Earlier, I mentioned a concept called wave-particle duality. Further study

reveals that all subatomic particles exist in two states. The first is a particle.

Particles have been thought to be the building blocks of all the solid objects

in our world. The other subatomic state is that of a wave. Waves were originally

believed to be nonsolid, such as sound and light waves. At the time this

concept was proposed, there was believed to be no overlap. Particles were

particles and waves were waves. Ultimately, it was determined that both were

both, but neither was neither until it was observed. The importance of this

scientific finding relative to our participation in the creation of VCD is simply

that nothing exists until it is observed. In other words, we contribute to

the creation of our own personal reality by paying attention to something.

When dealing with the biochemical realm, we can see how

small particles, such as neuropeptides, molecules, and receptors, participate

in creating our life experiences as part of a second nervous system

fluid enough to match the activities of the mind. Although these substances

are not thoughts, they move like thoughts, serving as transformers between

the mind and the body. These seemingly unconnected entities of thoughts

and bodily reactions are intimately related. Transformations of the nonmatter

thoughts manifest themselves as our physical experiences. Similarly, the

use and interpretation of language serves as a tangible expression of

thought processes that mimic the effects illustrated by the shadows emerging

on a wall from an invisible light source. These transformations are also

within the conscious control of focused efforts we can learn to employ.

While highly technical at first glance, no discussion of the virtual would be

complete without at least a passing mention of the interpretations offered

by a bizarre world of organized chaos known as quantum physics. Aside

from the disciplined structures used to communicate the essence of this

seemingly unintelligible branch of science, quantum physics offers insight

into the dynamics of Vicious Cycle Disorders. It does this through the eyes

of a concept called wave-particle duality that forms the basis of modern

thought relative to our existence and potential as human beings. With one

foot in the swamp of Vicious Cycle Disorders, the other is free to dip into

the lake of subatomic particles comprising the virtual realm.

To give you some perspective on this short course of quantum phenomenon

and its relationship to the subject matter of this book, simply understand

that physics is essentially concerned with the way matter interacts

with other matter. Quantum physics is just the physics of the incredibly

small. It attempts to explain the behavior of these very, very small particles.

The reason that quantum physics needs complex math to explain these

behaviors and properties is because the world of subatomic particles is

filled with probabilities and organized chaos. While you don’t have to

understand these concepts to consciously change your life experience, it

can be helpful to understand that there are some distinct principles that

govern activities, and which influence the results of the choices you make

to create your life experiences. You can consciously employ these principles

to achieve any desired result.

Developing awareness becomes critical to resolving these types of complaints.

Incorporating some type of daily practice to cultivate this awareness

is as important as any other aspect of a well-rounded wellness

program. Spiritual practices exist in all traditions and cultures. The techniques

are different, but the goal is the same: to calm the mind and facilitate

the integration of the realms. These practices can include any style of

discipline that accomplishes these purposes. Examples of these rituals can

include yoga, meditation, tai chi, postures, breathing exercises, chanting,

prayers, exercise and diet. All too frequently, most problems are

approached exclusively through the physical or biochemical realms, while

neglecting the virtual realm altogether.