First of all, what exactly do I mean by metaphysics? If you want an official definition, then here you go, from Merriam-Webster’s website:
“a division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being and that includes ontology, cosmology, and often epistemology”
To me, the idea of metaphysics means that something much deeper than our physical existence is going on in the background of our lives. It is like watching a play and knowing that much more is going on than what you actually see on stage: the director, the pit orchestra, stagehands, make up artists, costume designers, the set designer, the choreographer, and even the previous rehearsals. Exploring metaphysics is a way to figure out what’s really going on behind the scenes in this play called life.
There is More Going on than Meets the Eye
There are too many experiences, ideas, and beliefs I’ve encountered that fit together too well for me NOT to believe there is something more than just our physical reality. But how far does this mystery go? I can believe in a divine intelligence, definitely. And within the past few years I’ve come to terms with believing in entities that channel information. But should I go so far as to believe in reincarnation? Astral projection? Fairies? That’s what I’ve yet to find out.
My metaphysical beliefs tend to cycle back and forth depending on what I’m doing in life at the time. I am very logical, yet very intuitive. I know how to listen with my heart and follow what feels good, but at the same time my mind wants things to make logical sense. This dichotomy has put me in conflict many times in life! I’ve spent years reading channeled books that rang true in my heart, while simultaneously not admitting to myself that these entities existed because I couldn’t make logical sense out of them. Sure, I soaked the information up like a sponge but I didn’t think too much about where it came from.
Where does this fear of believing in the nonphysical come from? Why do we make it such a big deal anyway?
Answer: Because it challenges our perception of reality.
“Reality” vs Feeling
Reality is the ultimate thing that people have to hang onto. It’s the foundation for everything we do in life. So it’s no wonder some people freak out when we talk about spirit guides and angels and psychic abilities. No one wants to look like a fool, believing in crazy ideas that don’t make sense. But the more secure we feel in ourselves and our lives, the more we don’t give a crap about what other people believe or what other people think about our beliefs.
Perhaps my beliefs are better explained in terms of how the very act of believing makes me feel. Metaphysics is more of a lifestyle, a way of dealing with day to day life, than anything else.
The more I devote myself to learning about metaphysics, the more in touch I feel with both myself as well as that which is greater than myself. I start to see life in terms of the energy around me instead of just things. My moment-by-moment focus becomes centered on my inner self rather than what exists outside of me. I live through my heart instead of in my head. I see things in the here and now instead of in terms of “what if”. And finally, I believe in a higher intelligence that can connect with us and help us to learn and grow.
Understanding the Divine: A constant work in progress
I also believe that the divine make-up and intelligence of the universe is such that there is no way any human being could possibly understand it completely, which is why we have all types of religions with their different symbols and rituals. These symbols and rituals represent concepts of the universe in a more understandable way. They help us to understand abstract ideas such as love, source energy, and oneness in a more concrete manner.
While my logical side tends to hesitate believing certain things, something inside me always gravitates toward those unseen mysteries. Always, always, always. I am still figuring it out, exploring new ideas, reading books, challenging beliefs, and seeking out like-minded people. There’s something in me that will never stop, so I might as well not fight it and keep going. Full speed ahead.
