In stillness, we meet our true self.
~Rumi~
The stillness of the human mind and the universe
In the busy-ness of our everyday lives, the concept of stillness often feels like a dream. Like most, I yearn for moments of calm, a pause in the relentless flow of thoughts and actions. But can true stillness ever be achieved, both in the human mind and the universe?
The Human Mind: A Constant Whirlwind
The human mind is capable of profound thoughts, creativity, and introspection. Yet (or, therefore), it is rarely still.
Our minds are perpetually active, jumping from one thought to another, influenced by external stimuli and internal reflections. This ceaseless activity is both a boon and a bane. It drives innovation and problem-solving but also leads to stress and anxiety.
Practitioners say that meditation and mindfulness practices quietens the mind, thus, offering (a semblance of) stillness. It is also said that these practices teach us to focus on the present moment, to let go of past and not worry about the future. However, even in the deepest meditative states, is the mind entirely still? Scientific studies lead us to believe that there is always a subtle undercurrent of awareness, a gentle ebb and flow of consciousness. Neuroscientists have observed that even when we rest, the brain's network remains active - possibly weaving together past experiences and future aspirations.
The Neuroscience of Stillness
Looking at the mind's activity through the lens of neuroscience further complicates the notion of stillness. The brain is a network of neurons constantly working and firing, even during sleep. Brain imaging studies have shown that our brains indulge in spontaneous activity, a constant hum of neural communication that never fully ceases. This suggests that the human mind is essentially designed to remain in motion, processing and integrating information continuously.
Philosophical Perspectives on the Mind
On the philosophical side, for long, thinkers have grappled with the nature of the mind and consciousness. Descartes famously said, "I think, therefore I am," highlighting the intertwining of thought and existence. Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism, offer a different perspective, teaching that true peace and enlightenment are possible only when we detach from the constant chatter of the mind. Yet, even in these traditions, the journey to mental stillness is recognized as a path, not a destination, acknowledging the inherent dynamism of consciousness.
The Universe: A Dance of Energy
On a bigger and grander scale, the universe is a vast, dynamic entity. From the tiniest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, everything is in motion. The concept of absolute stillness is alien (pun unintended) to the universe as we know it. Particles vibrate, stars burn and explode, galaxies collide and merge. Energy fluctuations known as quantum fluctuations occur even in the vacuum of space.
The idea of a completely still and static universe contradicts the fundamental principles of physics. The universe is a symphony of movements and energy that define existence itself. The laws of thermodynamics, particularly the second law, imply that energy dispersal and entropy increase over time, ensuring that motion and change are perpetual.
Cosmological Perspectives on Stillness
From a cosmological perspective, the universe's constant expansion negates the notion of stillness. The Big Bang theory posits that the universe has been expanding ever since its inception. Scientific studies have show that galaxies are moving away from each other, and accelerating, due to dark energy. Even at the largest scales, where we might imagine stillness, the cosmos is teeming with activity.
Quantum Mechanics and the Illusion of Stillness
If we were to look in the direction of quantum mechanics, we come across the principle of uncertainty, which states that certain pairs of physical properties, like position and momentum, cannot both be known to arbitrary precision. Particles exist in a state of probability, only assuming definite states when observed. Thus, the very fabric of reality is ingrained with a kind of restlessness.
Parallels and Reflections
The desire for stillness in both the human mind and the universe is a fascinating paradox. Despite the mind’s desire to seek peace, the universe continues its cosmic ballet, both engaged in a continuous flow of energy and change. This intrinsic dynamism is the hallmark of their existence.
So, is the pursuit of stillness futile? I don’t think so. The pursuit serves as a guiding principle, a beacon of calm amidst chaos. For the human mind, stillness is found in moments of clarity, in the spaces between thoughts. For the universe, stillness is an abstract concept, a theoretical state that juxtaposes with its in-built dynamism.
Embracing the Flux
True stillness, in the absolute sense, may be unattainable for both the human mind and the universe. Yet, the pursuit of stillness brings us closer to understanding our own nature and that of the cosmos. By embracing the flux, we find peace in movement, tranquility in change, and stillness in the heart of activity.
The human quest for stillness is a journey of the inside, a means of getting in sync with the ever-changing universe. It's about finding those fleeting moments of stillness and recognizing that these moments, however brief, are priceless. Similarly, understanding the universe's perpetual motion enriches our appreciation of the cosmos, revealing the profound beauty in its eternal dance.
The stillness we seek is not a destination but a state of being. It is in the acceptance of this dynamic reality that we find true peace - a stillness that goes beyond the physical.
PS: The inspiration for this piece comes from Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Cosmic Queries - Space Traveler’s Delight episode.