life. So, I wonder, is there a relationship between the microbiome and the human being here. If there is, which imbalance came first?

I do have one more thought here. Well, ok, there are many more thoughts but I have to take the cat to the vet in an effort to maintain her homeostasis. Since I’ll have to stop soon this is as good a place as any. Besides, I can always add more later!

Here is my last thought for now. I wonder if we should consider these as universe within universe or if it’s all just one huge organism. Currently we believe we are an organism, a sentient being with an organ system and a microbiome inside. There is some talk about our organs being sentient, having a consciousness of their own. Maybe we are simply part of the microbiome of one ginormous (it is too a word, don’t listen to the spell checker) organism with planets and stars as organs. One that’s constantly trying to maintain homeostasis.

Ok, I’m done thinking for now…here kitty kitty…