Quantum Physics and Grief
The Language of Two Realities
In Quantum Physics there is, as is often the case with specialization, a parlance that does not shuttle easily between our understanding of classical reality and this nebulous, nearly liminal subatomic reality.
Using the language of the classical, we cannot describe nor comprehend the subtle nature of the quantum.
One is not more right or true than the other.
It is a matter of both - and.
And, they are both about matter.
AND, both matter.
Ok. If you haven’t read those three sentences without having to go back and read them again…congrats. Took me a while to figure how to get my initial statements out there so that I can now apply all that to a different realm.
GRIEF
Yup. I take language apart all the time.
I want to know what I am actually saying.
And I tend to question the colloquial use of language.
And as I listened to a book on quantum and spirituality and classical thinking, I had a moment of epiphany.
When we are grieving - whatever we may be grieving - we are struggling to find a common language with those around us who are not in an active, aware state of grief.
Words come out of our mouths, yet they lack the subtleties necessary to speak about a subatomic grief reality. We’re speaking in the common vernacular, but as though we’ve just learned it and are not certain how to string word together coherently.
Meanwhile, others are speaking to us. In words of empathy, sympathy, condolence, compassion, genuine care and concern. And too in platitudes and hijacked conversations, unrequested advice and, sadly, far too often - pop-psychology terminology with an incomplete understanding of ‘stages’ and ‘models’ and the latest DSM V diagnosis.
It is not that there is not love there. It is not that true heartfelt sorrow isn’t behind the language spoken that does indeed come from that classical thinking.
It is that a Griefling, meaning someone who recognizes that grief is a significant presence, is holy and doesn’t try to box it away — a Griefling lives in the liminal space - the subatomic, superimposed recognition of the both - and reality.
The languages, even with shared words, cannot shuttle easily between the two realities.
What does get through?
What does breach the gap?
Make a bid for connection without all the rest of our stories getting in the way?
Love,
Sorrow,
Pain,
True Compassion
Empathy
LOVE
And interestingly, no words are needed.
It is full attention
It is presence that allows
It is a place where the hearts are so close that they can have a superposition that does not need a language of words, nor a single sound, save for the beating of them all.
A drum-beat of Life and Love.