by Tim Brunson, PhD
Frequently when I am asked to explain the influences on the development of Advanced Neuro-Noetic HypnosisTM I mention the role of quantum physics. Yet, rarely do I clarify my comment. So, this article is intended to correct that as I give a very brief introduction to the major tenets that affect ANNH. What I am going to answer here is what is quantum physics and what are its implications for psychotherapy.
I wish to start out by saying that this is not the same banal "name dropping" that you have become accustomed to hearing from many self-help figures, who speak frequently at conferences. Indeed, if you are like me, you've probably been bombarded by the word "quantum" prefixing the words birthing, touch, breathing, and focus – concepts that rarely have anything to do with either science or subatomic particles. (Of course, I apologize to my esteemed colleagues who espouse such doctrines should my education have missed this connection. However, I have yet to find it.) Conversely, I assure you that the influence of quantum physics on ANNH is both genuine and scientific.
First, what is quantum physics – or as some prefer, quantum mechanics. The word "quantum" literally means "how much" and generally refers to the activity of energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. Its relevance to physics and its implications on philosophical endeavors comes from the destruction of previous paradigms. There are four core concepts, which involve the wave theory of energy, entanglement, observation, and consciousness.
Starting with the nineteenth century work by James Clerk Maxwell, there has been a general conclusion that light, electricity, and magnetism are all variations of the same entity – which is called energy. When the physicist Neils Bohr and others started looking into this further – and especially at the subatomic level – it was discovered that all energy has wave-like behavior.
One of the concepts that came out of early quantum physics research and dialogs was that of quantum entanglement. Essentially, this refers to how a quantum particle in one location and another related one that is several light years away will change simultaneously. For many scientists this was a hard fact to accept. Even Einstein, who openly stated that "imagination is more important than knowledge" said that the entanglement theory was "spooky action at a distance." Nevertheless, its implications possibly shed light on Professor Giacoma Rizzolatti's mirror neuron discovery of the 1990's and the "100th monkey" theory of social change.
Physicist Michio Kaku, PhD, and physicist turned-psychologist Dean Radin, PhD, have reported something that is even more interesting. They have publically documented numerous research projects showing that subatomic energy will be affected when attention is redirected to it. In other words, when we shift our awareness – whether conscious or pre-conscious – to an item, we transform it. This transformation through the power of observation is one of the most valuable insights into our ability to affect our internal or external environment.
The last of the major quantum concepts is that which is called the "quantum enigma." The basic premise here is that when we explore the subatomic realm, we notice that there is a sensing and reaction to externalities. This, of course, is related to the quantum observation and quantum entanglement ideas just mentioned. The idea is that even at this level there is a consciousness that shows a level of intelligence. When considering the spiritual implications, it disturbingly connects Godless-science and religion, which is generally viewed as being devoid of science. Furthermore, this seems to be the underlying explanation of many of the morphogenetic field implications discussed by Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, the British biochemist and plant physiologist, who has dared to conduct valid scientific research into parapsychology.
What quantum physics seems to be telling us is that consciousness permeates all of reality and that when we focus our minds the target is to some degree influenced. Thus quantum physics fits ANNH quite nicely. In earlier articles I said that everything in us and around us is made up of patterns. Indeed, this is true down to the subatomic level. Then I showed that all patterns possess both a consciousness and an intelligence. Again, this has been confirmed by quantum physics. And, lastly the object of our focused suggestion and imagination changes energy distributions in our brain, body, and even in our social structure and physical environment.
While the linkage between the solid science behind quantum physics and ANNH is undeniable, my exploration into the practical use of theoretical science does not stop there. Having been a very strong advocate of open minded yet science-based thinking, I look with curiosity and wonder at other concepts such as multi-dimensionality, time warps and worm holes, and much more. Even though I feel an increased level of discomfort when I try to think in more than three dimensions, mathematicians and theoretical physicists discuss that there are at least 26. Additionally, Einstein's theory that space and time are connected and that the fabric of space/time is wrinkled, thereby allowing worm holes to tunnel through to alternate realities, leaves us to question the stability of our concept of the known universe – and limited possibilities. As a theorist who focuses on human transformation, I feel a need to reiterate a quote from Matt James, PhD, the president of American Pacific University. Dr. James says, that "no matter who we think we are, we are more than that." I could not have said it any better.
To a psychotherapist, these scientific theories present plenty of implications. They must realize that their client's focus is a major factor in how transformation occurs. Likewise, the attention of the clinician also should be considered. Then by realizing that possibilities are endless, both the practitioner and the subject should be free from limited thinking. Knowing that everything within us is a collective of intelligences merely waiting to be orchestrated leads us to a radically different approach to how we communicate with others and with ourselves. Together these allow the therapist to begin reshaping how they pursue their sessions.
When I explore the universe of theoretical science I do so with a high degree of welcomed discomfort. Previously, I was extremely at home with my indoctrination into the spiritual, less "cerebral" approach to hypnotherapy and the blind assumption and adherence to the myth of the all-mighty subconscious mind. So, it has taken a major shift for me to step outside my "world is flat" zone and start journeying through the pages of astrophysics, theoretical physics, neurology, and the like. However, once I got past my initial hesitancy I began experiencing a series of life-changing epiphanies as I discovered that our predominant view of human nature and potential is all too limited. Understanding the value of the complex matrix of multiple intelligences that make up our neurophysiology and the fact that each and every possibility that could ever be imagined is real at some level, I started accepting that we have a tremendous potential and capability to change. So, I too agree with Dr. James, we are indeed "more than that."
The International Hypnosis Research Institute is a member supported project involving integrative health care specialists from around the world. We provide information and educational resources to clinicians. Dr. Brunson is the author of over 150 self-help and clinical CD's and MP3's.
Posted: 04/30/2010
